Daily Anxiety in Young Adults: Nearly 1 in 5 Feel It

What changed in four years

The odds of frequent anxiety rose 28% between 2020 and 2024. The odds of receiving a diagnosis rose 31%, and the odds of using anxiety medication rose 32%. Diagnoses went from 18% to more than 23%, and prescriptions from 10% to more than 13%.

The team led by Melissa Villodas, assistant professor of social work at George Mason University, concluded that the increase demands "public health attention" because of the long-term effects of the pandemic. According to the study, this group was already showing the fastest growth in anxiety before 2020.

Not everyone carries the same weight

About 32% of women reported an anxiety diagnosis, compared with 15% of men. One in four women said they felt anxious every day, and one in five took medication.

Among lesbian, gay and bisexual young adults, nearly 45% reported a diagnosis, compared with 19% of their heterosexual peers. Among Hispanics in that subgroup, the likelihood of taking medication was 4.7 times higher than among their heterosexual Hispanic peers.

Behind every number is someone with a name: a classmate, a cousin, a person in your small group. Villodas said the findings underscore the importance of considering the identities and contexts that shape each person's anxiety.

Faith doesn't compete with therapy

In many churches, one idea circulates: if you pray enough, the anxiety goes away. That line turns a symptom into a spiritual failure, and those who stay anxious end up hiding.

Scripture doesn't promise a life without fear; it promises company: "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit" (Psalm 34:18, ESV).

Paul wrote: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God" (Philippians 4:6, ESV). The verse doesn't command you to stop feeling; it invites you to bring what you feel to someone who listens.

The peace mentioned in that same passage doesn't come once everything is resolved. It comes before.

I also believe anxiety has physical, social and spiritual causes all at once. That's why prayer, therapy, rest and, when a professional recommends it, medication don't compete with each other. Someone who takes medication for anxiety isn't failing in their faith; they're using ordinary means that God also sustains.

This week you can do something small and concrete: put a name to what you feel and tell a person you trust.

If anxiety has been with you almost every day for weeks, or you struggle to sleep, eat or study, talk to a health professional or your pastor. Asking for help isn't overreacting.

In an emergency, call your country's emergency services. And at the directory findahelpline.com you can find the helpline for where you live. Who will you tell first?