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Upsides and Downsides It may not feel great, but anxiety is not necessarily a bad thing. Medical studies have noted that, in small doses, anxiety can make people more organized and more effective at their jobs. Athletes and actors alike will tell you that a jolt of anxiety right before a game or show can serve to improve their performance. A small amount of anxiety can make us focused and energized—ready to take on whatever challenge is in front of us. Unfortunately, anxiety has a tendency to grow beyond just “a small amount.” About 40 million American adults cope with anxiety disorders, meaning that the levels of anxiety they experience are high enough to interfere with their daily lives. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), anxiety disorders affect about one-quarter of all young people between the ages of 13 and 18. Uncontrolled anxiety can damage your ability to make friends and get an education, and it can even make you physically ill. Whether your anxiety is occasional and mild or constant and severe, it’s important to understand what is happening to you when you feel anxious. Fight or Flight? When we are faced with a threat—any kind of threat, from an oncoming car to an angry dog to trouble with parents— our bodies have what’s called an acute stress response . You probably know it as “fight or flight.” Likewise, if your heart races, you start sweating, or you feel extremely nauseous right before a big test, that’s a type of fight-or-flight response.

Teen Guides to Health & Wellness: Anxiety, Depression, and Mood Disorders

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