Recent estimates say anxiety disorders affect over 40 million people in the United States. Anxiety is often an accompanying symptom of other mental health concerns. But Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) occurs when anxiety is the primary symptom, affecting an estimated 7 million people around the country.

More people are seeking help from an anxiety therapist than ever before. Some argue that anxiety is a growing problem more prevalent today than in decades past. But why is that? Here are a few potential reasons.

A Better Approach to Mental Care

One possible reason anxiety is becoming more widespread is the societal shift mental health care has experienced. In the past, mental health was a taboo topic. Even young adults today grew up in a time when most people brushed mental health issues under the rug.

Things are much different now, and the world is having those tough conversations. People feel freer to get the help they need, resulting in more diagnoses and a greater demand for therapists.

Some theorize that millions of people have always had anxiety. However, the accessibility of care and openness to discussing those issues have created the illusion of growing anxiety problems.

Solitary Living

Another common theory is that more people have anxiety because more people live alone. Surveys show that over a third of U.S. adults live alone. That's significantly more than the three percent that lived alone in 1960.

Loneliness is a significant risk factor for anxiety and depression. Furthermore, living alone can worsen symptoms. Isolation exacerbates anxiety disorders and could contribute to the growing statistics.

The Rise of Social Media

While social media can help people connect, some say that it shares the blame for anxiety. The biggest social media platform, Facebook, has almost three billion users worldwide. Social media is a relatively new concept that has only become widespread in recent decades.

There are countless links between anxiety and social media. Researchers say that constant comparisons with others lead to lower self-esteem. Meanwhile, late-night browsing sessions and the never-ending need to "keep up with the Joneses" can push many to seek help from a professional anxiety therapist.

Author Resource:-

Alester Brown writes about physiotherapy. She advises people on health care, online therapy, anxiety discussion groups & depression message boards. You can find her thoughts at anxiety experts blog.