Young Adults and Anxiety
Author: Emmy Stevens
Millennials and Gen Z have seen a lot of change throughout their lifetimes. As they have grown up throughout the years, substantial social changes have happened, devastating and life-changing events have shaped the world, and the internet has become a massive part of most people’s daily life. With such dramatic changes in the world, it is no wonder so many young adults in modern society report suffering from anxiety. According to a survey published by the CDC, a whopping 57% of young adults between the ages of 18-29 reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety in February of this year.
Why are Young Adults so Anxious?
The past few years have been stressful for everybody, to say the least. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, many people suffered from loss, grief, loneliness, and more stress than anybody should have to deal with. Young adults are dealing with these struggles just as they have hit the age for considerable milestones in their life, like entering adulthood, beginning their careers, getting married, having children, and buying their first homes.
The pandemic is not the only possible culprit behind such high rates of anxiety in young adults, though. As the internet boomed, social media was introduced, becoming a huge part of many young adult’s daily life. While social media has been a great tool to keep our society connected, it has not come without its issues.
We are a social species and, while social media can be a great way to connect at times, it has caused many people to interact face-to-face with others significantly less than before. This can cause feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety. Cyberbullying and comparison that have become a large part of social media are added issues that only work to strengthen these negative feelings.
As young adults attempt to navigate their adult lives alongside the stresses of living an internet-heavy life and devastating pandemic, more and more are struggling with anxiety. Anxiety can negatively impact one’s quality of life, so developing a better understanding of it may help you find the help you need.
Recognizing Anxiety
Anxiety is the body’s natural response to stress and presents itself as a feeling of tension, fear, and worry. Anxiety can cause physical, emotional, and mental symptoms. While everybody struggles with anxiety at one point in their life or another, some people find themselves dealing with excessive anxiety, known as an anxiety disorder.
Those who suffer from an anxiety disorder tend to struggle with constant feelings of worry and intrusive thoughts that will negatively impact their quality of life. Getting treatment for an anxiety disorder begins with recognizing the symptoms. Depending on what kind of anxiety you or your loved one may be experiencing, these symptoms may include:
- Constant feelings of restlessness and tension
- Struggling to concentrate
- Irritability
- Sleep issues
- Excessive worry or fear
- A racing heart
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Shortness of breath
Anxiety can look different in different people, especially considering the fact that there are many kinds of anxiety disorders. If you believe that you or a loved one may be suffering from an anxiety disorder, reaching out to a mental health professional can help you find the relief you need. A mental health professional can help you determine the type of anxiety you are experiencing, understand why you are experiencing it, and find a treatment that will help you.
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