Read a newspaper, turn on the tv, scroll various social media outlets and you will find more bad news than good. Some would say it’s getting worse and worse. Major economies on a war footing, led by old, psychotic men. Others complacent with their head in the sand. Wars everywhere, political incompetence, tribalism and the constant threat of economic global disaster. That’s before we even think about our own daily lives and keeping our finances, jobs and relationships going. It truly is the age of anxiety. However, especially now, the world is in a very dangerous place and this is make anxious people more anxious and adding more to a very long list. Let’s firstly look at some facts about anxiety.
Anxiety develops from a complex set of risk factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, personality, and life events. Anxiety is defined as a feeling of unease, worry, or fear, often about uncertain future events. It can be mild or intense and may involve physical symptoms like a racing heart, sweating, or restlessness. Anxiety becomes problematic when persistent, interfering with daily life, relationships, or overall well-being. Our logical brain will, of course, tell us that we cannot predict the future so there is nothing to worry about but that’s not enough.
Many of the clients I deal with in my online therapy practice suffer from anxiety. Anxiety is the disorder of our modern times and the amount of people suffering from it is increasing every year. In fact, the American Anxiety and Depression Association published these facts: Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults in the United States age 18 and older (18% of U.S. population). Anxiety disorders are highly treatable, yet only about one-third of those suffering receive treatment.
Anxiety disorders cost the U.S. more than $42 billion a year, almost one-third of the country’s $148 billion total mental health bill, according to “The Economic Burden of Anxiety Disorders,” a study commissioned by ADAA (The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry,60(7)). More than $22.84 billion of those costs are associated with the repeated use of health care services; people with anxiety disorders seek relief for symptoms that mimic physical illnesses. People with an anxiety disorder are three to five times more likely to go to the doctor and six times more likely to be hospitalised for psychiatric disorders than those who do not suffer from anxiety disorders.
Anxiety spikes in many people when they view world events as dangerous and insecure. Research tells us that the rates of people suffering from anxiety increase dramatically around and during world events such as pandemics, wars, natural disasters, political unrest and global financial meltdowns. A new source of anxiety is said to centre around global warming and climate change and how resources we take for granted will be available in the future. A major factor in amplifying anxiety during these events is 24/7 media coverage which we cannot get enough of. Repeated exposure to distressing news and social media can trigger vicarious trauma and create a distorted view of constant danger, sometimes referred to as “mean world syndrome.”
During times of global unrest or crisis, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. War, climate change, political instability, and health threats are frequently broadcast into our homes and phones, leaving the world feeling unsafe and out of control. Anxiety in response to these events is understandable, but if left unchecked, it can erode mental health and interfere with daily activities. There are ways to maintain your peace of mind without completely withdrawing from the world.
One of the most effective strategies is to be mindful of your media consumption. While staying informed is important, constant exposure to breaking news and social media can heighten one’s sense of danger. Many people find relief in limiting their news exposure to specific times of day rather than allowing headlines to dominate every moment. Choosing trustworthy, balanced news sources also helps to avoid the emotional upheaval that is frequently caused by sensationalism. Though in our modern world, this might be difficult to find.
Focussing on what you can control can also help you feel less anxious. When global events seem too big to handle, focussing on your own actions — such as caring for your health, assisting others, or contributing to your community — fosters a sense of agency and purpose. Small, meaningful acts can help you stay present and remind you that your choices still matter. Joining local protest groups or demonstrations about the things you care about can give a sense of “doing something”.
It is equally important to nurture your nervous system. Deep breathing, physical movement, and mindfulness are all effective ways to reduce anxiety and build emotional resilience over time. Even more powerfully, discussing your concerns can provide relief. Feeling heard and supported alleviates the burden of fear.
It’s not easy to keep your head above water at this present moment in time. Our fate sometimes seems determined by the political will of a few (not so stable) people who hold power. Their whims and changes in policy, often just to keep their job, often affects us all. The world can seem overwhelming and fears can grip us to the extent that it can seem catastrophic. However, good mental health starts closer to home. Look at the things you can influence and disregard those that are beyond your control.
