Anxiety is a feeling of apprehension or fear and can also be characterized by physical changes. Anxiety is a healthy emotion, but disproportionate levels of anxiety can be detrimental to people’s health. It affects about 40 million people in the United States a year; more specifically, 1 in 3 adolescents ranging from ages 13 to 18 will experience an anxiety disorder. Anxiety can affect how a person behaves or processes emotion. People experience anxiety in different forms, but there are ways to manage it. The five major types of anxiety disorders are Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Panic Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Social Phobia (Or Social Anxiety Disorder). Learning about them can hopefully educate more youth and allow them to consult with someone that can help if they feel that they are experiencing any of these disorders. It’s important to remember that you can consult a trusted adult if you feel like you ever need help. It’s normal to worry when things in your life become chaotic. If you feel like it’s becoming unmanageable, you can seek help from an adult you trust or a medical professional. Try telling a parent about how you feel and try telling a guidance counselor if they don’t understand. Anxiety doesn’t have to define your life and remember that many people experience it too. If it starts to become overwhelming, you should try consulting someone. Many people feel anxious from time to time and such as before a presentation or an exam. You can try exercising, getting a good night's sleep, and getting enough nutrition in these situations. Overall, learning about anxiety disorders can help you be prepared if you experience any symptoms.

 

These are some things you can do if you’re feeling anxious:

1. Try exercising or doing something that you like to do. This can help keep your mind off of what is making you anxious. If you’re anxious about a test or a presentation, you can try doing something you enjoy. Some things that you can do are painting, going for a run, reading your favorite book, or even taking a nap.

2. Eating nutritious foods is essential if you’re feeling anxious because sometimes you become so worried that you forget to eat. Healthy food contributes to your overall health and provides the vitamins and minerals that your body needs. You must eat regular meals so that your body can function to the best of its ability.

3. Take a break from what you're doing and try meditating. If you focus too much on what’s making you anxious, you’ll just stress yourself out more. A short break can allow you to clear your mind and find a few moments of relaxation. Meditating is a great way to clear your mind and calm yourself down. A few minutes of meditation may help you to find some balance and get through your day peacefully.

4. Try writing down what is making you feel anxious. Sometimes our minds become so crowded that we can’t think clearly. This may contribute to you feeling more anxious. If you write down what makes you anxious and what emotions you’re feeling, this may help you evaluate your emotions. Writing down your feelings can aid you in understanding what you’re feeling and why.

 

Citations:

(DCD), D. (2015, August 21). What are the five major types of anxiety disorders? Retrieved January 16, 2021, from https://www.hhs.gov/answers/mental-health-and-substance-abuse/what-are-the-five-major-types-of-anxiety-disorders/index.html

 

Anxiety: Symptoms, types, causes, prevention, and treatment. (n.d.). Retrieved January 16, 2021, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323454

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Facts & Statistics. (n.d.). Retrieved January 16, 2021, from https://adaa.org/about-adaa/press-room/facts-statistics

 

Anxiety in Teens is Rising: What's Going On? (n.d.). Retrieved January 16, 2021, from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/emotional-problems/Pages/Anxiety-Disorders.aspx#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20National%20Institutes,will%20experience%20an%20anxiety%20disorder.