This page is for general education and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a qualified professional. If this is an emergency, call 911 or 988.
Talk to someone about treatment options
Reach the free, confidential SAMHSA National Helpline for treatment referrals and information.
This is the free, confidential SAMHSA National Helpline, operated by the U.S. government. Get Mental Help is not affiliated with it and is not compensated for these calls. How this site is funded.
Anxiety is one of the most common — and most treatable — mental health experiences. Everyone feels anxious sometimes, but an anxiety disorder involves worry or fear that is persistent, out of proportion to the situation, and disruptive to everyday life. The encouraging part: you don’t have to figure out the path forward alone, and effective help is available wherever you live.
Key facts
- Anxiety disorders are the most common group of mental health conditions. NIMH estimates about 19% of U.S. adults have an anxiety disorder in a given year.
- An estimated 301 million people were living with an anxiety disorder worldwide in 2019 (WHO).
- Anxiety disorders are highly treatable, yet many people who could benefit never reach out for care (APA).
- Anxiety shows up in the body, thoughts, and behavior — many physical symptoms come from the body’s fight-or-flight response, not from “overthinking.”
What anxiety feels like
Anxiety can show up in the body (racing heart, muscle tension, trouble sleeping), in thoughts (constant worry, expecting the worst, trouble concentrating), and in behavior (avoiding things that feel threatening). For a fuller picture, see anxiety symptoms and what causes anxiety.
Anxiety isn’t a single condition. Several distinct disorders share anxiety as a core feature — read about the types of anxiety, including panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and agoraphobia.
Your treatment options
Think of treatment as a few proven building blocks you and a professional combine to fit your situation:
- Therapy — usually first. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a first-line, evidence-based treatment for anxiety, and exposure-based approaches are especially effective for phobias and panic. See therapy for anxiety.
- Medication. Several medications — commonly SSRIs or SNRIs — can reduce symptoms. A prescriber helps you weigh the options. See anxiety medication.
- Combination. Many people do best with therapy and medication together.
- Levels of care. Most anxiety is treated in regular outpatient visits; for more intensive needs there are structured programs. Our treatment guides explain the differences.
Recovery is realistic — see what recovery from anxiety usually looks like.
What happens when you call
If you use the helpline on this page, here’s exactly what to expect — no surprises:
- A treatment specialist answers and asks a few questions about what you’re going through and what kind of help you’re looking for.
- It’s a no-pressure conversation. There’s no obligation to enter treatment, and you can stop any time.
- This is an advertising-supported service: calls are answered by a paid advertiser, not by Get Mental Help, and we don’t take a fee based on which provider you choose. If you’d rather not use it, the free SAMHSA National Helpline (1-800-662-4357) and 988 are always available.
Check in on your symptoms
Not sure how much anxiety is affecting you? Take a private, two-minute, non-diagnostic anxiety self-check. Nothing is saved, and it can help you decide whether to reach out.
Find anxiety help in your state
Options, costs, and coverage differ by state. Use Find Help by State for the mental-health agency, Medicaid coverage, crisis lines, and free or low-cost options where you live — part of our State of Mental Health Access data.
What treatment costs
Cost depends on the type of care, your insurance, and your state — so there’s no single number. A few things that help:
- Insurance and Medicaid generally cover mental health treatment; coverage varies by plan and state.
- Free and low-cost options exist everywhere — 988, the free SAMHSA National Helpline, community mental health centers, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), and sliding-scale clinics.
- A specialist (or your state’s resources) can help you find care that fits your budget.
From our clinical review. Anxiety convinces people that waiting is safer than reaching out. In practice the opposite is usually true — the earlier you start, the easier it tends to be. Asking about your options is not a commitment; it’s just information.
If anxiety is affecting your life, support is available. Talk to someone about your options now — it’s free to call and there’s no obligation.
Frequently asked questions
Is anxiety a mental illness?
Occasional anxiety is a normal part of life. An anxiety disorder is different — the worry is persistent, excessive, and interferes with daily life. Anxiety disorders are common and treatable.
Can anxiety be cured?
Many people experience significant relief or full remission with treatment such as therapy, medication, or both. The goal is usually effective management and recovery of daily functioning rather than never feeling anxious again.
How common are anxiety disorders?
Very common. NIMH estimates that about 19% of U.S. adults experience an anxiety disorder in a given year, and the WHO estimated roughly 301 million people were living with an anxiety disorder worldwide in 2019.
Sources
- Anxiety Disorders — National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
- Anxiety disorders — Fact sheet — World Health Organization (WHO)
- Anxiety — American Psychological Association (APA)
- Anxiety — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine
Reviewed against the sources above. This page is educational and is not medical advice.
Talk to someone about treatment options
Reach the free, confidential SAMHSA National Helpline for treatment referrals and information.
This is the free, confidential SAMHSA National Helpline, operated by the U.S. government. Get Mental Help is not affiliated with it and is not compensated for these calls. How this site is funded.