You At Your Best

SATURdAY, SEpTEmBER 29, 2018 | wOmEn'S ISSUE - OcTOBER nwAdg.cOm/YOUATYOURBEST | YOU AT YOUR BEST | 11 By Kim marquez NWa Democrat-Gazette Domestic violence is a touchy subject. Many of us feel uncomfortable talking about it or afraid to seek help. More than 136,000 people in Northwest Arkansas are affected by violence. One of those 136,000 is a family member, neighbor, or friend who needs access to shelter, resources and advocacy. The Arkansas coalition against domestic violence promotes for domestic peace. Since 1981, ACDV, a non-profit organization, has served both rural and urban areas of Arkansas since. ACDV aims at strengthening existing support systems helping victims and their children. They do this by providing training for the public and those who work with victims and by aiming at developing legislation that provides legal protection to victims. Moreover, to promote public policies and funding for programs that work and meet the victims and their children. According to an FBI study, one of the most under-reported crimes in the United States is domestic violence. Although both women and men can be victims of domestic violence, women, statistically, are more often the victims and men the perpetrators. WHAT IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE? The United States Department of Justices office Violence Against Women defines domestic abuse as, "a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain control over another intimate partner." There are many forms of abuse. Physical abuse can include hitting, biting, slapping, battering, shoving, punching, pulling hair, burning, cutting, pinching, etc. Physical abuse also includes denying someone medical treatment and forcing drug/alcohol use on someone. Where can you seek help? There are many safe spaces for women and men who need saving from an abusive relationship. The Northwest Arkansas Women's Shelter supports victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Peace at Home family shelter in Fayetteville also provides services for victims and their children. And for long-term help, domestic abuse therapists are available in the Washington County and Benton county. Domestic Violence Awareness in Fayetteville By Kim marquez NWa Democrat-Gazette "One in five women in the United States experiences some type of mental health condition each year," according to the U.S. Department of Women's Health and Services. Depression and anxiety are more common among women, and they affect them differently. There are various types of anxiety disorders. The major ones are generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social phobia, specific phobia, obsessive- compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Who gets anxiety disorders? Although we might not always admit to suffering from a mental health disorder or we may not be aware of it, many of us suffer from a mental health issue like anxiety. In America, 40 million adults are diagnosed with anxiety disorders. Adults are not the only ones who can are diagnosed with the disorder. "About eight percent of teens ages 13 to 18 have an anxiety, with symptoms starting around age six" (U.S. Department of Women's Health and Services). Surprisingly, however, anxiety disorders do not affect everyone the same way. GAD is most commonly known to affect American Indian/Alaskan Native more than women of other races and ethnicities. GAD affects more white women and Latina/Hispanic women than Asian or African-American women. "Social phobia and panic disorder affect more white women than women of other races and ethnicities" (U.S. Department of Women's Health and Services). Some of the symptoms women experience with anxiety disorders are a "combination of anxious thoughts or beliefs, physical symptoms, and changes in behavior, including avoiding everyday activities" (Women's Health). Each disorder has distinctive symptoms, but they all involve fear and dread of present and future situations. Treatments for anxiety disorders include counseling (psychotherapy), medicine, or a combination of both counseling and medicine. Everyone's body reacts differently to medicine, so it is essential that women see a doctor for a proper diagnostic. What types of medicine treat anxiety disorders? Several types of medicine treat anxiety disorders. These include: • Anti-anxiety (benzodiazepines). These medicines are usually prescribed for short periods of time because they are addictive. Stopping this medicine too quickly can cause withdrawal symptoms. • Beta-blockers. These medicines can help prevent the physical symptoms of an anxiety disorder, like trembling or sweating. • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs change the level of serotonin in the brain. They increase the amount of serotonin available to help brain cells communicate with each other. Common side effects can include insomnia or sedation, stomach problems, and a lack of sexual desire. • Tricyclics. Tricyclics work like SSRIs. However, sometimes they cause more side effects than SSRIs. They may cause dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, or weight gain. • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). People who take MAOIs must avoid certain foods and drinks (like Parmesan or cheddar cheese and red wine) that contain an amino acid called tyramine. Taking an MAOI and eating these foods can cause blood pressure levels to spike dangerously. Women who take MAOIs must also avoid certain medicines, such as some types of birth control pills, pain relievers, and cold and allergy medicines. Talk to your doctor about any medicine you take. Anxiety Disorders affect other health problems Other commonly known health problems in women may be affected by anxiety disorders. Depression, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic pain, cardiovascular disease, and asthma, to name a few, could be affected by anxiety disorders. Having a mental disorder can be quite exhausting Understanding mental disorders will help you understand your symptoms and how to treat them

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