General information:
​Did You Know?

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•  Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illnesses in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults ages 18 and older, or 18% of the population. (Source: National Institute of Mental Health)
• Anxiety disorders are highly treatable, yet only about one-third of those suffering receive treatment.
• Anxiety disorders cost the U.S. more than $42 billion a year, almost one-third of the country's $148 billion total mental health bill, according to "The Economic Burden of Anxiety Disorders," a study commissioned by ADAA (The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 60(7), July 1999).
  • More than $22.84 billion of those costs are associated with the repeated use of health care services; people with anxiety disorders seek relief for symptoms that mimic physical illnesses.
• People with an anxiety disorder are three to five times more likely to go to the doctor and six times more likely to be hospitalized for psychiatric disorders than those who do not suffer from anxiety disorders.
• Anxiety disorders develop from a complex set of risk factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, personality, and life events.

Anxiety and Depression (link)
It's not uncommon for someone with an anxiety disorder to also suffer from depression or vice versa. Nearly one-half of those diagnosed with depression are also diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.
Find out more about depression.
Facts
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
GAD affects 6.8 million adults, or 3.1% of the U.S. population.
Women are twice as likely to be affected as men.
Panic Disorder
6 million, 2.7%
Women are twice as likely to be affected as men. 
Very high comorbidity rate with major depression. 

Social Anxiety Disorder
15 million, 6.8%
Equally common among men and women, typically beginning around age 13.
According to a 2007 ADAA survey, 36% of people with social anxiety disorder report experiencing symptoms for 10 or more years before seeking help.

Specific Phobias
19 million, 8.7%
Women are twice as likely to be affected as men.
Typically begins in childhood; the median age of onset is 7.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are closely related to anxiety disorders, which some may experience at the same time, along with depression.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
2.2 million, 1.0%
Equally common among men and women. 
The median age of onset is 19, with 25 percent of cases occurring by age 14. One-third of affected adults first experienced symptoms in childhood.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
7.7 million, 3.5%
Women are more likely to be affected than men. 
Rape is the most likely trigger of PTSD: 65% of men and 45.9% of women who are raped will develop the disorder. 
Childhood sexual abuse is a strong predictor of lifetime likelihood for developing PTSD.
Major Depressive Disorder
The leading cause of disability in the U.S. for ages 15 to 44.3
Affects approximately 14.8 million American adults, or about 6.7 percent of the U.S. population age 18 and older in a given year.
While major depressive disorder can develop at any age, the median age at onset is 32.5
More prevalent in women than in men.
Persistent depressive disorder, or PDD, (formerly called dysthymia) is a form of depression that usually continues for at least two years. 
Affects approximately 1.5 percent of the U.S. population age 18 and older in a given year. (about 3.3 million American adults).
The median age of onset is 31.1
Related Illnesses 
Many people with an anxiety disorder also have a co-occurring disorder or physical illness, which can make their symptoms worse and recovery more difficult. It’s essential to be treated for both disorders.
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http://www.adaa.org/about-adaa/press-room/facts-statistics

Myths & Truths

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1. Mental health medication will change my personality.

Fact: Medication does not fundamentally change your personality structure. Target symptoms may improve such as appetite, sleep and concentration, and new interests may emerge as you feel better, but introverts don’t become extroverts and rude doesn't become polite. If untoward side effects are experienced they should be discussed and treated.

2. Mental health medication is addictive.

Fact: The vast majority of medications are not addictive but must be taken regularly. The term "addiction" is not interchangeable with "tolerance"  which is a normal expectation as a body gets used to a new stabilizing substance. This may mean that increased doses are needed over time. This is NOT addiction which is a biopsychosocial disorder state.

3.Taking medication for depression means weakness.

Fact: Depression is an illness. Depressed individuals often have to try harder than most. This is one of the most common misconceptions about mental health. People with emotional illnesses have difficulty with day-to- day functioning and often feel inferior. They’ve struggled for months and years often unable to keep up. This is often reinforced by critical comments from family and friends and sanctions from employers. With appropriate diagnosis and treatment most people are capable of increasing their function. It is not a sign of weakness.

4. All antidepressants are alike.

Fact: Although they have similar efficacy, results differ for each individual and should be based on symptoms, tolerance and effectiveness.

5. If I have a mental health problem I should be able to take care of it myself.

Fact: Some mental health problems, such as mild depression or anxiety, can be relieved with support, self-help, and proper care. However, if problems or symptoms persist, a person should consult with primary care provider or a qualified mental health professional to expedite resolution.

6. If I seek help for my mental health problem, others will think I am “crazy.”

Truth: No one should delay getting treatment for a mental health problem that is not getting better, just as one would not wait to take care of a medical condition that needed treatment. Some people worry that others will avoid them if they seek treatment for their mental illness. Early treatment can produce better results. Seeking appropriate help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

7. People diagnosed with a mental illness are always ill and out of touch with reality.

Fact: Most people suffering from even the most severe of mental illnesses are in touch with reality more often than they are not. Many people quietly bear the symptoms of mental illness without ever showing signs. Most people with mental illness live productive, active lives.

8. People who have a mental illness are dangerous. ( sorry I'm taking a stand on this one based on evidence )

Fact: People who have mental illness are no more violent than is someone suffering from cancer or any other serious disease. Contrary to what some want you to believe, mental illness is NOT responsible for mass shootings ! (There is overwhelming evidence in the medical literature). But no one wants to believe us. Why? Because they fear truth will threaten to change what they are used to (having what they want) and fear most... (being wrong). Best to blame others... so they create facts ! And notice they don't ever work in this field...

9. Most people with mental illness live on the streets or are in mental hospitals.

Truth: Over two-thirds of Americans who have a mental illness live in the community and lead productive lives. Most people who need hospitalization are only there for brief periods to get treatment and are then able to return home, just like persons hospitalized for other conditions. Some people with mental illness do become homeless and could benefit from treatment and services.



More Info: Courtesy of our local Girl Scouts !

 https://www.wristbandexpress.com/content/Mental-Health-Awareness-Through-Wristbands