Mental Health
Anxiety and Mental Health
An overview of anxiety disorders within mental health more broadly, and the absence of a direct county anxiety measure.
Beginner explanation
Feeling anxious is a normal part of life. Anxiety disorders are different: the anxiety does not go away, appears in many situations and can get worse over time, interfering with work, school and relationships.[1]
NIMH reports that about a third of U.S. adolescents and adults experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. With the right treatment and support, people can manage anxiety and improve their quality of life.[1, 2]
If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org. In a life-threatening situation, call 911.[2, 3]
Key definitions
- Stress
- The physical or mental response to an external cause, such as a heavy workload or an illness.
- Anxiety
- The body’s reaction to stress, which can occur even when there is no current threat.
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Excessive, hard-to-control worry on most days for at least 6 months, with symptoms such as restlessness, fatigue, poor concentration, irritability, muscle tension or sleep problems.
- Other anxiety disorders
- Panic disorder, social anxiety disorder and various phobia-related disorders.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- A well-studied talk therapy that helps people notice and change unhelpful thought and behavior patterns.
Condition characteristics
People with GAD may:[2]
- Worry excessively about everyday things and find it hard to control the worry
- Feel irritable, “on edge” or restless
- Have trouble concentrating or sleeping, or feel tired
- Have headaches, muscle aches, stomachaches or tension
- Tremble, sweat, feel lightheaded or out of breath
Source[2]
GAD develops gradually and usually starts in early adulthood. Symptoms often worsen during stressful times. In severe anxiety disorders, people may feel intense fear in ordinary situations, avoid social contact or not want to leave home.[1, 2]
Risk factors
GAD can run in families, but its exact cause is unknown. Research points to a mix of genetics, brain chemistry, biology and environment; traumatic events and stressful environments may raise risk. Women are more likely than men to experience GAD.[2]
Anxiety often occurs with other conditions, including depression, other anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic pain, cardiovascular problems and substance misuse.[2]
CDC notes that mental health is shaped by factors at the individual, family, community and society levels, such as social isolation, discrimination and lack of access to housing, health care and education.[3]
Prevention and public health context
Treatment usually involves psychotherapy, medication or both. CBT is commonly used for GAD; acceptance and commitment therapy is another option. Support groups and healthy habits can help but do not replace treatment.[2]
CDC promotes preventing mental health conditions before they develop or worsen by reducing risk factors and strengthening protective factors such as social connection, stable relationships, positive coping skills and access to care.[3]
Texas data context
There is no direct county-level measure of anxiety disorders, so MedEquity does not map one. The closest related PLACES measure is frequent mental distress: adults who report that their mental health — including stress, depression and problems with emotions — was not good on 14 or more of the past 30 days.[4]
Frequent mental distress is a measure of self-reported distress, not a diagnosis of anxiety or any other disorder.[4]
Related measures on the Explore map
- Frequent mental distress among adults (modeled estimate)
Advanced material (optional)
Some anxiety medicines carry trade-offs. NIMH notes that benzodiazepines can reduce anxiety quickly but may lead to tolerance or dependence, so they are often prescribed only for short periods; antidepressants used for GAD can take several weeks to work. Medication decisions belong with a health professional.[2]
References
- Anxiety Disorders. National Institute of Mental Health (NIH). https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders (accessed 2026-10-18).
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder: What You Need to Know. National Institute of Mental Health (NIH). https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/generalized-anxiety-disorder-gad (accessed 2026-10-18).
- About Mental Health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/mental-health/about/index.html (accessed 2026-10-18).
- PLACES Measure Definitions: Health Status. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/places/measure-definitions/health-status.html (accessed 2026-10-18).