Everyone knows what it’s like to feel anxious...

Everyone knows what it’s like to feel anxious.

Anxiety and fear are important—and normal—parts of our lives. Anxiety can give us the kick we need to study late into the night, stay alert in what could be a dangerous situation, and keep us on our toes during a presentation. In short, it helps us cope. But this normally helpful emotion can do the exact opposite for people with an anxiety disorder. It can keep them from facing everyday problems or situations and even paralyze them with fear.

If you have an anxiety disorder, or any other type of problem that is making your life unmanageable, know that you are not alone. According to a report by the United States Surgeon General, anxiety disorders are the most common psychiatric illnesses--more than 19 million American adults and more than one in ten American children and adolescents have an anxiety disorder.

Unfortunately, many young people are not getting the help they need. If you are having a hard time with anxiety, or anything else, you don’t need to be ashamed—you need to get help. Talk to a parent, teacher, school counselor, or friend. There are countless resources on the Internet, including information about “live” and on-line support groups for people of all ages.

Check out some of the links below.