National Anxiety Disorders Screening Day is Wednesday, May 4, and Parkridge Valley, a behavioral health facility in Chattanooga, is offering confidential screenings to those who suspect they might have anxiety or depression.

For a confidential anxiety assessment and consultation, call RESPOND at 1-800-542-9600 or (423) 499-2300.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, more than 19 million Americans have anxiety disorders.

Nancy Holland, director of Parkridge Valley’s RESPOND program, says people with anxiety might suffer from a wide variety of symptoms, said. The key is whether the symptoms are recurring.

"Anxiety sufferers might have fears or worries that won't go away,” Ms. Holland said. "Anxiety can be about health, finances – anything. The symptoms associated with anxiety disorders are wide-ranging and can include shortness of breath, racing heartbeat, trembling and dizziness.”

There are several kinds of anxiety disorders, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Panic disorder causes episodes of intense fear. Obsessive-compulsive disorder can make certain thoughts or behaviors seem impossible to control. Post-traumatic stress disorder can be the result of a traumatic event. Phobias can cause fear of social situations or certain objects. And generalized anxiety disorder can cause a constant state of worry and tension about everyday life.

"Sometimes symptoms of anxiety and depression will be mistaken for another medical illness and go undiagnosed, sometimes people are ashamed or afraid, or they don't know enough about anxiety and depressive disorders to put a name to the feelings and symptoms they experience," Ms. Holland said. “But if worries or fears are recurring and are affecting your functioning, there is help.”

Parkridge Valley’s RESPOND team is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Staffed by mental health professionals and psychiatric nurses, RESPOND offers confidential assessments and consultation for emotional/addictive disorder problems providing referrals to outpatient, partial or inpatient care based on each individual's treatment needs. In addition, RESPOND offers information on support services for families of those suffering from mental illness and other mental health concerns.

For more information about Parkridge Valley and the behavioral health services it offers, visit ParkridgeValleyHospital.com.