According to the National Institute of Mental Health, "Anxiety is a normal reaction to stress. It helps one deal with a tense situation in the office, study harder for an exam, keep focused on an important speech. In general, it helps one cope. But when anxiety becomes an excessive, irrational dread of everyday situations, it has become a disabling disorder".

Anxiety can strike both males and females; young and old alike.  It can be caused by 'scary' or uncertain moments in your life, as well as by happy and exciting moments that you are happily anticipating.  If anxiety is affecting your children, do not assume that their fears are 'irrational' and dismiss them because they don't seem 'major' to you.  If you feel you can not help your child to get past their fears and anxiety, seek out the help of a therapist who is skilled in working with children and anxiety disorders. 

If anxiety becomes a major concern in your life or in the life of someone you love, please seek medical attention.  Although LMFT's are not licensed to prescribe medication for the relief of anxiety, they oftentimes can help you to connect with a medication providor, if you do not already have one.  Then, in addition to any medication which you might be prescribed, please seek the help of a licensed professional therapist.  Again, it is important to find someone who is skilled at working with anxiety disorders.  This can allow you to discover what caused the anxiety disorder in the first place as well as help you learn how to effectively deal with your symptoms.