anxiety is a normal human emotion that functions as an alarm system warning us of a perceived danger well anxiety is necessary for our very survival millions of Americans suffer from a level of anxiety that makes daily functioning difficult anxiety disorders are the most common mental health condition affecting almost 20% of the u.s. population anxiety disorders are a complex class of mental health conditions that include panic disorders social anxiety disorder OCD generalized anxiety disorder and phobias symptoms of anxiety disorders can include constant worry a sense of dread difficulty sleeping irritability and an avoidance of social activities people who live with the increased stress that chronic anxiety causes are at higher risk for conditions like heart disease stroke obesity and some cancers in children and teens anxiety disorders often take the form of chronic stomach pain anger and avoidant activities and friends the good news is that with the right information some time and consistent practice anxiety disorders are treatable some common anxiety Buster's that we can all do include meditation exercise maintaining a healthy diet good sleep hygiene and finding a person we trust to talk with about our anxiety for more severe cases of anxiety disorders it is important to seek out professional counsel and guidance in some cases medication may be helpful to reduce the most severe symptoms so if you or someone you love are suffering from any of these challenges you are not alone all around you people from all walks of life are dealing with this challenging condition please don't suffer in silence reach out speak up and learn to fear only that which is fearful