By R.J. Melby, Writer/Reporter

Living with an anxiety disorder is like living with a nitpicking roommate. You constantly hear jabs at your self-esteem and your stability, making you question if you’re good enough, what you could have done differently in the past, or about what the future may bring. There are days when you wake up with a hot ball in your stomach, your mouth dry as a desert, and a head spinning over a singular thought.

According to the MN Department of Health, “Nearly one quarter of Minnesota adults report being diagnosed with anxiety by a health care professional” (2023), with 17.5% being male and 30.7% being female. It is most common in those 18-24 years of age (at 35.4%) and 25-44 years of age (at 33.7%). It is the most common mental disorder, affecting an estimated 359 million people, according to a 2021 study by the World Health Organization. And yet, it’s not something one talks about in everyday discussion, often because it makes one feel weaker and exposed, and yet its effects are felt heavily. It can even get to the point where it’s hard to muster the energy to get to work.

And yet, despite the statistics, only an estimated 1 in 4 people get the treatment they need. Anxiety starts with how the brain reacts to stress. The amygdala signals when there is a perceived threat, and then the hypothalamus causes a hormonal and neural response, which triggers increased heart rate and blood pressure. In short according to Psychology Today, regarding the anxious mind, “the amygdala essentially overpowers the prefrontal cortex.” This can be beneficial in life-threatening situations, but for many suffering with an anxiety disorder, this can make it difficult to even go to the grocery store.

It’s important to be able to recognize the warning signs of an anxiety disorder so one can get the help they need. There are various resources for self-care, like through the practice of mindfulness meditation, which one can find countless apps and videos online for. Breathing exercises and even taking short walks can do wonders for mental health, essentially giving a hard reset to an overactive mind.

The best way forward is to be open about anxiety disorders so we can better understand and treat them. One doesn’t have to take on the burden alone. Metro State University offers various resources for those struggling with mental health. Through an open dialogue on the subject, we can more likely live with some peace of mind.

For more information, visit The Metro State University Mental Health and Wellness
Resources page: https://www.metrostate.edu/students/support/mental-health-wellness-resources