5 Facts You Might Not Have Known About Anxiety and How to Treat It

From heart palpitations to insomnia, anxiety can cause a myriad of symptoms. Learn what happens to the body when anxiety takes over and how to treat it.

By Allison Futterman
May 20, 2024 3:00 PM
woman with anxiety sitting in bed head in hands
(Credit: Tero Vesalainen/Shutterstock)

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Anxiety is a reaction to stress. It manifests itself in a variety of mental and physical effects. These include feelings of fear, dread, worry, unease, and tension. Other associated symptoms are shortness of breath, nausea, muscle tension, racing heart, headaches, fatigue, sleeplessness, and difficulty concentrating. Anxiety can lead to isolation and depression, as well as creating issues at work and/or school. 

Almost 20 percent of American adults have experienced anxiety. This equates to over 40 million people who have suffered from this potentially debilitating condition. Although normally impacting adults, it can begin in childhood. The most common mental health issue, anxiety, is sometimes intertwined with depression.

Although it can be difficult to manage, there are ways to address and reduce anxiety. Learn what there is to know about the condition.


Read More: The Biology of Stress in Your Body

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