Are you feeling more anxious lately? The last year has certainly presented us with a gamut of things that trigger anxiety. From the pandemic, hurricanes, and political friction to the daily stressors we individually face, it is understandable that we are fearful. Symptoms of anxiety are at an all-time high, and people who never struggled with anxiety are now seeking help.
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults in the United States age 18 and older, or 18.1% of the population every year.
Anxiety can be described as a feeling of fear, worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome. Anxiety’s purpose is to alert us to potential danger and mobilize us to respond. Anxiety is not inherently a problem — although it is uncomfortable and unpleasant — it is a necessary emotion.
