Anxiety has become one of the major mental health problems of the 21st century. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 359 million people worldwide suffer from some form of anxiety disorder, and the numbers continue to rise. The data is particularly worrying, as it is more common in women. Experts explain the main symptoms and how to identify them so that they can be treated in time.
Anxiety is a problem that has multiple causes, from economic uncertainty to work pressure, lack of rest, or excessive use of social media. As experts point out, anxiety, far from being a simple passing feeling, can seriously affect quality of life, personal relationships, and performance at work or school. In addition, many people do not seek professional help, which aggravates the symptoms and delays treatment. They therefore insist on the need to raise awareness of the problem, break down stigmas, and promote access to effective psychological therapies that allow people to regain emotional balance, such as those offered by ProyectoArt.com, one of the leading English-speaking clinics in Barcelona with an online presence for remote therapy.
Among the main symptoms, professionals in the sector warn, are feelings of nervousness, as well as a sense of imminent danger or panic, but also physical symptoms related to an increased heart rate or rapid breathing.
Current figures on anxiety according to the WHO
Anxiety has become one of the most widespread mental disorders on the planet. According to the latest reports from the World Health Organization (WHO), in Europe alone, it is estimated that more than 15% of the population experiences symptoms of anxiety at some point in their lives, and the figures are rising, especially among young people. The WHO warns that anxiety not only affects emotional well-being, but also has a direct impact on physical health, concentration, and work performance. In fact, it is estimated that anxiety disorders are responsible for millions of lost workdays each year.
Symptoms of anxiety and how they affect us
Anxiety manifests itself in very different ways depending on the person, but it usually includes a combination of physical, emotional, and cognitive symptoms. Among the most common are rapid heartbeat, excessive sweating, muscle tension, feeling of suffocation, dizziness, insomnia, and digestive discomfort. On a psychological level, experts explain, it is common to feel constant worry, intrusive thoughts, or irrational fear in certain situations. Although in small doses anxiety can be an adaptive response of the body—a natural reaction to danger or stress—when it becomes persistent and disproportionate, it turns into a disabling disorder. People who suffer from it describe a feeling of constant alarm, as if something negative were about to happen at any moment. This can lead to panic attacks, social isolation, difficulty concentrating, and a progressive loss of motivation.
There are several types of anxiety: generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, specific phobias, social anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder are the most common. They all share a common element, which is a disproportionate response by the nervous system to stimuli that do not pose a real danger. Furthermore, the impact of anxiety is not limited to the mind. Several studies have shown that it can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, weaken the immune system, and alter hormonal balance. Therefore, health professionals recommend paying attention to the early signs and not minimizing symptoms, as early treatment significantly improves recovery and reduces relapses.
Tips for treating anxiety
Treating anxiety requires a comprehensive strategy that combines healthy habits, relaxation techniques, and, in many cases, professional support. Psychology and psychiatry specialists agree that there is no universal formula, but there are a number of measures that help reduce stress levels and restore emotional balance. One of the most effective tools is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a psychological approach that teaches patients to identify and modify the distorted thoughts that fuel anxiety. Through practical exercises and gradual exposure techniques, patients learn to manage situations that cause discomfort. In some cases, treatment may be supplemented with anti-anxiety or antidepressant medication, always under medical supervision.
In addition to therapy, specialists recommend practicing relaxation techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing, meditation, or mindfulness, which help reduce the activity of the sympathetic nervous system. Regular physical exercise, especially activities such as yoga, swimming, or cycling, has also been shown to be a powerful mood regulator by releasing endorphins and improving sleep quality. On the other hand, they advise maintaining a balanced daily routine, with regular rest times and a healthy diet. Excessive consumption of caffeine, alcohol or tobacco can worsen symptoms, so reducing or eliminating them is recommended. It is also important to lean on your close circle, talk openly about the problem, and avoid isolation, one of the factors that most aggravates anxiety.
Finally, experts remind us that seeking professional help is not a sign of weakness, but of strength. Seeing a psychologist or psychiatrist allows for an accurate diagnosis and the most appropriate treatment for each case. Anxiety can be solved, and the sooner you take action, the easier it will be to regain emotional well-being and return to a full and balanced life.
