What Is Anxiety?
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- About 50 million American adults experienced some sort of mental illness last year. Anxiety disorders were the most common kind.
So, what is anxiety? Good Question.
"It's more than just worrying. It affects every aspect of your health," said psychiatrist Dr. Mirza Baig. "Anxiety is really kind of like worrying or the physical anxiety, and depression is more like feeling really down, no energy, feeling hopeless."
There are different kinds of anxiety disorders:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (worrying about everything)
- Phobias
- Panic Disorder (including panic attacks)
- Social Anxiety Disorder
It can sometimes be triggered by an event, but some people are more prone to anxiety than others.
"All of our bodies are capable of having anxiety," Baig said. "What makes it a disorder is when it basically affects our lives."
Dr. Baig says the most important thing is to be aware of it.
Everyone is different when it comes to treatment. It can range from therapy to medication to meditation.
If you need help, or know someone who does, visit the Minnesota National Alliance on Mental Illness's website.
Wednesday, CBS This Morning will broadcast a live one-hour special focusing on mental health called "Stop The Stigma: A Conversation About Mental Health. Watch it starting at 7 a.m.