Myths vs. facts about Anxiety

• Myth: Anxiety disorder occurs mostly in adults.

Fact: Anxiety affects both children and adults. Around 7% of children aged 5-17 years have diagnosed anxiety.

• Myth: Anxiety is not a real illness. It is just in your head.

Fact: Anxiety is a REAL illness. It is high time that it should not be ignored and people must take anxiety as a serious illness.

• Myth: It is normal if you are stressed out. 

Fact: Everyone has fear and it is normal if you feel stressed sometimes. But when it starts interrupting your life and affecting your mental state, it is time when you stop ignoring it and take action.

• Myth: Medicine is the only treatment for anxiety disorder.

Fact: Medication helps in controlling severe anxiety but it is not the only treatment. You need to change the way you react. Have optimistic thinking. Therapy plays a significant role in developing your mindset and have positive approach towards life.

• Myth: If you have anxiety, you should avoid situations which cause stress.

Fact: Some people like to come out of the shell and overcome their fear and phobia to beat their anxiety. It is a good practice which helps in improving their mental state. Avoidance can make things worse.

• Myth: Anxiety lasts for a lifetime.

Fact: People think that anxiety is a serious problem they have to live for lifetime. But that is not the case. Anxiety disorder is a treatable disease and can be cured completely when necessary action is taken.

Here are some facts which need our attention:

1. 1 in 7 Indians suffer from mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
2. 60% of the women are more likely to have anxiety disorder than men.
3. About 40 million adults Between ages 18-54  have anxiety disorder.