Increases in Anxiety Disorders after Pandemic Observed Worldwide
Increases in Anxiety Disorders after Pandemic Observed Worldwide
Have you felt like you have been experiencing a lot more anxiety since the onset of the pandemic? If the answer is yes, you are certainly not alone. In fact, the World Health Organization has found that there has been a 25% increase in the prevalence of anxiety and depression around the globe since the pandemic. Let’s take a further look at this.
What is an Anxiety Disorder?
Everyone experiences anxiety from time to time. In fact, things like stress and anxiety actually play important roles in human evolution. After all, the “fight or flight” response was designed to help protect us.
However, while some levels of stress and anxiety are perfectly normal, excessive levels can have negative effects for our overall health. When a person experiences unusually high levels of anxiety routinely, they may be dealing with an anxiety disorder. There are many different types of anxiety disorders; however, the most common is generalized anxiety disorder.
Signs of anxiety disorders include the following:
• An impending sense of doom
• Increased heart rates
• A sense of overwhelming panic
• Rapid breathing
• Difficulty controlling worrying
• Wanting to avoid things that cause anxiety
What is Causing an Increase in Anxiety Disorders?
There are many different things that have been contributing to the increase in anxiety disorders after the pandemic. As a therapist in New Jersey, I have observed many of these causes when working with people. The major factor in common is an increase in stress.
This may take a number of forms. For example, people who became isolated during the lockdown often experienced increased levels of stress while simultaneously losing some of their social supports. People experienced stress due to the nature of the virus, particularly those with underlying health concerns or who had loved ones at risk.
Others may be experiencing increased stress coming out of the pandemic. Some may be experiencing stress with transitioning back to the workplace. Others may be nearing exhaustion as working expectations have increased in some areas. The reality is that there are many valid reasons that people may be dealing with enhanced anxiety from the pandemic.
Another major cause has been the disruption of access to mental health supports experienced by many. In many areas, this has led to a gap between the need and services provided while others face stigma in seeking service. This worldwide trend can be seen here as well. The pandemic has resulted in many people seeking anxiety help in New Jersey.
How are Anxiety Disorders Treated?
Those seeking anxiety help in New Jersey will find a number of useful tools at their disposal for the treatment of anxiety disorders. As you likely would expect, treatment is highly individualized based on each person’s needs. However, there are several common treatments.
One of the most helpful treatments is therapy. Psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy can be very useful in helping a person address their anxiety disorder. This typically involves teaching you skills that help address your symptoms, giving you a number of tools at your disposal.
Therapy is very useful in that it empowers you to learn healthy coping mechanisms and responses that can decrease your anxiety response. Typically, 10 to 20 sessions are quite effective in providing some relief from anxiety.
In some situations, people have very high levels of anxiety that may also need medication to help address. While a pharmaceutical approach is not an ideal first step, it is something that some people need, typically accompanied by therapy.
This is something that would be typically prescribed by your physician. In many cases, people are able to take a medication temporarily as they learn to better manage their anxiety through therapy, later leading to them no longer needing the medicine.
What Do I Do If I Am Worried about My Anxiety?
Again, some anxiety is a normal part of life. However, if you notice that your anxiety is frequent or having a negative effect on your life, it is good to speak to a professional about that.
Fortunately, the ability to access therapy has greatly increased, particularly with technology expanding. I provide both in-person and virtual therapy. Additionally, I offer a free 15 minute introductory call in order to answer questions that you may have about the therapy process.
If you are experiencing anxiety and want help, feel free to contact me or your local New Jersey mental health professional today.
If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide or feel as if you are in emotional crisis please call 911 or head to your nearest emergency room.
