Of course, many of the issues depicted in these images can affect us even if we don’t meet the criteria for a clinical diagnosis.
Earlier this year, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) released poll data revealing that two-thirds (67%) of adults in the United States feel anxious about current events happening around the world.
Respondents also identified several other major sources of anxiety:
- Keeping myself or my family safe — 62%;
- Paying my bills or expenses — 61%;
- My health — 59%;
- Identity theft — 57%;
- The impact of climate change on the planet — 53%;
- The impact of emerging technology in everyday life — 44%;
- The opioid epidemic — 42%;
- Job security — 40%.
"There are many factors within and beyond our control that can cause significant stress," said APA CEO and Medical Director Marketa M. Wills, M.D., M.B.A.
"It's important to understand that there are normal levels of anxiety around these factors as part of being human. But if stress and anxiety are impeding your day-to-day life and making you feel unwell, please reach out for help. Your mental health matters."
When asked to select two factors among the six pillars of lifestyle that have the greatest impact on their mental health—either positively or negatively—Americans most commonly chose:
- Stress — 52%;
- Sleep — 39%;
- Exercise — 19%;
- Social connection — 14%;
- Nutrition — 10%;
- Alcohol or drugs — 8%.
The survey also found that about 8% of respondents had recently lost a job, and 26% knew someone who had. Two-thirds of those who were employed said they were somewhat or very concerned about their financial well-being.
Additionally, one-third of employees reported experiencing changes in their in-person work requirements over the past few months. Among them, 14% were required to work in the office more than before or full-time, 6% had shifted to a hybrid schedule, and 12% were given the option to work either hybrid or fully remotely.
"Not everyone's anxiety is related to some deep-seated trauma hidden under layers of dysfunction and poor coping skills," says Dr. Daniel Bates, who is a licensed professional clinical counselor and an assistant professor at Truman State University.
"Your anxiety could be due to a wonky daily, weekly schedule, and routine. 'Wonky' is a clinical term, by the way. Okay, it's not really. [But] it's not uncommon for me, as a therapist, to discover that a client's anxiety is largely influenced by a poorly managed and disorganized schedule. There will always be unexpected events throughout your week, but for the most part, you can structure your day and week in such a way as to reduce your anxiety."
Here's a set of simple anxiety reducers that Bates recommends:
- Be mindful of the circadian rhythm and that your body has a physical need for routine;
- Reasonable consumption of caffeine and alcohol;
- Bedtime and wake-up times are roughly the same every day;
- Eat at the same time every day;
- Schedule activities. Otherwise, you might not do them;
- Stay connected with friends and build a support network over time by being a support to others;
- Get plugged in with your local community;
- Give yourself leisure time, such as watching Netflix, as a reward, not a right.
