TYLER (KYTX) - More than 40 million American adults suffer from anxiety disorders, from situational and stress-based anxieties to depression and phobias. Chances are, if you don't, you probably know someone who does.
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in this country.
We can all relate to that tense, distressed feeling, but what causes so many people to live with fear?
"Essentially hyperventilating, feels like you can't breathe in air. Sometimes there's pain associated with it," says Zach Matson.
Matson was 18 when he had his first panic attack.
"After leaving a concert was the first time it happened. [I] kind of blacked out while driving in Dallas," Matson said.
He's now a 27 year old college student living with anxiety, and he's learned to deal with his triggers.
"Going over bridges, crowds of people at times," Matson described as some of his triggers.
Small things can set off a panic attack in a person. "It kind of feels like a prison, keeps you from being yourself," Matson said.
Anxiety can also be much more generalized. "I'd say at least 50% at any one time are treated for anxiety problems. I think everyone has it at some point in their life," said Dr. Bryan Lowery, a general practitioner with Trinity Clinic. He says more patients are asking about depression and anxiety. "We have a much busier lifestyle now and a lot of stressors outside of our control that cause a lot of stress in people."
According to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America, anxiety costs the U.S. more than $42 billion a year.
People with anxiety are also 3 to 5 times more likely to go to the doctor. "Anxiety is not just stressed out, it can translate into someone being moody, irritable, or sleeping more or not as much as they're used to," says Christian-based counselor Jennifer Wood. Wood counsels people on issues from marriage to anxiety every day.
She says while medication can help a lot of people, it's not the only treatment option.
"Instead of trying to treat the symptoms, I think it's important to really dig deep and look and see what the person is really anxious about and what their heart fears," Wood said.
Overcoming fear is one thing Matson says he's done by depending on friends, family, faith and one other method.
"If you put yourself in a situation where you know you have anxiety issues, then keep recreating that until you get desensitized," Matson said.
But, Matson points out that overcoming it starts with talking."A lot of people don't talk about it. It's kind of embarrassing for most people, even myself," said Matson.
While anxiety and stress disorders are more likely to affect women, they don't discriminate when it comes to age. The elderly and even children experience symptoms of anxiety.
Only one in every three people who suffer from anxiety ever seek treatment.
