End the Stigma! Learn some real facts about anxiety!
There are a lot of ideas about what anxiety is or isn't. Many people believe that anxiety is only real if someone suffers from panic attacks. Others believe that anxiety is a symptom of another disorder, such as depression, and not a disorder on its own. It's confusing because there is such a broad range of anxiety disorders. Let's take a look at some real quick broad anxiety facts.
- Anxiety disorders affect 18.1% of the United States population every year (adaa)
- Only 36.9% of those suffering from anxiety disorders receive treatment (adaa)
- Nearly one-half of those diagnosed with depression are also diagnosed with an anxiety disorder (adaa)
- Anxiety disorders affect 25.1% of children between 13 and 18 years old. Research shows that untreated children with anxiety disorders are at higher risk to perform poorly in school, miss out on important social experiences, and engage in substance abuse (adaa)
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is the most common anxiety disorder among older adults (adaa)
- Anxiety disorders stem from a combination of things, including changes in your brain and environmental stress, and even your genes (webmd)
- Common symptoms include: Panic, fear, and uneasiness; Sleep problems; Not being able to stay calm and still; Cold, sweaty, numb or tingling hands or feet; Shortness of breath; Heart palpitations; Dry mouth; Nausea; Tense muscles; Dizziness (webmd)
Anxiety is highly treatable and several approaches have proven effective.
- Therapy (Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Existential Therapy and more)
- Medication
- Complementary and alternative treatment (homeopathy, meditation, etc.)
(nami)
Those struggling with anxiety should consider speaking with a professional about working through their anxiety. There is no shame in needing help!
Anxiety is quite common and is very real. These are only a couple broad facts about anxiety. Remember that everyone struggling with anxiety is different. They struggle with different disorders that have different symptoms and different treatments work for them.
Last post we talked about some broad symptoms. In the next post we will be discussing Emotional Support Animals for those struggling with anxiety. Feel free to follow us on Instagram @advocatementalhealth!
Learn More:
“Anxiety Disorders.” NAMI, NAMI, 2020, www.nami.org/learn-more/mental-health-conditions/anxiety-disorders.
Bhandari, Smitha. “Anxiety Disorders: Types, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment.” WebMD, WebMD, 13 Nov. 2019, www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/guide/anxiety-disorders#1.
“Facts & Statistics.” Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA, adaa.org/about-adaa/press-room/facts-statistics.
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