Why Is Anxiety on the Rise? A Deeper Look into a Modern Epidemic

It’s safe to say that most people have experienced anxiety in some form at some

point in their lives. But in recent years, it seems to have become increasingly

common, especially among young people. Whether that's due to a genuine increase

in cases or simply greater openness in talking about mental health, the shift is hard

to ignore.

So, what’s behind this rise in anxiety?

The Pandemic’s Lingering Impact

One major factor could be the COVID-19 lockdowns. For children and teenagers,

these were critical years for social and emotional development years they spent

isolated from peers, routines and normal life experiences. Many young people

missed out on learning essential social skills, falling behind not only educationally

but emotionally. The aftershocks are still being felt.

Technology: A Double-Edged Sword

Then there’s the influence of technology. While it’s brought many benefits, it’s also

reshaped how we interact and how we see ourselves. Social media, in particular,

has created a constant loop of comparison, pressure to perform and exposure to

negativity. For a developing brain, that’s a heavy burden to carry. Add in reduced

physical activity and more screen time and it’s no surprise that anxiety is more

present in young lives.

It’s also true that you don’t see children playing out in the streets or in parks the

way many of us once did. That kind of unstructured, spontaneous social interaction

builds confidence, problem-solving skills, and resilience. Without it, kids may be

missing out on valuable emotional tools that help them cope with life’s ups and

downs.

Anxiety Isn’t Just a Young Person’s Struggle

Of course, anxiety doesn’t discriminate. It affects people of all ages and walks of

life. Many women going through perimenopause and menopause, for example,

report anxiety as a significant symptom. Hormonal shifts can cause changes in

mood and mental clarity, making even small tasks feel overwhelming.  When

anxiety is left unchecked, it doesn’t stay in one corner of your life, it spreads.

It can become all-consuming.

How Anxiety Can Manifest

Anxiety shows up differently for everyone. Some common symptoms include:

- Constant or excessive worry

- Trouble concentrating

- Fatigue or low energy

- Loss of interest in daily activities

- Rapid heartbeat or chest tightness

-Excessive sweating

- Feeling restless or on edge

- Low mood or irritability

What makes anxiety so difficult is that sometimes, you can’t even identify why you

feel the way you do. It’s just… there.

The Good News: Help Is Out There

The upside is that anxiety can be managed and even overcome. One powerful tool

is hypnotherapy, which helps people tap into the subconscious and re-frame

unhelpful thought patterns. A good therapist can also work with you to develop

practical techniques for managing symptoms in your day-to-day life, including

ways to promote restful sleep (which is so often disrupted by anxiety).

Alongside hypnotherapy, there are other strategies that can make a huge difference:

-Mindfulness & meditation – Grounding techniques that train the brain to

stay in the present.

- Daily exercise – Movement releases feel-good chemicals and reduces stress.

-Balanced diet – What you eat impacts your mood more than you might

think.

- Sleep hygiene – A calm night time routine and healthy sleep habits are

essential.

Final Thoughts

Anxiety is part of the human condition but in our fast-paced, digitally driven

world, it's become an all-too-familiar companion for many. While we may not

have all the answers, we can start by acknowledging the challenges and creating

space for solutions.

Whether it’s helping a young person build resilience, supporting a loved one

through menopause, or seeking help for your own struggles, there is hope. The

more we talk about anxiety openly and compassionately, the less power it has over

us.