ANXIETY

It is not unusual to experience high levels of stress and anxiety while in college.  However, sometimes these fears or worries may be indicative of an anxiety disorder.  Anxiety is the most cited source of distress in today’s college student population.

Below you will find descriptions and links for some of the more common anxiety disorders.

GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER (GAD)

GAD involves continual worry and tension.  Many times it is difficult to identify one particular stressor.  Additional symptoms may include fatigue, headaches, and muscle tension.

Helpguide.org - Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Includes information on symptoms, treatment and self help tips

PANIC DISORDER

Panic disorder occurs when someone experiences repeated panic attacks.  These attacks may involve heart palpitations, sweating, feelings of nausea, shortness of breath, and fear of dying or going crazy.

Helpguide.org - Panic Attack and Panic Disorder

This site includes information on panic attacks and panic disorders as well as information on signs and symptoms of these. There are some self help tips included.

Online workbook for Panic Disorder

This workbook is designed to provide you with some information about panic attacks and panic disorder and suggested strategies for how you can manage your panic and anxiety.

OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER (OCD)

OCD involves repeated obsessions, intrusive thoughts or images that cannot be controlled.  In order to cope with these irrational thoughts the persons develops compulsions or rituals to mitigate the fears associated with the obsessions.  Compulsions may include but are not limited to hand washing, counting, and checking that doors are locked.

Helpguide.org - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

This link includes self help tips for dealing with OCD. It also contains treatment options for OCD as well as information on OCD

GOAL Support Group

Giving Obsessive-Compulsive Another Lifestyle program helps people with exposure and response prevention who are not ready to immediately commit to treatment, this ia a peer-led group.

Located at First Baptist Church of Philadelphia, 123 south 17th street (17th and Sansom Street), Philadelphia, PA 19103. *Entrance on Sansom Street

How to join: E-Mail phillygoalgroup@gmail.com or call 215-735-7588

Meets every other Tuesday night from 7:30pm - 9pm.

Free of charge

Located at First Baptist Church of Philadelphia, 123 south 17th street (17th and Sansom Street), Philadelphia, PA 19103. *Entrance on Sansom Str

SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER

Social anxiety involves having great fear or apprehension in the presence of others. The person may have a great fear of being judged or believe that others are thinking negatively about them.

Helpguide.org - Social Anxiety Disorder

This site includes information on symptoms of both social anxiety and social phobia. It also includes information on finding treatment and self help tips.

Shy No Longer: Online Workbook for Social Anxiety

This workbook is designed to provide you with some information about social anxiety and suggested strategies for how you can manage your anxiety in social situations.

Philadelphia Social Anxiety Support (SAS) Group

 Support group for people who suffer from shyness or social phobia. Their primary goal is to provide a safe, supportive environment where members may share thoughts, emotions, experiences and resources. They arrange monthly social outings like community events, restaurants, movies, museums, amusement parks etc.

Interested individuals must register online at www.meetup.com/shyspace. Once registered on the website all the information gets sent to the members about how to use the site along with all the upcoming events.

Free of charge.