Consider This from NPR Anxiety Is Up. Here Are Some Tips On How To Manage It.
Dec 22, 2022
Anxiety levels have dramatically increased in the U.S., particularly since the pandemic, revealing issues with access to mental health care. Experts discuss how socioeconomic factors exacerbate this crisis, along with personal stories of those seeking help. Strategies for managing anxiety include grounding techniques to reconnect with senses and the therapeutic benefits of brief stress experiences. Listeners also learn about creating routines and embracing nature to foster resilience and mental well-being in uncertain times.
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Pandemic Uncertainty
- The pandemic created a "hotbed of uncertainty," exacerbating anxiety, says psychologist Bumi Olatunji.
- Uncertainties around restrictions, vaccinations, and school openings fueled anxiety.
Pre-existing Anxiety Trends
- Even before the pandemic, anxiety was increasing in the U.S., particularly among young adults.
- Those without college degrees and unmarried individuals also experienced higher anxiety levels.
Socioeconomic Factors and Anxiety
- Pre-existing socioeconomic gaps in anxiety widened during the pandemic.
- Those with fewer resources experienced disproportionately more anxiety due to increased stressors like job loss and death of loved ones.