In As Good as It Gets the character of Carol, at times, seems to exemplify an individual suffering with high levels of general anxiety and worry that might well meet many of the criteria for …show more content…
Individuals may be told that their anxiety is normal and that they simply need to toughen up. It can be perceived as a weakness or moral failing, discouraging seeking help. It may be attributed to stress, or simply a nervous disposition. Our culture values and rewards sociability, confidence and stress tolerance, attributes that anxiety can undermine, resulting in isolation and reduced sense of self-worth. An individual’s anxiety itself may well discourage them from receiving treatment. Many are resistant to or stressed by medical environments, and financial concerns can further compound the problem. Combine these factors with an anxiety disorder and the likelihood of an individual successfully seeking and completing a course of treatment becomes woefully