The Anxiety Awareness Month takes place in May. Do you know that the ancient Greeks and Romans suffered from anxiety so much that philosophers then suggested treatments for it? Anxiety is the most common mental disorder plaguing humans. This is because its triggers are things that every human has to experience in a lifetime. For some, it is momentary. For others, it happens repeatedly, even for trivial reasons. Whichever it is, we have all been anxious about uncertain occurrences before!
History of Anxiety Awareness Month
Anxiety Awareness Month is celebrated together with Mental Health Awareness Month — both of which fall in May. Anxiety is such a significant issue that a week of Mental Health Awareness Month is dedicated to discussing, raising awareness about, and providing guidance on how to best manage it. Since 1949, Mental Health America, an organization concerned with mental health in the U.S. has been observing May as mental health month. Part of their activities in the month is to inform and enlighten the public on various aspects of mental health, of which anxiety stands out.
Anxiety, and its extension, anxiety disorder, has been said to be an illness rarely known before the 19th century. In contrast, anxiety has been identified as a negative effect and disorder by Greco-Roman philosophers and physicians. For example, Plato recorded a case of acute anxiety in women in one of his books (or books attributed to him.) This makes anxiety a lingering problem right from antiquity. Further evidence lies in the fact that philosophers in the far past suggested treatments for the mental imbalance that are not too detached from the cognitive ones available today.
Although it has been known, anxiety was not considered a separate illness, but rather a symptom of melancholy a few centuries back. Robert Burton’s treatise, “The Anatomy of Melancholy” published in 1621 confirms this. In the late 19th and 20th centuries, however, anxiety began to be recognized as a distinct entity. Sigmund Freud for example, coined many of the terms used today for various anxiety disorders, a sign that the illness was being studied independently.
Anxiety Awareness Month timeline
Epicurius suggests 'ataraxia' as a means of ridding oneself of anxiety.
Burton publishes his treatise on melancholy.
Anxiety becomes a key component in various diagnostic categories.
Anxiety disorders are classified in the "Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders III” (DSM-III).
Anxiety Awareness Month FAQs
When should I be worried about anxiety?
Every human feels anxious at least once in a lifetime, and anxiety is a natural phenomenon. However, if you continually and constantly feel anxious about everyday occurrences, then you should be worried.
What does anxiety feel like?
If you are anxious, you become restless, your palms become sweaty, your throat dries up, and you start to sweat profusely. Other people can have other serious signs but generally, the above are present in most cases.
How can I calm my anxiety?
Different people employ different ways of calming themselves down when anxious. Therapists usually begin by asking patients to state what is making them anxious before proceeding to other measures. Generally, talking to someone, consoling yourself with some optimistic words, taking your mind off the cause of the anxiety, or for religious people, praying, may calm one’s anxiety.
How to Observe Anxiety Awareness Month
Reassure yourself
Be confident. Be optimistic. Stay inspired and sweep out that feeling of anxiety from your system.
Ease others' anxiety about future uncertainties
Go out and inspire your loved ones. Encourage them by telling them that they are the best person to deal with future uncertainties.
Visit a therapist
Tried to be less anxious about something but it's not working? Then visit that therapist and pour out your worries. We bet you won't leave them without being reassured.
5 Interesting Facts About Anxiety
It progresses to a disorder if persistent
Anxiety could turn into a disorder if it is so frequent one gets unusually perturbed about mundane things.
It is not completely curable
Cures for anxiety are never 100% effective as getting anxious is a natural part of life.
It returns
Anxiety returns even when one has mastered overcoming it.
Sleeping reduces it
Some medications for anxiety such as ‘benzodiazepines’ work by inducing deep, undisturbed sleep.
Special diets help reduce it
Yogurt, green tea, salmon, and dark chocolates have been adjudged to reduce the feeling of anxiety.
Why Anxiety Awareness Month is Important
It enlightens us
This day ensures that we are adequately informed about the factors and effects associated with anxiety in our lives. Learn all there is to know.
Mental health is important
Nobody can be as fully productive as they could be if their mental health is affected. Good mental health leads to a happy life.
Optimism is a virtue
Anxiety can take a great toll on one's level of optimism about life. We love National Anxiety Month because we become inspired and reassured about the future.
Anxiety Awareness Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | May 1 | Thursday |
| 2026 | May 1 | Friday |
| 2027 | May 1 | Saturday |
| 2028 | May 1 | Monday |
| 2029 | May 1 | Tuesday |
