- Categories:
- Health
- Tags:
- AwarenessEducationalMental Health
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- 1st Wednesday of May
- Holiday emoji:
- 🧠
National Anxiety Disorders Screening Day is observed every first Wednesday in May, highlighting the critical importance of mental health screenings. Take action by recognizing symptoms, seeking professional guidance, and exploring available resources to manage anxiety effectively.
Want to sponsor National Anxiety Disorders Screening Day? Learn how
Expected National Anxiety Disorders Screening Day Deals
On National Anxiety Disorders Screening Day, the focus shifts from commercial deals to vital support and awareness initiatives. Organizations like the Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA), National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and Mental Health America (MHA) often promote free or low-cost online screening tools and educational resources. Mental wellness apps such as Calm and Headspace may offer trial extensions or special content to encourage self-care. Online therapy platforms like BetterHelp sometimes provide introductory discounts or free consultations. Look for local community centers and universities hosting free public screenings and informational sessions. We will update this page with confirmed live resources and events as May 6 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Anxiety Disorders Screening Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #AnxietyScreeningDay. Share infographics on anxiety symptoms or personal stories of resilience.
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Mention @NatlToday and use #MentalHealthMatters. Join conversations about reducing stigma and share links to screening resources.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #AnxietyAwareness. Host a live Q&A with a mental health professional.
National Anxiety Disorders Screening Day Hero
Dr. David Barlow
History of National Anxiety Disorders Screening Day
Latin and Greek doctors and philosophers recognized anxiety as separate from other types of negative states and identified it as a medical disorder. Epicurean and Stoic philosophers in ancient times suggested techniques to reach an anxiety-free state of mind that largely resemble modern cognitive psychology.
Unfortunately, there was a long interval between classical antiquity and the late 19th century where anxiety was not classified as a separate illness. However, people kept reporting typical cases of anxiety disorders, albeit under different names.
In the 18th century, Boissier de Sauvages published a nosology that acknowledged panic attacks and generalized anxiety disorder as ‘panophobias.’ Later in the 19th century, the term ‘neurasthenia’ was coined to describe a medical condition with fatigue, headache, and irritability as symptoms. These anxiety symptoms were an essential component of such new disease constructs.
In India, people used numerous ayurvedic herbs for centuries in traditional medicine to calm the mind and positively enhance their mood. The most common ones were Brahmi, Gotu kola, and ashwagandha.
Before advancements in medicine, ancient treatments included using various herbs and balms (medieval times), hydropathy (subjecting the body to extreme temperatures), bathing in extremely cold streams and rivers, health spas, and blood-letting using leeches. However as psychoanalysis gained traction and with the rise of Freud, people started embracing therapy as a solution to anxiety disorders.
Even though anxiety disorders have been officially recognized only recently, they have existed all throughout our history. Numerous influential people in history have reported experiencing anxiety disorders and panic attacks, like Johnny Depp, Adele, Selena Gomez, Abraham Lincoln, and Winston Churchill.
National Anxiety Disorders Screening Day timeline
Burton publishes “The Anatomy of Melancholy,” an encyclopedic review of the writings on anxiety from Antiquity up to the 17th century.
Anxiety becomes a key component of several new diagnostic categories, from neurasthenia to neuroses.
Thorazine is introduced in Fulton Hospital, Missouri, as a psychotropic drug for calming anxiety, unruly behavior, agitation, and confusion.
Anxiety disorders are officially recognized by the American Psychiatric Association.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Anxiety Disorders Screening Day
Local businesses can observe National Anxiety Disorders Screening Day by fostering a supportive environment for mental well-being. Consider offering informational pamphlets from mental health organizations in waiting areas or break rooms. Businesses might also host a free, anonymous online screening event for employees, followed by a discussion on available support resources. Partnering with a local mental health professional for a brief, educational lunchtime seminar can also be a valuable way to raise awareness and reduce stigma.
National Anxiety Disorders Screening Day FAQs
When is National Anxiety Disorders Screening Day?
In 2027, National Anxiety Disorders Screening Day will be observed on Wednesday, May 5. It serves as a crucial reminder to prioritize mental wellness through early detection.
How common are anxiety disorders?
Globally, anxiety disorders are estimated to affect hundreds of millions of people, with a significant portion of those cases remaining undiagnosed or untreated, underscoring the need for awareness.
What is anxiety screening?
The purpose of anxiety screening is to facilitate early detection, which can lead to more effective treatment and improved long-term outcomes for individuals experiencing anxiety symptoms.
Is anxiety a normal emotion?
While normal anxiety is a temporary response, an anxiety disorder involves intense and prolonged feelings of fear or worry that are disproportionate to the situation, often requiring professional intervention.
How to Observe National Anxiety Disorders Screening Day
Read books about anxiety disorders
There are numerous books with practical tips on positive ways of managing anxiety and related disorders. Some examples include” The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook (4th Edition)” by E.J. Bourne and “Mind over Mood” by D. Greenberger and C. Pedesky. These resources can help you and your loved ones achieve mental wellness.
Practice relaxation techniques
Relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises are fantastic for reducing stress and managing anxiety. Take a few moments on this holiday to practice some of them. You could also opt for other treatments, such as aromatherapy, massage, mindfulness meditation, shiatsu, and tai chi.
Have conversations about anxiety and wellness
As much as mental wellness is widely talked about today, it’s still a subject with a stigma attached to it. Talking with your friends and family about anxiety disorders helps to demystify the topic.
5 Interesting Facts About Anxiety
Anxiety can be a good thing
Mild anxiety can keep you safe by helping you stay alert to your surroundings.
It’s a normal response to stressful events
Most people view anxiety negatively but it’s only a problem when we react to it in ways that are counterproductive to a rich and meaningful life.
Exercise helps decrease symptoms
Even a 30-minute run or a quick walk around the block are excellent and quick mood boosters.
Anxiety can cause memory problems
People who suffer from anxiety often struggle with staying in the present moment, which often makes them forgetful.
Anxiety comes with physical symptoms
It has serious effects on one’s physical state by causing nausea, weakness, shortness of breath, hot flashes, rapid heart rate, or dizziness.
Why National Anxiety Disorders Screening Day is Important
It raises awareness
The world still needs to have more conversations about mental wellness. National Anxiety Disorders Screening Day is a perfect driver for this.
We learn about advances in treatment
Anxiety disorders are challenging to handle. New treatment options go a long way in improving the quality of life of those dealing with anxiety.
It shows love to those with anxiety
Since mental health challenges are invisible, they are often dismissed as not important. This holiday gives a chance to extend compassion to people suffering from anxiety.
Social Media Tips for National Anxiety Disorders Screening Day
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