Anxiety is the most common mental illness in the United States. Some anxiety is normal, and in fact healthy. This feeling of anxiety is a way our body tells us we are encountering a difficult situation or that something is wrong. Though everyone gets anxious at times, it is when it is persistent, seemingly uncontrollable, and overwhelming that it can be distressing and be classified as an anxiety disorder. When anxiety is so debilitating that it interferes with one's daily activities, it may classified as an anxiety disorder.

Anxiety refers to a wide class of disorders, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Though there is no one reason why people develop anxiety disorders, it may be influenced by genetics, brain chemistry, personality, and life events. Counseling for anxiety focuses on identifying, understanding, and changing thinking and behavior patterns.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder refers to a persistent, excessive, and unrealistic worry about everyday things. People with this issue expect the worst even when there is no apparent reason for concern. It is normal for people to be worried about their finances, but if you worry about the economy or your finances for many hours every day, you may have an anxiety disorder. Anxiety can be effectively treated with therapy, medication, or a combination of both. Though anxiety and stress are not the same, stress management techniques can help in overcoming some anxieties.