Anxiety is a word we hear a lot these days—online, in classrooms, at the doctor’s office, and in everyday conversations. But how many people actually experience it? And how much has it changed over time?
If you’re between the ages of 16 and 35, chances are you or someone close to you has felt overwhelmed, tense, or stuck in worry. Some people call it stress. Some call it burnout. Others use clinical terms like Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Regardless of the label, it’s clear that anxiety is more visible—and more talked about—than ever before.
So what do the facts say?
Different surveys and studies give different numbers for how many people in the United States are dealing with anxiety. That’s because they don’t all define or measure anxiety in the same way. Some studies ask people how they’ve been feeling lately—whether they’ve felt nervous, on edge, or unable to control worrying. Others ask if someone has ever been diagnosed by a doctor or therapist with an anxiety disorder.
In 2008, about 5 percent of U.S. adults reported feeling anxious on a regular basis. By 2018, that number had increased to nearly 7 percent. The increase was even sharper among young adults. For people ages 18 to 25, anxiety nearly doubled during that time.
Then came the COVID-19 pandemic. In early 2020, anxiety levels in the U.S. shot up dramatically. In April of that year, more than one in five adults said they felt anxious most of the time. Since then, anxiety levels have come down somewhat, but they have not returned to pre-pandemic levels. Today, depending on the survey, roughly one in three adults under 35 report having frequent anxiety symptoms.
The differences in these numbers can be confusing. Some headlines say 10 percent of people have anxiety. Others say it’s closer to 40 percent. The truth is, it depends on how anxiety is defined, who is being asked, and when the data was collected. Studies based on formal diagnoses usually report lower numbers. Studies based on self-reported symptoms often report higher ones. Surveys during the height of the pandemic found much higher rates of anxiety than those done before or after.
Despite the differences, the overall trend is clear. Anxiety has been rising in the U.S., especially among younger people, over the last 15 years.
As for why anxiety is rising, there’s no single answer. Many researchers point to several factors that affect mental health today. These include the constant use of social media, the pressure to stay connected and productive, the rising cost of living, student debt, uncertain job prospects, climate anxiety, political division, and the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Longer screen time, less sleep, fewer in-person friendships, and less access to nature may also be part of the problem.
At the same time, it’s not all bad news. Talking about anxiety is less taboo than it used to be. Many people, especially younger adults, are more open to discussing mental health. That openness can make it easier for others to speak up, find help, and feel less alone.
Colleges and universities have expanded access to mental health services, including online counseling and peer support groups. Public health campaigns have helped raise awareness. And new tools like therapy apps and mindfulness programs have made mental health support more accessible.
If you’re feeling anxious on a regular basis, you’re not alone. There’s no shame in struggling. It can help to talk to someone you trust, whether that’s a friend, family member, teacher, or counselor. Taking care of your physical health—through sleep, movement, and good nutrition—can also make a difference. So can setting boundaries with technology and making time for offline activities.
It’s worth remembering that you’re not just a statistic. But the numbers do tell a story. And that story shows that many young people are dealing with a world that feels uncertain, overwhelming, and disconnected. Anxiety is part of the reaction to that reality—not a personal failure.
If you’re in crisis or need someone to talk to, you can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It’s free, confidential, and available 24/7.
The Higher Education Inquirer covers the intersections of education, labor, technology, and justice. If you have a story to share, you can reach out to us securely and anonymously.
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