How Common is Anxiety

January 25, 2022

How Common is Anxiety?

By Vanessa Gonzalez

Everyone experiences some form of anxiety one way or another. For example, we may feel anxious when we have several important deadlines due or need to prepare for a big presentation for work. This anxiety can be a powerful motivation tool that helps us prepare, practice, and grow in our lives. However, when this motivation turns into intense fear or distress, it can become overwhelming and prevent us from doing anything at all, including our daily tasks.Anxiety disorders are different from feeling anxious. According to the American Psychiatric Association, Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health concerns and affect roughly 30% of adults at some point in their life. According to the National Institute of mental health, over 40 million adults in the U.S. have an anxiety disorder, while around 7% of children experience intense anxiety.While there are many types of anxiety disorders, they all have the same things in common: persistent and excessive fear and worry hinder one’s daily functioning. While there are many types of anxiety disorders, they all have the same things in common: persistent and excessive fear and worry that hinders one’s daily functioning.Symptoms of AnxietyOne can realize they are experiencing anxiety as indicated by one or more of the following:

  • Restlessness
  • Irritability
  • Intense feeling of apprehension
  • Overwhelming fear of something bad or dreadful happening
  • Feeling Tense or on edge
  • Heart is Pounding quickly
  • Shortness of Breath or Difficulty breathing
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Excessive Sweating
  • Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
  • Stomach issues
  • Bowel Movement Issues

Common Types of Anxiety Disorders

  • Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): Those with DAG have excessive worry and fear about all life tasks and events with no apparent threat or obvious reason for the anxiety. Typically, the amount of worry is not proportionate to the actual thing they are worried about.
  • Panic disorder: Not only does someone with panic disorder feel the overwhelming sense of anxiety, but they also feel many of the physical symptoms mentioned earlier. Some following symptoms are heart palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing, sweating, chills, chest pain, stomach pain, or feeling like you will die
  • Social Anxiety Disorder: intense fear or worry of being in social situations such as at work, school, or other or even going to the store or interacting with the cashier. Some symptoms include fear of being judged, fear of hurting other people in conversation, fear of being embarrassed or humiliated.
  • Specific Phobias: an irrational fear of something specific. This may include heights, spiders, snakes, water, blood, etc. Many people will avoid situations in which they may be triggered.

How Are Anxiety Disorders Treated?Since anxiety disorders vary and are so complex, each individual is treated independently according to the individual. Common treatments are psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and Medications such as antianxiety medication and antidepressants.There are some lifestyle changes that can be effective to reduce anxiety symptomology. Here are some things you can do alongside working with a mental health professional:

  • Adequate sleep
  • Eating a healthy and balanced diet
  • Meditation
  • Exercise
  • Limit or avoid caffeine and alcohol
  • Mindfulness

You do not have to live in constant fear or worry, and the right treatment method can help you. If you notice symptoms, talk to your health care provider or mental health professional. You deserve a life feeling safe and enjoying the happiness that comes with it.Referenceshttps://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/anxiety-disorders/what-are-anxiety-disordershttps://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/any-anxiety-disorderFind a qualified anxiety therapist in Jupiter, FL. A Jupiter therapist is here to help with your mental health, marriage counseling, and child therapy needs. We serve Jupiter, FL and Palm Beach Gardens, FL, helping with adult and child anxiety.

@junocounseling