93 The Transition of Anxiety

Introduction

Anxiety is a widespread, complicated emotional state that is typified by worry, fear, and uncertainty. The word anxiety originated from the Latin word ‘anxieta’ which means trouble in the mind about an uncertain event. It is also partly derived from the Greek root ‘andr’ meaning to squeeze or press tight. Although it is a normal reaction to stress, danger, or uncertainty, it can have a major negative influence on a person’s everyday life and wellbeing when it persists or becomes excessive. It is crucial to comprehend the several facets of adult and adolescent anxiety in order to identify, treat, and seek assistance for this mental health issue. Therefore, the transition of anxiety from adolescence to adulthood impacts science and society through initial diagnosis, growth, and external factors.

The time during one’s transition from adolescence into young adulthood can spark many new changes. During this time period, it is common for the human body to struggle when navigating newfound independence and a fresh social environment (Spielberg et al., 2019). While the transition of anxiety can impact science and society, the same can be stated vice versa. Science, technology, and society (STS) can all have direct and indirect influences on the development of anxiety during one of life’s biggest transitions.

Connection to STS

Anxiety can affect people and societies in a variety of ways, and it can have both direct and indirect effects on science and society. It’s crucial to remember that there are individual differences and a complex relationship between anxiety and its effects. Anxiety in research might hinder the innovative and creative cognitive processes that are necessary for breakthroughs and new discoveries. Scientific research may become less collaborative as nervous people struggle with communication, which makes it more difficult for them to operate in a team. Furthermore, anxiety has a widespread influence on society structures outside of lab settings. Decisions can be distorted by public fears, which create an environment where decisions are made based more on fear and uncertainty than on logic and evidence. Research priorities, financial allotments, and individual career choices are all affected, which has a cascading impact that modifies both the scientific environment and society dynamics. In order to foster a resilient, creative, and cohesive community, anxiety must be addressed in both scientific and sociological contexts.

The science of the human body is a key contributor to anxiety presentation during young adulthood. Neuroscience, the study of the brain, studies the balance of neurotransmitters and their impact on mood elevation, depression, and overall regulation. Neuroscience is a large component of the study of anxiety, and it can help answer why anxiety presents itself and how it can attempt to dwindle. Within the past few generations, the use of social networking applications has steadily increased among adolescents and teenagers (Cyr et al., 2014). Increased social media use via technology has been correlated to more relationship anxiety and friendship conflict. Transitioning into adulthood in modern times also brings with it more societal expectations, resulting in an inclination to anxiety development. The three components of STS can have a profound effect on one’s mental health and can contribute to the probability of acquiring anxiety during this life stage.

Initial Diagnosis

The course that anxiety takes from adolescence to adulthood has a profound impact on the scientific community and society at large, and these effects are greatly influenced by the initial diagnosis. Early detection and treatment of anxiety increases a person’s likelihood of receiving the assistance and treatments they require. According to science, early diagnosis might influence a person’s choice of profession, course of study, and coping strategies that foster resilience and creativity. This in turn shapes cooperative efforts and encourages creative thinking by influencing the diversity and dynamics of the scientific workforce. At the societal level, public perception and mental health policies are influenced by the initial diagnosis of anxiety. Taking care of anxiety early on helps create a more understanding and caring culture, lessens stigma, and helps people make better decisions about their mental health.

Essentially, the early diagnosis of anxiety acts as a pivotal initiator, influencing the course of the individual and, consequently, the scientific and societal fabric as a whole.

Growth

Anxiety’s dynamic process of growth and adaptation from adolescence to adulthood has a profound impact on society at large as well as the scientific community. Anxiety can influence a person’s ability to be resilient, to cope, and to solve problems as they move through different developmental phases. This development in the scientific realm might show up as a more sophisticated approach to research and innovation, where people use their acquired coping mechanisms to make distinctive contributions to respective domains. The growth of anxious people can improve cooperation in scientific societies, creating a more encouraging and welcoming atmosphere. This expansion has the potential to revolutionize society as a whole because people who have experienced anxiety from childhood to adulthood may be more aware of the value of mental health and help to create a culture that places a high value on wellbeing. All in all, the development of anxiety from adolescence to adulthood creates a diverse range of experiences that, when properly channeled, can spur advancement in both science and society at large.

external Factors

Numerous external influences have a substantial impact on the trajectory of anxiety from youth to adulthood, which in turn shapes the dynamics of science and society. Anxiety levels can be increased or decreased by external factors such as societal expectations, educational settings, and socioeconomic situations. These external influences can affect a scientist’s capacity for collaborative research, resource availability, and career choices. People’s propensity to seek help can be influenced by societal norms and stigmas related to mental health, which may have

to practice, as well as how society views and supports those who are experiencing anxiety. As people reach adulthood, these outside variables still have a significant influence on the quality of assistance that is accessible, which affects both individual development and contributions to the fields of science and society. Anxiety can present itself due to a change in environmental factors, which can be seen in adolescents and young adults. In modern day, an increased amount of time used to communicate with technology has been correlated with an increased amount of existential anxiety and identity upset. Developing environments that support mental health and allow people to flourish in social and scientific contexts requires an understanding of and response to these external factors.

INTERNAL FACTORS

In addition to external factors, there are also internal factors that initiate anxiety during the transition into adulthood. The brain is a complex, vital organ responsible for curating all human emotion and behavior. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that act as messengers throughout the brain and body to initiate action in a neuron. These chemicals initiate movement, emotions, sensations, and autonomic functions in the body, such as the heart beating. Due to their crucial influence in the brain, an imbalance of neurotransmitters can lead to anxiety. Gamma-aminobutyric acid, abbreviated as GABA, is an inhibitory neurotransmitter found in the brain and spinal cord that is often associated with anxiety development (Kaur & Singh, 2024). It is responsible for reducing overstimulating brain activity and instead produces a calming effect. A sub par level of this neurotransmitter can lead to restlessness, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping. Stress in one’s life can be a starting point for a decrease of GABA in the brain, leading to anxiety presenting itself (Kaur & Singh, 2024).

BALANCE

There are various approaches one can take to help restore a balance between neurotransmitters in the nervous system. By utilizing these methods, one can reduce their anxiety’s impact on their day-to-day life. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), lifestyle modifications, and medications are several methods commonly used to effectively manage anxiety. Lifestyle alterations are often the first change many make to relieve anxiety symptoms. Physical activity, specifically resistance and aerobic exercise, has been linked to reducing emotional side effects from anxiety (Barić et al., 2018). Many also choose to learn relaxation methods such as meditation or yoga to help with symptoms. CBT involves working with a trusted therapist to acknowledge feelings and emotions in order to adjust behavior. It has many benefits and can also improve symptoms of depression that often accompanies anxiety disorder (Barić et al., 2018). Medication can also be a very effective treatment for anxiety disorder. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are medications prescribed to help one manage anxiety (“U.S. National Library,” 2024). SSRIs work to equilibrate an imbalance of high serotonin levels in the brain. A varying combination of these (“U.S. National Library,” 2024).

Conclusion

In summary, anxiety’s journey from adolescence to adulthood is intricate and intertwined, and it has a significant impact on both science and society. The first diagnosis of anxiety establishes a trajectory that is influenced by the therapies and support received, affecting educational choices, coping strategies, and job decisions. As people mature, their experiences with anxiety foster resilience, personal development, and distinctive viewpoints that can foster cooperation and innovation in science. This trajectory is further shaped by external factors, such as economic conditions and societal expectations, which also affect the effectiveness of mental health support systems and the incidence of anxiety. Ultimately, creating conditions that support both human well-being and the advancement of science and society requires a thorough understanding of the complex nature of anxiety, from its early diagnosis through growth and external effects. Reducing stigmas, addressing external issues, and emphasizing mental health assistance all work together to create a more inventive, resilient, and inclusive community that flourishes in the face of anxiety’s difficult journey.

Ai disclosure statement

I used ChatGPT to help me find information about the transition of anxiety from adolescence to adulthood that fits the goals of this textbook chapter. It gave me sources from medical and psychology websites that allowed me to expand my knowledge on why anxiety occurs and its ultimate impact on the members of society. I then used the other sources I had gathered to apply other elements to the chapter.

OpenAI. (2023). ChatGPT. Chat.openai.com; OpenAI. https://chat.openai.com/

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https://www.ted.com/talks/raci_levine_anxiety_is_terrifying_learn_what_this_teen_does_about_it?subtitle=en