5.    There are many types of anxiety disorders.

Anxiety disorders aren’t just a one-stop shop. There are many types. Some people have panic disorder, which means they have panic attacks. Others suffer from phobias, like a limiting fear of flying. Many have generalized anxiety disorder, which is characterized by an excessive amount of daily worry.  And some have social anxiety disorder, making it difficult to socialize. Others even struggle with a disorder characterized by repetitive thoughts and actions. This is called obsessive compulsive disorder.

6.    Anxiety disorders are expensive.

What costs the United States $42 billion per year? You guessed it -- anxiety disorders. Of the allotted $148 billion set aside for mental health, research shows that anxiety disorders account for nearly a third of spending.

7.    The physical symptoms associated with anxiety can be terrifying.

One major part of spending is associated with anxiety is repeat doctor visits. And there’s a good reason for this.  The symptoms of anxiety can be terrifying.

For example, a panic attack can feel like a heart attack. Both have similar symptoms. The heart races, it’s hard to breathe, and tightness of the chest may occur. Consequently, patients rush to the hospital convinced that they’re dying.

Scary symptoms can also affect people who don’t have anxiety disorders. We’ve all had palm-sweating bouts of nervousness. And let’s face it, those moments feel anything but good.