The American Psychiatric Association asserts that anxiety is a “normal reaction to stress.” Anxiety can be expressed as nervousness, fear, and increased alertness. Anxiety is an expression of concern for the future. However, when anxiety becomes excessive or lasts longer than what is considered to be normal, it may indicate the presence of an anxiety disorder.
According to the APA, anxiety disorders represent the most common mental health issue and may affect almost a third of the adult population, with more women than men experiencing the condition.
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) states that 18% of the US population may experience an anxiety disorder annually. In addition, data reveal that 8% of children and teens are affected.
And there’s more…
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that on a global scale, 1 person in 13 people suffer from anxiety.
Imagine doing a head-count for every person in the world—every thirteenth person suffers from anxiety.
The statistics are staggering.
Anxiety affects so many of us worldwide, so let’s take a closer look.
Anxiety Disorders can be categorized according to the situations in which they are prevalent and the symptoms they elicit. Certain environments and social situations evoke behaviors associated with anxiety for many individuals.
Anxiety in general is associated with a broader set of behaviors in a variety of settings. However, certain common behaviors and symptoms are more closely and commonly associated and can be grouped according to these narrower descriptions, which may give us better insight into the particularities of each type.
These categories can help us to better pinpoint these issues that may be interrupting our lives and address them more fully.
According to the Mayo Clinic, anxiety disorders can be divided into the following types:
Because anxiety can express itself in such varied ways, it is important for us to consider both the specific and general descriptions, symptoms, and contributing factors in order to gain the best understanding of this condition.
Let’s have a look at some of the more common symptoms associated with anxiety. First, we’ll consider the broader spectrum and look at the general symptoms before diving into the more specific ones.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the general symptoms of anxiety can include, but are not limited to,
Again, these general signs and symptoms can occur over a wide range of environments and circumstances.
Now let’s take a deeper dive into the more specific symptoms within groups and categories of anxiety.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), a branch of the National Institute of Health (NIH), the following symptoms are commonly associated with these specific types of anxiety:
Understanding how these anxieties may manifest in particular situations can help us to better recognize and address them.
A certain amount of anxiety is to be expected as we move through life. However, let’s have a look at some of the warning signs associated with anxiety.
According to the Mayo Clinic, these are some warning signs that may indicate excess anxiety:
Additionally, anxiety disorders can lead or contribute to other problems. These include
Anxiety, then, is an important consideration when examining mental health issues.
Because some amount of anxiety is a normal part of living, it is important to consider the frequency and intensity of anxiety present in our lives.
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) distinguishes between “Everyday Anxiety” and “Anxiety Disorder” with this comparison of symptoms:
Everyday Anxiety
In contrast, the following symptoms are considered excessive and are associated with anxiety disorders:
Anxiety Disorder
Any of the above conditions may indicate anxiety is beyond normal levels, so we should consider them carefully.
According to the Mayo Clinic, there are several risk factors that may increase our chances of having an anxiety disorder. Some of these are
Depression often occurs alongside anxiety. According to Baylor College of Medicine, although the two often occur simultaneously, they are different conditions and should be treated as separate disorders. Regardless, there is some overlap with the symptoms of depression and anxiety, and the two are undoubtedly linked.
Harvard Medical School explores the links between anxiety, depression, and pain, explaining interactions among the three. Although in the past, researchers contributed this interplay to psychological factors, there is recent evidence to suggest that there are also biological mechanisms at work.
In an article exploring the link between anxiety and depression, Baylor College of Medicine’s Dr. Sanjay Matthew asserts that over half of individuals with depression will have an anxiety disorder. He advises addressing both as potential issues when treating individuals with either depression or anxiety.
One of the symptoms of depression is anxiety. One of the possible negative outcomes of anxiety is that it may trigger or contribute to depression. The two disorders frequently occur at the same time, and appear to form a negative cycle or behavioral loop of sorts.
Considering the prevalence of anxiety and its potentially harmful effects, we should educate ourselves and pay close attention to the levels of anxiety in our lives. Affecting a significantly large segment of the population both globally and nationally, anxiety has become the most common mental health issue for all of us to address.
Its detrimental effects on both adults and children and its links to depression and other mental health disorders make it a topic of import for organizations, service providers, parents, and employers, as well as traditional, holistic, and alternative medical professionals.
Be aware of the levels of anxiety present in your life and their far-reaching implications.
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