You never know who is struggling with anxiety and how it is impacting them. A lot of people struggle with anxiety over different things. According to the Better Health Channel, a website run by the Victoria, Australia Health Department, even zero to five year olds struggle with anxiety over things like separation from caregivers (parents/guardians), unfamiliar situations or places, common fears like the dark or monsters, life changes such as moving, or their parent’s divorce.
Anxiety is a big issue for teens and adults, and often we do not realize how it impacts us. According to OCD Anxiety Centers, recent studies have found out that older teens, specifically 17 and 18 years old, experience anxiety the most. Some reasons why teens ages 17 and 18 experience anxiety the most are school, work, major life decisions, increased academic pressures and social life, social media, or fear of missing out on certain activities.
I think everyone has experienced anxiety at least once in their life and we all have to learn how to cope with it in different ways. According to Anxiety and Stress in Teens by Jennifer Katzenstein, anxiety disorders are the most common mental health disorder in the United States. Most people cope with anxiety by using these techniques: lifestyle changes, stress management, professional support, listening to music, taking deep breaths, going for walks, exercising and more. I think it is very important and useful to use these techniques for stress management and it will help you a lot.
Multiple large studies have discovered that adults ages 18-29 experience anxiety due to brain development, significant life transitions, financial pressures, the influence of social media and lack of purpose. According to Anxiety disorders- Symptoms and Causes by Mayo Clinic Staff , some symptoms may include: feeling nervous, restless or tense, having a sense of impending danger, panic or doom, having an increased heart rate, and breathing rapidly (hyperventilation).
Anxiety is something that impacts people of all ages in different ways, but it does not have to control our lives. Even though anxiety can feel overwhelming, learning how to cope with anxiety in healthy ways makes a big difference. I believe it is important for people to recognize that anxiety is common and nothing to be ashamed of. Whether it is taking deep breaths, talking with a trusted friend, exercising, or seeking professional support, everyone can find methods that work best for them. Coping with anxiety takes patience and practice, but with the right tools, people can manage it and continue to grow through life’s challenges.
