Anxiety & Depression In Adults and Youth

Adults

Anxiety and Depression have been on the rise over the past couple of decades. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), 4 out of 10 adults have reported symptoms of anxiety and/or depression. In the U.S. there has been an increase from 36.4 percent to 41.5 percent from 2020-2021. Granted, this was during the height of Covid-19, but with the increase of mental health stressors, more have shown symptoms of anxiety and depression. Common symptoms for adults may include:

1. Increased nervousness or feelings of tension
2. Withdrawing from social situations and relationships
3. Increase heart rate and heavy breathing or hyperventilating
4. Body sweats and muscle spasms (ex. shaky hands)
5. Poor work performance

One thing is certain, you are not alone if you are experiencing any of these feelings or physical symptoms. Thankfully, the stigma about seeking counseling is subsiding and people can get the help they need without added stress. While you may go through either the same or similar experiences as friends, family, etc., the way you process life events and how they affect you may differ from another. You can’t compare yourself to others, but rather only strive to be the best version of yourself and sometimes that takes a mental health professional to get you there.

Children and Teens

Anxiety and Depression can also affect children and teenagers. Since the early 2000s, there has been a steady increase across the county in children ages 3-17 years old. In fact, anxiety and depression are the two most common mental health disorders and diagnoses for youth falling within this age range outside of an ADHD diagnosis.

Common signs of Anxiety and Depression in youth may include:

1. Withdrawn from family and friends (Ex. excessive amount of time in their room)
2. Physical illness symptoms such as a headache or stomach pains
3. Increased hypertension and agitation
4. Poor academic performance and low motivation
5. Change in behaviors
6. Lack of interest in activities they enjoy

We are here to help children understand their emotions and cognitions. Only when they understand their thoughts and the physical results it has on them, will they be able to start using their coping skills to bring themselves into a healthier state of being. Anxiety is a precursor to fear. Children are anticipating an unpleasant outcome even before an event has occurred. (Ex. Failing a test before they have even taken it and are worried about the impact it will have on their overall grade).

A resounding increase in anxiety in depression in youth can be traced to social media and internet access. More youth today than ever before in our history have access to cell phones, tablets, computers, and online video games than ever before. Kids and teenagers are learning to communicate via social media, texting, or through virtual reality and many of them would prefer these methods versus talking in-person to peers. Research shows that 39 percent of youth sign up for their first social media account between the ages of 10-12 years old. Having instant access to millions of people and information can be overwhelming to young minds who are not prepared to process all the new ideas and opinions being thrown at them. Not to mention, the comments (positive and negative), number of followers, and the “likes” that get warped into factoring into a young boy or girl’s identity and self-worth.