Anxiety Awareness Month is observed every May to raise awareness about anxiety disorders, educate the public on their impact, and encourage individuals to seek help. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health conditions globally, affecting millions of people. This month provides an opportunity to break the stigma surrounding mental health and promote resources for those in need.

Quick Facts

• When is it? May
• Tagged as: Mental Health Awareness, Anxiety Awareness
• What’s the hashtag? #AnxietyAwarenessMonth
• When was it founded? 1949
• Who founded it? Mental Health America (formerly the National Association for Mental Health)

History of Anxiety Awareness Month

Anxiety Awareness Month is part of the broader Mental Health Awareness Month, which was established in 1949 by Mental Health America. Although anxiety has been recognized as a human experience since ancient times, it was not until the 19th and 20th centuries that it became a distinct area of study in mental health. Over time, awareness campaigns have evolved to educate people about anxiety disorders, their symptoms, and treatment options while reducing stigma.

Timeline

• Ancient Greece: Philosophers like Epicurus suggest methods like “ataraxia” (peace of mind) to manage anxiety.
• 1621: Robert Burton publishes “The Anatomy of Melancholy,” discussing anxiety as part of melancholy.
• 19th Century: Anxiety begins to be studied as a distinct condition.
• 1980: Anxiety disorders are officially classified in the DSM-III (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders).

Dates by Next Year (2025–2030)

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	May 01	Thursday
2026	May 01	Friday
2027	May 01	Saturday
2028	May 01	Monday
2029	May 01	Tuesday
2030	May 01	Wednesday

Observed

Anxiety Awareness Month is observed through:

• Educational campaigns
• Community events and workshops
• Online discussions using hashtags like #AnxietyAwarenessMonth
• Fundraisers for mental health organizations
• Encouragement to take anxiety self-assessments or quizzes

Fun Facts About Anxiety

1. Anxiety disorders are twice as common in women as in men.
2. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) affects about 6.8 million adults annually in the U.S.
3. Exercise can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety.
4. Anxiety can cause physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, sweating, and nausea.
5. Social anxiety disorder often begins around age 13.

Quiz

Test your knowledge about anxiety!

1. True or False: Anxiety is always a bad thing.
2. What percentage of people with anxiety disorders receive treatment?

• a) 10%
• b) 25%
• c) 50%

1. Which hormone is released during the “fight or flight” response?

• a) Cortisol
• b) Dopamine

(Answers: 1-False, 2-b, 3-a)

FAQs

1. What are common symptoms of anxiety?
   Excessive worry, restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat.
2. Can anxiety be treated?
   Yes! Treatments include therapy (e.g., CBT), medications, lifestyle changes, and stress management techniques.
3. Is anxiety genetic?
   Genetics can play a role, but environmental factors also contribute significantly.

Related Topics

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
• Social Anxiety Disorder
• Panic Attacks
• Coping with Stress
• Mental Health Awareness Week