Anxiety levels higher, thanks to pressures of modern life

The demands of modern life are making more of us anxious than ever before, it has been claimed. Researchers who carried out a detailed study found pressure at work, home and in our social lives has lead 40 per cent of the nation to now believe they suffer from some sort of anxiety. More than one in five believes they are now more fretful, edgy or tense than they were five years ago with health concerns their major worry. Others have become more stressed about taking time off work, socialising, their finances and their career.

The study, by wellness brand Healthspan, also found six in 10 of those suffering from anxiety have even sought medical advice from their doctor.

Another six in 10 have turned to exercise to try and combat the issue, while 59 per cent reliant on medications and supplements.

Dr Jen Bateman a clinical psychologist on behalf of Healthspan says: ‘The rise in both social anxiety and anxiety is due to a range of factors. Our lives are becoming busier and can feel overwhelming - we’re constantly striving for more and better.”

 “Worldwide events are being streamed into the phone in the palm of our hands in our highly-connected digital worlds, and it’s challenging to ‘switch-off’, which our brains need to rest and stay calm. The constant stream of demands and data is overpowering for many, especially for those with a vulnerability to developing anxiety,” she adds.

The study also found 62 per cent of people believe life is becoming increasingly more anxiety-provoking with the average adult rating their anxiety levels at almost three out of five – with five being very severe. One in 20 put their anxiety at a full five.

It also emerged anxiety sufferers will struggle four times a day with their condition, but more than three quarters will keep it quiet from others around them.

Anxiety has a huge effect on the lives of some sufferers though with almost one in 10 saying the condition led to them losing their job while another 19 per cent quit their role.

Sufferers have also seen others end relationships (19percent), lose friends (27percent), put on weight (36percent) or avoid socialising (43percent).

Worryingly, the study, carried out via OnePoll.com, found many are suffering in silence with just 28 percent admitting they feel comfortable talking to their friends or work colleagues about their anxiety.

Dr Sarah Brewer added: “A tsunami of anxiety is impacting all areas of people’s lives and health.” n

Source: mirror.com