Why Is Anxiety on the Rise? Understanding the Modern Mental Health Crisis

Anxiety is no longer just an occasional worry it has become a widespread mental health crisis.

• Anxiety disorders affect over 40 million adults in the U.S.

• Social media, economic uncertainty, and burnout are making stress worse.

• More people are struggling with racing thoughts, panic, and chronic worry.

But why is anxiety rising so rapidly? And more importantly what can we do about it?

Let’s break down the key reasons behind this surge in anxiety and how we can begin to regain control.

The Main Reasons Anxiety Is on the Rise

We’re More Connected, But Also More Overstimulated

Technology keeps us informed, entertained, and connected. But it also overloads our brains with information 24/7.

• Constant news updates → More exposure to global crises

• Social media comparisons → Feeling like we’re never “enough”

• Work emails after hours → No true break from stress

The problem? The human brain was not built to process this much input at once. Every alert, tab switch, and “just one more scroll” forces a tiny gear change, and stacked together they keep your threat-detection system on high.

When your senses never get a quiet moment, your body stays in go mode: breath gets high and shallow, heart rate nudges up, shoulders creep toward your ears. The brakes that should ease you back to calm wear down, so it gets harder to downshift, turn off anxiety, and truly relax.

After heavy-input days, many people notice the tells: a tight jaw, clenched hands, stomach churn, headaches, phantom phone buzzes, and sleep that won’t stick, especially if blue light and hot takes followed you into bed.

The “Always-On” Culture Is Burning Us Out

Gone are the days when work ended at 5 p.m. Many people feel pressured to be productive 24/7—leading to exhaustion and stress.

• Work emails on weekends

• Side hustles as a necessity, not a choice

• A constant feeling of “falling behind”

The result? Chronic stress builds up until anxiety becomes the default state rather than an occasional reaction. Over time that looks like irritability, brain fog, reduced motivation, and a shorter fuse with the people you love.

The Uncertainty of the World Feels Overwhelming

Economic instability. Climate change. Political division. Rising costs of living.

The world feels increasingly unstable, making it harder to feel secure. This uncertainty fuels:

• Financial anxiety (Will I ever afford a home?)

• Job insecurity (Will AI or layoffs impact my career?)

• Climate distress (Is the planet’s future safe?)

Humans crave predictability. Your brain is a prediction engine, always trying to spot patterns and forecast what happens next. When predictability is missing for weeks or months, it treats the unknown like a possible threat and keeps the scanners on. Your body starts checking the horizon: eyes jump to notifications, ears perk for pings, shoulders brace.

Social Media Creates an Anxiety-Driven Comparison Cycle

Social media has redefined how we see ourselves. It’s no longer just about real life—it’s about how our lives compare online.

• Seeing curated, “perfect” versions of others → Feeling behind in life

• Viral negativity & outrage cycles → More stress, doomscrolling, and fear

• Fear of missing out (FOMO) → Feeling pressured to do more

The reality? Social media platforms are built to maximize engagement, not support nervous system regulation. Even when you know a feed is curated, your brain processes images and headlines as real-time events, which can spike anxiety, trigger comparison and FOMO, fuel doomscrolling, and keep your body in fight-or-flight.

We’re More Aware of Anxiety, But Not Always More Equipped to Manage It

Mental health awareness has grown, which is a good thing! But it also means more people are identifying with anxiety without knowing how to cope with it.

• More conversations about anxiety → Less stigma, more recognition

• Lack of coping tools → Feeling stuck in stress cycles

The key takeaway? Awareness is just the first step learning how to manage anxiety is just as important.

How to Manage Anxiety in an Age of Uncertainty

Set Boundaries with Technology & News

You don’t need to be constantly plugged in.

• Limit news intake to once or twice a day.

• Turn off unnecessary notifications.

• Take social media breaks to reset your mind.

Less input = less overstimulation = less anxiety.

Prioritize Rest, Not Just Productivity

Your worth isn’t based on how much you achieve.

• Get enough sleep, your brain needs downtime.

• Take breaks during the day, productivity isn’t everything.

• Learn to say no, your energy is a limited resource.

When rest becomes a priority, not a luxury, anxiety decreases.

Build a Mindfulness Practice

Mindfulness trains your brain to focus on the present instead of spiraling into worry.

• Deep breathing to calm the nervous system

• Grounding techniques to stop overthinking

• Daily mindfulness practices to reduce stress

Even a few minutes a day can help retrain your mind away from anxiety.

Challenge Anxious Thought Patterns

Not every thought deserves your attention.

❌ “I’m falling behind in life.”
✅ “I’m doing the best I can in my circumstances.”

❌ “The worst will happen.”
✅ “I don’t have to assume the worst—it’s just my anxiety talking.”

Reframing automatic anxious thoughts can help break worry cycles.

Seek Support If Anxiety Feels Overwhelming

If anxiety is making it hard to function, you don’t have to manage it alone.

Anxiety therapy can help you:

• Identify the root causes of anxiety

• Develop practical coping skills

• Build resilience in stressful times

Anxiety may be rising, but that doesn’t mean you have to suffer alone—help is available.

You Can Take Back Control

The modern world may be making anxiety more common, but that doesn’t mean you’re powerless.

By:

• Setting boundaries with information overload

• Prioritizing rest instead of burnout

• Challenging anxious thoughts instead of believing them

• Practicing mindfulness to stay grounded

You can regain control over anxiety, even in uncertain times.

If anxiety is impacting your daily life, therapy for anxiety can help you break free from fear and build long-term resilience.

About the Author
Taylor Garff, M.Coun, LCPC, CMHC, LPC, is a licensed therapist with over 10 years of experience helping adults manage anxiety, overwhelm, and identity challenges. He is certified in HeartMath, Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), and breathwork facilitation. Taylor is the founder of Inner Heart Therapy, where he provides online therapy across multiple states.

Last updated and reviewed for accuracy: September 29, 2025 by Taylor Garff, M.Coun, LCPC, CMHC, LPC