Anxiety is one of the most common mental health challenges, yet it often feels deeply isolating. The truth is, anxiety is incredibly common—affecting 19.1% of U.S. adults and an even higher 31.9% of adolescents, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. It’s also more prevalent in women (23.4%) than men (14.3%). Whether it’s worrying about the future, overthinking conversations, or feeling a constant sense of unease, anxiety can affect every aspect of life. While this can feel overwhelming, it’s important to know that you’re not alone, and help is available.
Anxiety is your body’s natural response to stress or perceived danger. It’s the feeling of worry, nervousness, or fear that helps keep us alert and prepared for challenges. While occasional anxiety—like feeling nervous before a presentation—is completely normal, it can become problematic when it’s persistent, overwhelming, or interferes with daily life. This is when anxiety moves beyond a temporary emotion and becomes an anxiety disorder that may require treatment.
Understanding which type of anxiety you may be experiencing is the first step toward finding the right support and treatment. Anxiety can take many forms, which commonly include:
Anxiety can affect your mind, body, and behavior. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, but if they interfere with your ability to function or enjoy life, it may be time to seek help.
Anxiety doesn’t have a single cause—it often results from a combination of biological, environmental, personality, and lifestyle factors. Genetics, brain chemistry, and hormonal imbalances can influence anxiety, while stressful life events, trauma, work pressures, and financial strain may also contribute. Personality traits like perfectionism or people-pleasing tendencies can make some individuals more prone to anxiety, and lifestyle factors such as poor sleep, high caffeine intake, or substance use can exacerbate symptoms. Recognizing what might be contributing to your anxiety can help you develop strategies to manage it more effectively.
When anxiety becomes overwhelming, it can affect every area of life:
Managing anxiety starts with building healthy habits and tools for emotional regulation:
Anxiety is highly treatable, and therapy can be tailored to your specific needs to provide the support and relief you deserve. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps identify and reframe negative thought patterns, while exposure therapy gradually reduces fear through controlled exposure to triggers. Medication, such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs, may also be prescribed to manage symptoms. Additionally, somatic therapy focuses on physical techniques like breathwork and grounding to address bodily symptoms.
If anxiety has been affecting your life, you don’t have to face it alone. At Medens Health, we understand how overwhelming anxiety can feel. Our therapists use evidence-based approaches to help you identify triggers, develop practical coping strategies, and build resilience to face life’s challenges with confidence. Whether you’re experiencing occasional worry or struggling with chronic anxiety, our compassionate team is here to help with the tools you need to feel calmer, more grounded, and in control.
Get started here, call or text (833) 624-5400, or fill out our contact form today.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reliance on any information this blog provides is solely at your own risk. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified mental health provider with any questions regarding your medical or mental health. If you don’t currently have a therapist, we can connect you with one who is qualified to give you safe, professional, and ethical advice regarding your mental health.
If you or someone you are responsible for is experiencing a medical emergency, is considering harming themselves or others, or is otherwise in imminent danger, you should call 9-1-1 and/or take them to the nearest emergency room.
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