Amiyah Golden
Words by Amiyah Golden
The blue sky, absence of clouds and the frigid breeze that envelops the inside of my car and pushes past my hair is a gentle reminder of the beauty of the present — no sweaty palms, no racing heart, no intrusive thoughts — just a moment where I’m free — free from the anxiety that revels in disrupting my day. My brief liberation comes to a sudden halt as the emotions start to swell, as it seems to manifest out of nowhere (and for no good reason), the lack of autonomy over my own brain is so frustrating — but not uncommon — as it’s a shared experience amongst many of us.
Anxiety disorder affects an estimated 19% of Americans annually, and the American Psychiatric Association’s 2024 annual mental health poll, “shows that U.S. adults are feeling increasingly anxious. In 2024, 43% of adults say they feel more anxious than they did the previous year, up from 37% in 2023 and 32% in 2022.”
Many factors have led to such a significant spike, such as current events.
According to the report, “Adults [were] particularly anxious about current events (70%) … the economy (77%), the 2024 U.S. election (73%), and gun violence (69%).”
The veil of stigma surrounding mental health disorders and illnesses is finally starting to fall as society begins to recognize the prevalence and its effects.
With May being Mental Health Awareness Month and Anxiety Awareness Month, it’s especially crucial that the conversation is had, and how do we destigmatize society’s negative perceptions?
The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders lists several types of anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder, agoraphobia, separation anxiety disorder, selective mutism, social anxiety disorder, phobias, and panic disorders.
Generalized anxiety disorder, according to Cleveland Clinic’s website, causes fear, worry, and a constant feeling of being overwhelmed. It’s characterized by excessive, frequent and unrealistic worry about everyday things, such as job responsibilities, health or chores.
Agoraphobia causes an intense fear of becoming overwhelmed or unable to escape or get help. People who have agoraphobia often avoid new places and unfamiliar situations such as large, open areas or enclosed spaces.
Separation Anxiety Disorder happens when someone feels excessive anxiety when separated from a loved one.
Selective Mutism happens when someone doesn’t talk in certain situations because of fear or anxiety. It usually affects young children, but it can also affect adolescents and adults.
Social Anxiety Disorder happens when someone experiences intense and ongoing fear of being judged negatively and/or watched by others.
Specific Phobias are when something causes someone to feel fear or anxiety that’s so severe it consistently and overwhelmingly disrupts life. There are hundreds of phobias, but agoraphobia is the only phobia that is a distinct diagnosis.
Panic Disorder causes multiple unexpected panic attacks with the main feature of the condition usually happening without warning and isn’t due to another mental health or physical condition, although some people with panic disorders have agoraphobia.
There are several other mental health conditions that share features with anxiety disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), but the American Psychiatric Association classifies those as conditions, not anxiety disorders.
While these defining terms can give major insight into the realm of anxiety, it is not a “one-size-fits-all” experience for everyone, as the causes, triggers and severity vary for everyone.
According to Dr. Petros Levounis, president of the American Psychiatric Association, “Americans are reporting more anxious feelings than in past years. This increase may be due to the unprecedented exposure that we have to everything that happens in the world around us or to an increased awareness and reporting of anxiety. Either way, if people have these feelings, they are not alone, and they can seek help.”
The recent shifts that have occurred in such a divisive world have made for a unifying reality, as the weight of anxiety is becoming a shared experience.
With music artists such as Doechii creating her own sonic anthem, “Anxiety” and an “Anxiety Hub” through the website anxietyiswatchingme.com. With the site detailing the rapper’s own connection to the disorder, “Doechii has experienced the challenges of anxiety first-hand and is using her platform to provide resources that can help you find guidance and tools to support your mental health. This is also a place where you can find comfort in knowing that there are others on this journey, as well. Nobody has to walk the path alone. Welcome to a place of connection, healing, and empowerment.”
As we all continue to navigate life and its numerous challenges, may we never be intimidated by the inevitable dispositions that might arise, and may we continue to show grace toward others as we take the steps in normalizing mental health disorders and illnesses.
Below are resources for mental health services:
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