10 TRUTHS ABOUT ANXIETY

1. Many of us are struggling without help.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), anxiety affected 4% of the population worldwide, or 301 million people, in 2019.

Since the pandemic, the prevalence of mental health concerns like anxiety has only risen, especially in our youth. Among all ages, the WHO reported a 25% increase in anxiety and depression in just the first year of COVID-19.

Related: Kids in Crisis: The Pandemic’s Toll on Childhood Mental Health

Unfortunately, the organization’s stats also show that only one in four people with anxiety receive treatment for it. This means many people are suffering in silence. And, to add to their struggle, their loved ones often hold misconceptions about what they’re going through.

2. Yes, everyone experiences anxiety, but having an anxiety disorder is different.

While anxiety is part of being human—especially in the face of stressful events or life changes—anxiety disorders involve heightened symptoms that interfere with daily life. For example, people with generalized anxiety disorder can feel excessive worry, nervousness, and fear about everyday responsibilities and events, even ones that aren’t threatening.

Related: What’s the Difference Between Situational Anxiety an Anxiety Disorder?

In addition, they may have trouble managing their stress. As a result, they can feel overwhelmed and have trouble carrying out daily tasks. They may experience debilitating effects like panic attacks.

As a legitimate mental health condition, an anxiety disorder extends beyond the everyday worries that we all experience.

3. Our minds hurt, but so do our bodies.

Most people think of anxiety as being solely a psychological problem. But it’s also associated with a host of physical symptoms, such as:

• Nausea
• Headaches
• Racing heart
• Back aches
• Muscle tension
• Teeth grinding
• Digestive distress
• Trembling hands
• Pins and needles
• Lightheadedness

If a friend or family member is often feeling unwell physically, it could be a sign of anxiety.

4. Listening and validating helps people with anxiety feel less alone.

People who don’t personally struggle with debilitating anxiety may, even without realizing it, minimize others’ symptoms. Dismissive statements like “It’s all in your head” only add to feelings of loneliness and despair.

Instead, practice active listening and patience. Don’t try to convince them to feel differently, say they should “just snap out of it,” or tell them to “look on the bright side.” Instead, validate their experience and express your willingness to listen and provide support.

Many people with mental health conditions like anxiety disorders feel misunderstood, judged, shamed, isolated, fearful, or minimized. Therefore, it’s crucial to make them feel heard, seen, and cared for. This can be as simple as saying, “I’m sorry you’re going through this” and “I’m here if you need to talk.”

5. Don’t offer unsolicited advice.

While listening and supporting someone with anxiety is always a good idea, it’s best to avoid making assumptions or giving advice when they haven’t asked for it. For example, some people might think they’re being helpful by saying, “Have you tried meditation?” or by sharing the benefits of positive thinking.

Unless the person you’re speaking to has directly asked for advice, offer an ear rather than recommendations. If they do ask for your assistance, you may choose to share helpful resources but do so without expectation or judgment.

6. Anxiety has many different manifestations.

Anxiety will look different from person to person. There are different categories of anxiety disorders, such as:

• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Panic disorder
• Social anxiety disorder
• Phobias
• Separation anxiety disorder

In addition, anxiety is not a single or simple disorder. Through more than 30 years of brain SPECT imaging, Amen Clinics has determined that there are actually seven brain patterns associated with anxiety and depression. (These two conditions occur together 75% of the time.)

Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) measures blood flow and activity in the brain. This advanced technology helps psychiatrists see areas of the brain that have healthy activity levels, too much activity or not enough. According to brain scans, the seven types of anxiety and depression are:

• Pure anxiety
• Pure depression
• Mixed anxiety/depression
• Overfocused anxiety/depression
• Temporal lobe anxiety/depression
• Cyclic anxiety/depression
• Unfocused anxiety/depression

Related: 7 Types of Anxiety and Depression (eBook)

Accordingly, each individual will experience different symptoms, with different levels of severity. Some days, a person with anxiety may be relatively high functioning. Other days, simply leaving the house can feel like a challenge.

7. Anxiety is not the same as stress.

There are multiple causes of anxiety disorders, with both genetic and environmental factors potentially increasing risk. These factors include:

• Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)
• Certain parenting styles (such as overprotective or very controlling)
• Head injury
• Medication side effects
• Hormonal imbalances
• Blood sugar issues
• Substance abuse
• Medical illnesses
• Psychosocial stressors

However, keep in mind that anxiety is not the same as stress. As the American Psychological Association notes, stress and anxiety may produce similar mental and physical symptoms. But anxiety can be present even without any external stressors.

Press Play to See What Anxious People Should Never Do

In this video, Dr. Daniel Amen provides a brief overview of the “don’ts” for anyone who is dealing with anxiety disorders.

Click below to tune in: