Experiencing anxiety is normal and very common. Everyone has felt anxious at some point in their life. Anxiety can be positive, or can act as a warning signal: healthy anxiety appears as concern, vigilance and caution, and can help you be safe.

It is common to feel anxious during your teen years because so many changes are occurring. But, if left untreated, anxiety can create difficulties for you in your family, in other relationships, at school or work, or prevent you from living a full and productive life. Anxiety can have a physical toll on you, causing increased trips to the doctor, as well as increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Anxiety can present in many different forms:

• Tightening in your Throat
• Sweating
• Trembling
• Feeling nauseous
• Racing heartbeat
• Panic
• Fears and avoidance of certain things/situations

You can significantly reduce anxiety by using different strategies such as getting more exercise, eating better, getting more sleep, trying to simplify your life, finding support that can be spiritual, or through family and friends. Support can also come from a doctor or a mental health professional.

SmartCare is partnering with your Health Care Providers to ensure the support you may be seeking.