---

Most people understand worry. We worry about bills, family, work, health, kids, aging parents, crops, gas prices, groceries, and the next unexpected thing that lands in our lap.

But anxiety is more than everyday worry.

The National Institute of Mental Health reports that an estimated 19.1% of U.S. adults experience an anxiety disorder in a given year, and 31.1% experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. Among adolescents ages 13 to 18, an estimated 31.9% experience an anxiety disorder.

That means anxiety is not rare. It is one of the most common mental health challenges in America.

Anxiety may feel like a racing heart, tight chest, upset stomach, shortness of breath, dizziness, irritability, panic, avoidance, or a constant sense that something bad is about to happen. It can make someone avoid driving, going to the store, attending school, answering the phone, opening mail, going to church, or even leaving the house.

Amanda Stropes, LCSW, Behavioral Health Director at WindRose Health Network, says people often minimize anxiety until it begins shrinking their life. “Anxiety becomes a concern when it starts making decisions for you. If fear is keeping you from work, relationships, school, sleep, medical care, or daily responsibilities, that is a sign to reach out. Anxiety is treatable, and people do not have to live in a constant state of alarm.”

Anxiety can also look different in men. Some men do not describe feeling “anxious.” They may say they are stressed, irritated, restless, angry, distracted, or unable to sleep.

They may work more, withdraw, drink more, or avoid conversations. That does not mean anxiety is not there. It may simply be wearing a different mask.

For children and teens, anxiety can appear as school refusal, stomachaches, perfectionism, fear of embarrassment, clinginess, anger, or avoidance of social situations. Parents may see behavior first, but the root may be fear.

The encouraging news is that anxiety responds well to support. Therapy, coping skills, appropriate medication, sleep routines, physical activity, breathing techniques, reducing caffeine, and limiting constant exposure to distressing news or social media can all help. The CDC recommends healthy coping strategies such as taking breaks from news and social media, making time to unwind, breathing, stretching, meditating, journaling, spending time outdoors, and practicing gratitude.

For a community like Hope, this matters because anxiety does not only affect the individual. It affects families, classrooms, workplaces, churches, and friendships. When someone is anxious, they may appear distant, difficult, controlling, or uninterested. Sometimes they are simply overwhelmed.

A helpful question is not, “What is wrong with you?” A better question is, “What feels heavy right now, and how can I support you?”

Anxiety can make the world feel small. With help, support, and understanding, life can open back up again.

References: National Institute of Mental Health; CDC.