As the most common mental illness in the United States, anxiety disorders affect a huge range of Americans. There is a huge range of different types of disorders, as well as various levels of severity in those disorders. Looking at the numbers behind these disorders, why this is such a common issue, and how people are dealing with anxiety can help us make sense of issues such as specific phobias, panic disorder, or general anxiety disorder (GAD).
Anxiety by the Numbers
Looking at adults across the United States, there are a couple of clear trends related to anxiety disorders:
- Approximately 18% of adults have some type of anxiety disorder
- Of those cases, 22% are severe
- It’s 60% more likely that women will experience anxiety than men
- Anxiety disorders are most common among those ranging from 30-44 in age
Based on these facts, it’s clear that we’re an anxious group. Some of the more common symptoms include feeling fear and panic, obsessing over unimportant details on a continuing basis, nightmares, or physical issues such as stomachache, a pounding heart, or tense muscles. A mental health screening can help you determine if you do suffer from some type of anxiety disorder.
Why Are Anxiety Disorders So Common?
The number of people diagnosed with anxiety disorders has risen by a factor of 5 over the past 80 years, making it a significant change. Some mental health professionals cite increasing levels of stress in people’s lives, while others say that we’re simply better at diagnosing anxiety in this day and age. In fact, many anxiety counselors say that we’re still not very good at diagnosing these disorders, and that the majority of people who have anxiety issues aren’t receiving counseling services. Those that talk about stress as a factor in rising numbers of anxiety disorders say that as we become more globalized and introduce ever-quickening economic markets, people feel the world is less safe than it used to be.
Seeking Counseling Services
If you are suffering from anxiety, getting the correct diagnosis and working with a licensed therapist can transform your life. Just as there are multiple types of anxiety, there are multiple forms of counseling centers to help you. Anxiety therapists may specialize in any of the following:
- Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- General anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Panic disorder
- Social or specific phobias
There are numerous other specific types of disorders, but the list above includes some of the most common types. An anxiety counselor is trained to help you assess and overcome the root causes of your anxiety, as well as providing you with coping techniques for your day-to-day life. As a resident of North Dallas, if you feel that you may be suffering from some type of anxiety, why not reach out to a counseling service and get the help you need?
