“The feeling of absolute despair, that sinking feeling that something bad is about to happen.” These words, spoken by 8th grader Jaydin Ivy, describe her version of anxiety.

Npr.org says that up to one in five kids living in the U.S. shows signs or symptoms of a mental health disorder. They can develop one (or more) of many forms: separation anxiety, social anxiety, general anxiety, and many others.

The most common form of anxiety is general anxiety. According to webmd.com, General anxiety is the feeling of excessive, exaggerated anxiety and worry about everyday events for no reason. General anxiety can come to anybody at any time, as it is very similar to stress.

There is no specific age to get anxiety; it can happen to anyone. The youngest it can occur is at around six months old. The most commonly associated form of anxiety in toddlers is separation. Usually, it happens when a toddler goes to daycare. That feeling of being away from the child’s parents gives them anxiety because they are so used to being around their guardians. 

Through separation anxiety, people can also get social anxiety. “Being in a large group of people really scares me.” Trinity Dabney, a 7th grader, has social anxiety. “I feel like I’m going to pass out or something.” 

According to Nimh.gov, “A person with a social anxiety disorder feels symptoms of anxiety or fear in certain or all social situations, such as meeting new people, dating, being on a job interview, answering a question in class, or having to talk to a cashier in a store.” Social anxiety is also known as a phobia, having a constant fear of socializing or having conversations with people.

With these different types of anxiety, there are many ways to cope. As stated by ADAA.ORG, talk to someone. It is important that you share your thoughts and feelings so others can possibly help you with what you are experiencing.”

It doesn’t matter who you talk to. All that matters is that you tell others what’s going on so you can find the help you need. Learn what triggers your anxiety, so you can try to beat that fear or overcome it.

Josiah Mendoza wanted to say something to students like him who are dealing with anxiety: “Just live your life, no matter what. Don’t let these things bring you down. Stay strong.”