The Rapid Track of the Anxiety Attack

This year has been completely unpredictable, thanks to COVID-19, the 2020 election, killer bees, and the potential start of World War III (which, thankfully, did not occur). The world dragged everyone down, but it also swept our mental health away with it. Many people are experiencing anxiety as a result of the unprecedented circumstances.

Anxiety is without a doubt one of the most amplified mental illnesses in history. Sure, a person can be nervous before a test, but do they experience heart palpitations? Do they seem to twitch uncontrollably, almost as if their own body is taking over them? That is where the typical anxiety attack comes into play.

With over 3 million US cases per year, anxiety is a very common mental disorder. However, the pandemic has a big voice in how those numbers changed. A report from the Household Pulse Survey confirms that symptoms of anxiety and depression increased from 36.4 percent to 41.5 percent in just the past year. 5.1 percent may not seem like a lot, but to put things in perspective, let’s go back to 2008. Anxiety among adults increased from 5.12 percent in 2008 to 6.68 percent in 2018. Anxiety levels have increased more in the past year than the last 10 years. However the increase is even more notable in young adults. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), respondents aged 18-25 experienced an increase in anxiety from 7.97 percent to 14.66 percent among respondents, which is almost double the anxiety levels shown in previous data. Keep in mind, however, that one source looked at symptoms while the other looked at those who were actually affected by the illness.

Mothers have been hit the hardest out of most groups of people. Many of them were forced to become homeschool teachers for their own children after virtual school came into the picture. It is extremely difficult to maintain their children while also taking care of themselves. Many mothers are working tirelessly day by day to ensure that their children are safe, healthy, and educated.

Reference: Racine N, et al. Lancet Psychiatry. 2021;doi:10.1016/S2215-0366(21)00074-2.

With these statistics skyrocketing, the world is losing hope at a comparable level. As a society, we must find ways to redirect our attention. We should make an effort to assist loved ones and check up on them. We should never hesitate to aid those in need, even if they are right at home. We need to lift our heads up and put our phones down so that we can see the bright future that awaits us.