Everybody gets nervous sometimes—it’s only natural. But people with anxiety disorders experience persistent, disturbing feelings that overwhelm them and disrupt their everyday lives. Anxiety disorders are surprisingly common; it’s likely that somebody you know is living with one.
So, what can you do about it? Get familiar with the different manifestations of anxiety disorder, then teach your friends. Help to take away the stigma associated with mental illness by accepting and reaching out to people with anxiety disorders. Above all, understand that most people with mental illnesses are dealing with a conquerable challenge—and your support can help.
