ADAA Mental Health Blogs for the Public
Today I said thank you to the staff at the senior living facility where my 97-year-old grandmother lives. At the outbreak of COVID-19, she found herself hospitalized with bacterial pneumonia – nothing related to COVID-19. Just poor timing.
Feeling anxious, worried, and tense? You are not alone! Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the US, and General Anxiety Disorder (GAD) affects 6.8 million adults (or 3.1% of the population) every year (https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/facts-statistics). When feeling overwhelmed with worries and tension, the first step many people take is to ask their doctors about medication.
It is time to stop dreading anxiety.
Few things motivate escape and avoidance more than the feeling of anxiety, the sense of apprehension and worry that a catastrophic outcome may lie ahead. Sometimes we can name it: tomorrow is the big test, the first date, an upcoming check-up. Other times, we are unsure of the source of our unease.
Why Can’t I Stop Watching the News?
We are living with unprecedented levels of uncertainty. How long will it last? When will we be able to see friends and family again? Will the economy recover? How do we keep ourselves and our loved ones safe?
Much of the mental health community is moving to teletherapy. While some parents and providers have experienced this type of therapy before, for many it’s brand new! Here are 10 teletherapy tips to help kids and teens get the most out of their teletherapy sessions:
1. Find a space.
