According to research¹ published in 2015, anxiety (characterized by constant and overwhelming worry and fear) is becoming increasingly prevalent in the U.S., now eclipsing all forms of cancer by 800 percent.

Data from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) suggests the prevalence of anxiety disorders in the U.S. — which include generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety and panic disorder — may be as high as 40 million, or about 18 percent of the population over the age of 18, making it the most common mental illness in the nation.^2,3

According to research by the Center for Collegiate Mental Health at Penn State, anxiety has also surpassed depression as the most commonly diagnosed mental health problem among college students, with more than 50 percent of students visiting campus clinics reporting anxiety.⁴

Novel Treatments Aimed at Anxiety-Ridden Students Prove Successful

Fortunately, there are many treatment options available, and some of the most effective treatments are also among the safest and least expensive, and don't involve drugs.

For example, many colleges are tackling the problem with high-tech solutions. University of Central Florida (UCF) is testing a new online app⁵ called Tao Connect for treating anxiety. It includes a seven-module cognitive behavioral program, and allows the student to conduct videoconferences with a therapist.

The program, developed with support from the National Science Foundation (NSF), claims it can offer "effective treatment with one-third the counselor time and half the overall cost of traditional face-to-face individual treatment."

Dietary interventions to correct nutritional deficiencies and/or poor gut health can also be part of the answer, along with strategies to subdue stress, such as the Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) and breathing exercises.