We all see it each day of our lives in some form or another. It doesn’t discriminate and will rear its ugly head for some on a daily, sometimes hourly basis.

Stress and anxiety are something that everyone will encounter throughout their lifetime. This problem is something that stretches across all borders, and it doesn’t matter your race, religion, age or social standing.

Whether the stress and anxiety is a result from school, work, health, family or friends, these conditions will touch every person at some point.

While some may have the ability to deal with stress and anxiety easier than others, this is still a serious problem that affects millions of Americans each year. For millions, this is something that is a daily struggle.

The following are some eye-opening statistics from the 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 percent of the population.

• Anxiety disorders are highly treatable, yet only about one-third of those suffering receive treatment.

• Anxiety disorders cost the U.S. more than $42 billion a year, almost one-third of the country’s $148 billion total mental health bill, according to “The Economic Burden of Anxiety Disorders,” a study commissioned by ADAA.

• 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.

It is easy for people on the outside to wonder why others get stressed out so easily or have anxiety over something that doesn’t seem that bad. However, it is important to understand that it can be very detrimental, even to the point of death for some.

Below are some tips from the ADAA on how to deal with stress, and these are good for everyone, regardless of how well you think you overcome these disorders.

• Take a time-out. Practice yoga, listen to music, meditate, get a massage, or learn relaxation techniques. Stepping back from the problem helps clear your head.

• Eat well-balanced meals. Do not skip any meals. Do keep healthful, energy-boosting snacks on hand.

• Limit alcohol and caffeine, which can aggravate anxiety and trigger panic attacks.

• Get enough sleep. When stressed, your body needs additional sleep and rest.

• Exercise daily to help you feel good and maintain your health. Check out the fitness tips below.

• Take deep breaths. Inhale and exhale slowly.

• Count to 10 slowly. Repeat, and count to 20 if necessary.

• Do your best. Instead of aiming for perfection, which isn’t possible, be proud of however close you get.

• Accept that you cannot control everything. Put your stress in perspective: Is it really as bad as you think?

• Welcome humor. A good laugh goes a long way.

• Maintain a positive attitude. Make an effort to replace negative thoughts with positive ones.

• Get involved. Volunteer or find another way to be active in your community, which creates a support network and gives you a break from everyday stress.

• Learn what triggers your anxiety. Is it work, family, school, or something else you can identify? Write in a journal when you’re feeling stressed or anxious, and look for a pattern.

• Talk to someone. Tell friends and family you’re feeling overwhelmed, and let them know how they can help you. Talk to a physician or therapist for professional help.

 

Josh Morrison is the general manager at The Tribune. To reach him, call 740-532-1441 ext. 16 or by email at josh.morrison@irontontribune.com