Anxiety is now one of the most common mental health concerns globally. [Courtesy]
We all feel anxious sometimes. It could be before an interview, when waiting for important news, worrying about money or simply wondering what tomorrow will bring.
Anxiety is the body’s natural response to stress and can help keep us alert when we face a challenge. The problem begins when the worry becomes too intense, happens too often or starts interfering with everyday life.
Anxiety is now one of the most common mental health concerns globally. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that 359 million people were living with an anxiety disorder in 2021, making anxiety disorders the world’s most common mental disorders. Women are more affected than men, while symptoms often begin during childhood or adolescence.
Young people appear particularly vulnerable. WHO estimates that anxiety disorders affect about 4.1 per cent of children aged 10–14 and 5.3 per cent of those aged 15–19.
