Anxiety is a normal response to certain things like taking a test or starting a new job, but when the feelings become so overwhelming that it starts to interfere with everyday life over a long period of time it can become an anxiety disorder. In the United States there are 40 million people over the age of eighteen that have some sort of anxiety disorder. That is around 18 percent of the American population. Although anxiety disorders are the most common mental diseases and are manageable with therapy and medication, a lot of people do not seek help for fear of appearing weak or because they do not think that they have a problem that is worth pursuing.

I am here to tell you that it is worth getting help and looking into.

There are three major disorders that are directly related to anxiety. There is social anxiety disorder, which makes the sufferer feel intense fear when having to speak to other people, give speeches or presentations, be in large crowds, etc.

There is panic disorder, where the sufferer experiences intense fear and panic attacks that can cause heavy breathing, stomach aches, shaking, sweating, trouble breathing, and the feeling that everything is coming to an end, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. These attacks are random, recurring, and can leave the person with the disorder incapable of continuing with their normal daily activities like work, school, or even just a lazy day.

The last type of anxiety disorder is called generalized anxiety disorder which embodies the symptoms of the other two types and combines them. People with this type of anxiety may experience anxiety/panic attacks, fear of crowds or presentations, and will have extreme worry and fear for months, sometimes with no explanation or reason to be worried at all.

All of these types of anxiety have a direct effect on the life of the person suffering and their family as well. With anxiety simple things to some people become huge things for others. Things like ordering food at a fast food restaurant may be the cause of an anxiety attack. There are multiple things that do not make sense to those who do not have an anxiety disorder because they have never experienced something quite like it.

Living with anxiety is not easy or fun. It gets in the way of doing things that one would enjoy doing and also makes things like working and going to school even harder and more complicated. If you do not have an anxiety disorder, but know someone who does, make sure to give them patience and remind them that you are there for them. They probably need a lot of reassurance of your love and friendship.

If you have an anxiety disorder get help for it. Therapy and medication can help you live a more normal and satisfactory life. You are not alone even when you feel like you might be. Ask for help from those around you who make you feel safest and most loved.

Anxiety is not fun, but with proper support, it can just be a part of your life, not the whole thing.