How to Reduce Stress and Anxiety

Medically reviewed by Dr. Mark Hrymoc, M.D.
man by ocean who learned how to reduce stress and anxiety

The most recent Workplace in America Survey reveals that 77% of respondents experienced work-related stress in the month before the survey. Common complaints were emotional exhaustion, irritability, anger, and lack of support. Other research found that 50% of Americans aged 18-24, 38% of those 25 to 49, and 29% of those 50 to 64 have symptoms of an anxiety or depressive disorder. Stress and anxiety may also be underreported by many Americans simply because they may not realize they exhibit the symptoms or think what they are going through is a part of aging. Reducing stress and anxiety leads to benefits to your overall health. What Is Stress and Anxiety? It is common to see the terms stress and anxiety used interchangeably in reports. While they are related and affect each other, they are different. Stress and anxiety cause physical and psychological bodily responses. External factors usually trigger stress, like …

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Does Anxiety Get Worse with Age?

Medically reviewed by Dr. Mark Hrymoc, M.D.
Does Anxiety Get Worse with Age

Does anxiety get worse with age? Anxiety doesn’t necessarily worsen with age, but older adults may experience increased anxiety due to factors like health issues, loss of loved ones, or changes in living situations. Treatment and coping strategies can help manage anxiety, but it’s essential to consider individual circumstances to understand how age may affect it. Anxiety is normal and can sometimes be a good thing. Anxiety can motivate you to seek safety in a dangerous situation. For some, anxiety occurs for no apparent reason. Or something that may cause others to feel only slightly anxious causes you to feel an overwhelming sense of dread and fear. You may start sweating, feel your muscles tense, and notice your heart racing. You may even begin to panic. Symptoms like these can happen at any age. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America reports that nearly 32% of adolescents between 13 and …

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Coping Skills for Adults with Anxiety

Medically reviewed by Dr. Mark Hrymoc, M.D.
man listening to music, one of many coping skills for adults with anxiety

When anxiety hits, it can seem like an eternity until your symptoms subside. Many times you aren’t sure why you are experiencing anxiety, and your brain won’t let you think of positive ways to alleviate your symptoms. You feel like you must wait it out. Fortunately, coping skills for adults with anxiety can help.  Currently, your thoughts and behaviors may lead you to react to stressful situations negatively. Learning coping skills for adults with anxiety means changing your thoughts and behaviors so that you respond rationally and appropriately. If your goal is to cope with anxiety, keep reading to learn how to develop skills to help you succeed.  Understand The Need for Coping Skills for Adults with Anxiety Knowledge can be powerful when fighting anxiety. Sometimes anxiety occurs due to fear of the unknown. If you know why you get anxious, you will find it easier to overcome. Anxiety is …

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10 Signs of High-functioning Anxiety

signs of high-functioning anxiety

Medically reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, MD Signs of high-functioning anxiety may include constant overthinking, a tendency to worry excessively, perfectionism, a need for reassurance, difficulty in saying no, over-commitment, restless sleep, and physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches. Despite these, individuals often maintain successful, seemingly ‘normal’ lives, masking their internal struggles. The 2023 Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey found that 32% of American adults have anxiety symptoms, with nearly 50% being between 18 and 24. The second highest percentage, 38%, is with adults between 25 and 49 and 29% of those between 50 and 64.  According to statistics, the age group between 25 and 54 is the prime working age, with 76% working full and part-time jobs. Five percent are unemployed but searching for a job.  These statistics suggest that many people with anxiety symptoms work full and part-time jobs. They fall into a “high functioning” group, meaning they have …

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The Polyvagal Theory: How to Calm the Body

polyvagal theory

By Ashley Barnes, M.S. AMFT What is Polyvagal Theory? Polyvagal Theory explains the impact that our nervous system has on our experience of threat and safety. Shifts in our autonomic nervous system (which regulates involuntary physiological processes like heart rate, respiration, digestion, etc.) produces key states of being: rest-and-digest (safe), fight-or-flight (unsafe, mobilization), or shutdown (unsafe, freeze). The autonomic nervous system is composed of three divisions, two of which are the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.  If we have unresolved trauma in our past, struggle with chronic stress, or experience anxiety and depression, we may live in a version of perpetual fight-or-flight. This is hard on the body and can lead to many adverse health outcomes, both physical and mental. What is the Vagus Nerve? Central to Polyvagal Theory is the vagus nerve, “is the longest cranial nerve in the body, containing both motor and sensory functions in both the …

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