Evidence of anxiety disorders can be traced back through much of history — even the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates described patients with symptoms that modern medical professionals consider signs of social anxiety or phobia. Today, research suggests that anxiety disorders are as prevalent as ever: according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, approximately 42 million American adults live with an anxiety disorder, and according to the World Health Organization, anxiety affects as many as 1 in 13 people worldwide.
If you are among those who struggle with an anxiety disorder and your symptoms are interfering with your daily life, you should know that there are ways to take control of your anxiety. We understand that these disorders can make you feel trapped, isolated or hopeless, but there are many effective ways to manage anxiety — if you take the first step and ask for help, you will find that there are many people and groups who want to support you and help you heal.