Anxiety is a serious nervous disorder that is present not only in teenagers, but also in children and adults. Anxiety can be defined as a certain feeling of uneasiness, typically about an event or outcome. One might think that it is pointless to learn about an illness that does not affect them; however, anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA). Studies have shown that 20% of teenagers suffer from some form of anxiety.

    “GAD, or Generalized Anxiety Disorder, usually begins with people who constantly worry about health, money, family, work or school,” as stated on the Timberline Knolls Treatment Facility website. GAD not only affects how people feel and think, but it can also lead to physical symptoms such as sweating and shortness of breath.

    There are many different signs that lead to the diagnosis of anxiety, some include extreme worrying, restlessness, nausea and difficulty concentrating. Once diagnosed, the most common treatment is therapy and/or medication.

    A form of therapy that is proven to be beneficial is called cognitive-behavioral therapy, or CBT. This specific form of therapy focuses on understanding the behaviors one is feeling and changing his/her thinking patterns. Therapists usually start to see changes after the patient has been attending for 12 weeks.

    As well as attending therapy, one can also choose to take medicine depending on the severeness of the anxiety. “There are four classes of medications that are used to in the treatment of anxiety disorders,” as reported by the ADAA. Those include, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs), Benzodiazepines and Tricyclic Antidepressants.

     Those who have some form of anxiety are not alone in their battle. Support groups are provided by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. In addition to support groups, books who were written by ADAA members are also available on their website. The most important thing to remember is that people who are diagnosed are not alone and help is always available.