Anxiety on the Uptick
Anxiety is on the rise in a big way in the US. In fact, the American Psychological Association (APA) recently published a report titled, “Stress in America: Coping with Change” which indicated significant increases in anxiety levels since the survey data collection began 10 years ago. Anxiety is fueling a public health crisis. Further, in response to the rise in anxiety diagnoses, the New York Times published an article titled, “Prozac Nation is Now the United States of Xanax. This article indicates that while depression played a large role in Generation X’s world, anxiety is very prevalent in the current Generation. The article points to the fact that the higher stress lives we are living, along with technological devices such as cell phones, contributes immensely to the rise in anxiety.
Further studies indicate that anxiety and depression both lead to decreased well-being. And, higher anxiety leads to even lower well-being assessments the depression. Data also indicates that when have more anxiety than men, and that low income, physical inactivity, and sleeping problems were associated with increased anxiety.
These findings suggest a call to action for lowering anxiety for everyone. Anxiety has been proven to be very destructive, both physically and emotionally and the increase in anxiety diagnoses is alarming. Seeking help, through professional treatment, or on one’s own, is vital in preserving our society’s sense of well being and lessening anxiety.