Anxiety is an ailment you may suffer from without realizing the true problem. Your teen may be agonizing with it as well.
Why are we so antsy?
The apostle Paul reminds us to give our concerns over to the Lord as we read his words: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
Yet, according to Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA): “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.”
Some other facts about anxiety from the ADAA:
- Anxiety disorders are highly treatable, yet only 36.9% of those suffering receive treatment.
- People with an anxiety disorder are three to five times more likely to go to the doctor and six times more likely to be hospitalized for psychiatric disorders than those who do not suffer from anxiety disorders.
- Anxiety disorders develop from a complex set of risk factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, personality, and life events.
Anxiety Defined
True anxiety actually goes beyond the “normal” state of being worried. It would be typical to worry about the results of an important final test in school. Distress about arriving home safely when roads are slick with ice would also be considered a usual feeling. But it’s when our concerns go beyond the norm—into thoughts that are debilitating to daily functioning that clearly shows how anxiety has taken over!
According to Anxiety.org, some common symptoms related to anxiety include:
- Excessive, irrational, or uncontrollable feelings of worry and dread
- Sensations of panic and uneasiness for no apparent reason
- Obsessive thoughts
- Ritualistic behavior
- Trouble sleeping
- Heart palpitations
- Muscle tension
- Inability to remain calm
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Trouble concentrating
- Rapid breathing, or hyperventilation
- Sweating
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Cold or sweaty hands and feet
- Trembling or shaking
- Stomachache
Now that you may have identified yourself as being overly-anxious about some things, be assured that:
1.) You’re not the only person facing this issue.
2.) There are coping methods to help you get beyond these feelings.
Next week, in our second segment of “Can You Get A Grip on Your Anxiety?” I’ll share some practical methods of managing anxiety for those traumatized by this disorder.