By Phil Rosenbaum
Did you know that according to the National Institute of Health, over 31% of adults experience an anxiety disorder at some time in their lives? In the past year, 19% of adults in the United States had an anxiety disorder. It was higher for females (23.4%) than for males (14.3%). For adolescents aged 12 to 18, almost 32% had an anxiety disorder. The most common mental health issues in the U.S. are anxiety disorders. The most common anxiety disorders are phobias. Many mental health consultants blame the internet and social media for the rise of anxiety in teens and those in their early twenties.
“Fear of Missing Out” (FOMC) is a consistent factor contributing to anxiety. One surprising factor is that social media actually makes people feel more lonely, according to an article in Psychology Today. Social media is believed to be addictive and produces the same increase in dopamine that people get from drugs.
Here are the latest figures about anxiety. Currently, 6.8 million Americans are struggling with Anxiety Disorder. Six million are affected by Panic Disorder. Fifteen million Americans struggle with Social Anxiety disorder and 19 million with Specific Phobia Disorder.
Many people have problems with worry. While this may not be as serious as an anxiety disorder, it can cause great discomfort. Perhaps you are always waiting for disaster to strike or worry excessively about health, family, work, or school issues. Spending your time worrying certainly takes the fun out of life.
In a booklet by Paramahansa Yogananda, a Hindu Monk, Yogi, and Guru, entitled Ridding The Consciousness of Worry, he suggests that instead of wasting your time worrying, think positively about how the cause of the problem can be removed. If lack of money is the issue, he suggests you make a determination to “shake the world to get your share.” He states that it is not God or fate but your own “pronouncement in yourself that keeps you poor and worried.” He says, “Success and failure are determined in your own mind.” In other words, it is not outside factors that are the culprit but rather what you are doing to yourself. This is what needs to be changed.
Of course, if worry or anxiety is overwhelming, seeking therapy or counseling may be necessary. Some tips to reduce worry and anxiety include:
- Deep breathing.
- Meditation.
- Using Essential Oils such as Lavender to help one calm down.
- Getting a good night’s sleep.
Being continually connected to social media may contribute to the problem. It also can result in self-esteem issues and add pressure to conform.
Another very effective method for reducing worry and anxiety is using hypnosis. Hypnotherapy can be extremely helpful in reducing stress and enabling one to become more relaxed. It can also allow one to find out what factors from one’s past are contributing to the pattern of worry or anxiety.
If you would like to learn more about hypnosis or experience a session, please call Phil Rosenbaum at 248-688-6469. And, as Yogananda suggests, “Don’t waste your time worrying.”
