About one in every five adults and one in every ten children experiences some form of anxiety disorder.
And this doesnt count the lost productivity and damaged lives that result as a matter of chronic anxiety.
Other research has found a connection between anxiety disorders and people who come from large families.
Illustration by Daniella Urdinlaiz
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An overactive thyroid and low blood sugar have been correlated with the presence of anxiety disorders.
Caffeine and certain cold medications can also lead to or intensify an anxiety disorder.
Social anxiety disorder has been linked to elevated cortisol levels in saliva.
Illustration by Daniella Urdinlaiz
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Anxiety disorders manifest physically in a variety of ways, all of them unpleasant.
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Anxiety can lead to a whole array of health problems.
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Research has shown that women are twice as likely as men to develop chronic anxiety.
White and Hispanic women are more likely than Asian and African American women to suffer from anxiety.
Across the world, people younger than 35 are more likely to develop anxiety disorders than older people.
Lesbian, gay, and bisexual people have a higher rate of anxiety disorders than heterosexual people.
Being poor and/or recently divorced can also make someone more likely to develop an anxiety disorder.
It affects about six million Americans.
Social Anxiety Disorder involves an intense fear of social situation and afflicts an estimated 15 million Americans.
Other anxiety disorders include Phobias and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Are you constantly besieged by worry, panic, and fear?
Do you have trouble sleeping?
Do you always feel restless or on edge?
Are you irritable or constantly in a bad mood?
Are you argumentative or pessimistic?
Are you a perfectionist to the point where it causes you trouble in your day-to-day life?
You may have an anxiety disorder, and it would help to see a professional.
Theres no need to suffer the agony of chronic anxiety forever.
If you suspect that you have an anxiety disorder, consult a professional and start living fully again!
