About Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health issue in the U.S., affecting about 19% of adults annually (NIMH data). They include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic attacks, social anxiety, phobias, and OCD—characterized by excessive worry, restlessness, rapid heartbeat, fatigue, and avoidance behaviors that interfere with daily life.
Causes
Causes involve genetics, brain chemistry (imbalanced neurotransmitters like serotonin), trauma, or stress.
Treatments
Treatments include therapy (CBT is gold standard), medications (SSRIs like sertraline), mindfulness, exercise, and lifestyle changes. Early intervention prevents it from worsening—reach out to 988 or a therapist for support.
