Everyone feels anxious sometimes. It's a natural response to stress or danger. But for some people, anxiety becomes overwhelming and persistent, making daily life feel like an uphill battle.
Anxiety disorders are more than temporary worry or fear. They involve excessive, persistent anxiety and fear about everyday situations. These feelings don't go away and can get worse over time, interfering with work, school, relationships, and other activities.
Anxiety disorders affect about 40 million adults in the United States. They're the most common mental health condition, yet only about a third of people experiencing them receive treatment. Anxiety can develop at any age, though symptoms typically begin in childhood or adolescence.
Recognizing symptoms is the first step toward getting help. Not everyone experiences all symptoms.
There's no single cause of anxiety disorders. Instead, several factors can contribute to developing one:
Effective treatments are available. Many people benefit from a combination of approaches.
The most effective form of psychotherapy for anxiety. CBT teaches you to recognize and change thought patterns and behaviors that lead to anxious feelings. You'll learn practical skills to manage symptoms.
A type of CBT where you gradually face the situations or objects you fear in a safe, controlled way. Over time, this reduces the anxiety response and helps you gain confidence.
Medications like benzodiazepines can provide short-term relief. They work quickly but are usually prescribed for limited periods due to dependence risks.
SSRIs and SNRIs are often first-line medications for anxiety. They take several weeks to work but can be effective for long-term management without the same dependence risks.
Regular exercise, adequate sleep, limiting caffeine and alcohol, and practicing stress management techniques like meditation can significantly reduce anxiety symptoms.
These strategies can help you manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Small, consistent actions can make a meaningful difference in managing anxiety:
Having a plan for anxious moments helps you feel more in control:
Strengthening your mental health foundation takes time but pays off:
Supporting someone with anxiety requires patience and understanding. Your presence matters more than having perfect words.
"I've noticed you seem stressed lately. Want to talk about it?"
"How can I best support you right now?"
"What would be helpful for you in this moment?"
"I'm here if you need to vent or just want company."
"No pressure to talk, but I'm listening if you want to."
of U.S. adults experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives
more likely to be affected by anxiety disorders than men
of people with anxiety disorders receive treatment
typically appear before age 21 for most anxiety disorders
Recovery is possible with the right support and treatment. If you're struggling, please reach out to a mental health professional or call 988 for immediate support.
This information is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Everyone feels anxious sometimes. It's a natural response to stress or danger. But for some people, anxiety becomes overwhelming and persistent, making daily life feel like an uphill battle.
Anxiety disorders are more than temporary worry or fear. They involve excessive, persistent anxiety and fear about everyday situations. These feelings don't go away and can get worse over time, interfering with work, school, relationships, and other activities.
Anxiety disorders affect about 40 million adults in the United States. They're the most common mental health condition, yet only about a third of people experiencing them receive treatment. Anxiety can develop at any age, though symptoms typically begin in childhood or adolescence.
Recognizing symptoms is the first step toward getting help. Not everyone experiences all symptoms.
There's no single cause of anxiety disorders. Instead, several factors can contribute to developing one:
Effective treatments are available. Many people benefit from a combination of approaches.
The most effective form of psychotherapy for anxiety. CBT teaches you to recognize and change thought patterns and behaviors that lead to anxious feelings. You'll learn practical skills to manage symptoms.
A type of CBT where you gradually face the situations or objects you fear in a safe, controlled way. Over time, this reduces the anxiety response and helps you gain confidence.
Medications like benzodiazepines can provide short-term relief. They work quickly but are usually prescribed for limited periods due to dependence risks.
SSRIs and SNRIs are often first-line medications for anxiety. They take several weeks to work but can be effective for long-term management without the same dependence risks.
Regular exercise, adequate sleep, limiting caffeine and alcohol, and practicing stress management techniques like meditation can significantly reduce anxiety symptoms.
These strategies can help you manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Small, consistent actions can make a meaningful difference in managing anxiety:
Having a plan for anxious moments helps you feel more in control:
Strengthening your mental health foundation takes time but pays off:
Supporting someone with anxiety requires patience and understanding. Your presence matters more than having perfect words.
"I've noticed you seem stressed lately. Want to talk about it?"
"How can I best support you right now?"
"What would be helpful for you in this moment?"
"I'm here if you need to vent or just want company."
"No pressure to talk, but I'm listening if you want to."
of U.S. adults experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives
more likely to be affected by anxiety disorders than men
of people with anxiety disorders receive treatment
typically appear before age 21 for most anxiety disorders
Recovery is possible with the right support and treatment. If you're struggling, please reach out to a mental health professional or call 988 for immediate support.
This information is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.