You guessed it -- anxiety.
Anxiety is something we all struggle with, and it’s something that affects everybody differently. For some, anxiety may come and go. But for others, it can be downright disabling.
Anxiety can also manifest in a number of different ways. One person might struggle with test anxiety, while another may battle anxiety in relation to traveling on the highway. Others may be dealing with full-blown anxiety disorders (like obsessive-compulsive disorder or generalized anxiety disorder). These mental health conditions can make living a productive life on a daily basis extremely difficult.
Check out these 11 facts about anxiety and anxiety disorders.
1. There’s a difference between having anxiety and having an anxiety disorder.
Everyone gets anxious at times. It’s a natural instinct designed to protect us. However, there’s a difference between normal anxiety and anxiety disorders.
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), one of the most important things to look for in determining this is how much anxiety disrupts your life. If it’s disabling and excessive, this could point to an anxiety disorder. In this case, you may want to consider seeking treatment from a licensed healthcare professional.
2. There’s no shame in seeking therapy for anxiety.
Anxiety can be tough to deal with. For example, if you’re going through a divorce, you may experience anxiety that feels downright awful. To process this issue, it may be helpful to seek the help of a therapist. After all, there’s nothing worse than letting a situation spin out of control because you don’t know how to deal with it.
P.S. You’d be surprised at the seemingly “together” people who see a therapist on a weekly basis.
3. Anxiety disorders top the list of common mental health issues.
If you think you might have an anxiety disorder as opposed to having anxiety in general, you’re not alone. Anxiety disorders are common. In fact, the ADAA says that anxiety disorders are the most common mental health issue in America. About 40 million American adults have an anxiety disorder. But the sad thing is this: only a third of these people seek out treatment.
4. Anxiety disorders are more common in women than men.
Anxiety disorders are more often seen in females than males. It is estimated that women are 60 percent more likely than men to be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.
The ADAA reports that this may be because women experience a more easily activated and longer “fight-or-flight” response to anxiety than men. In addition, some research shows that serotonin is processed by the brain more slowly in women than men. Plus, recent studies show that women may react differently to low levels of a hormone called corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), causing females to be more likely to be affected by stress-related conditions.
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.
8. How serious anxiety is varies.
Like anything in life, the seriousness of anxiety and anxiety disorders can vary. Some may feel debilitating and leave sufferers struggling to function with day-to-day activities. But others might only have serious symptoms occasionally. That’s why it’s important to see a therapist and/or psychiatrist to assess the seriousness of anxiety if it’s affecting your daily routine.
9. Exercise is a natural treatment for anxiety.
Exercise is thought to be a natural remedy for anxiety. According to Psychology Today, nearly 50 studies have analyzed this concept. The group consensus is uniform: exercise reduces anxiety and makes you feel better.
According to the Mayo Clinic, exercise can provide an emotional lift by helping the body to release “feel good” chemicals in the brain. The result is a renewed sense of calm.
10. Mindfulness can be helpful for anxiety.
Mindfulness (the act of staying in the present moment) is another way to calm the nerves. That’s because mindfulness can help one to stay present with anxiety, which helps anxiety to arise and then pass.
“Mindfulness changes our relationship with anxiety. It’s like flipping a coin. Instead of running from anxiety, we learn to stay present with it,” says Dr. William. R. Marchand in an interview with With Anxiety in Tow. “By embracing the anxiety itself, we change the way we react. And the more we do this, the less we fear bouts of anxiety. In other words, these symptoms aren’t so scary anymore. They lose power.”
11. Deep breathing is another natural option for anxiety relief.
According to Psych Central, deep breathing switches the body over to the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). This gives the body a signal that all is calm. Deep breathing doesn’t have to be complex. It can be as simple as inhaling and exhaling while counting to five on each inhalation and exhalation.