Millions of American Workers Living With Anxiety

Mental health disorders are difficult to treat; and what makes it even harder is the fact that a number of drugs used to treat certain mental illnesses can be habit forming - such as benzodiazepines which are used to treat anxiety. Millions of Americans are affected by anxiety disorders in one form or another, and it comes as little surprise that benzodiazepines are right next to opioids as being the most prescribed narcotics in America.

Severe anxiety disorders can be crippling, affecting one’s ability to operate normally on a day to day basis. A new government report has found that about 3.7 percent (4.3 million) of full time adult workers in America had one or more anxiety disorders in the past year, according to a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) news release. The study showed that 12.9 million American adults are living with an anxiety disorder.

The report, which was presented by SAMHSA, found that Americans working part time or were unemployed had even higher rates of anxiety. In the past year, the findings showed that:

• 5.6 percent (1.7 million adults) of part time workers experienced anxiety disorders.
• 6.9 percent (1 million adults) of unemployed workers had anxiety disorders.
• 8.9 percent (5.9 million adults) of adults not in the labor force had anxiety disorders.

“People with anxiety disorders can have a hard time gaining employment and sometimes dealing with certain situations, but fortunately with treatment and support they can make enormous contributions to the workplace and the community” said SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde. “Employers, unions, educators, health providers and all segments of the community need to work together so that we can help people surmount the challenges of anxiety disorders and lead full productive lives.”