As the world looks to the future, it appears that mental illness is becoming more and more of a problem for many people. Anxiety disorders are one of the most common types of illnesses among today's population. It is evident that there is an increase in anxiety disorders in the Western world. There are three main factors that contribute to this: our education system, technology and media, and the treatment and reduction of anxiety patients receive from criticism. In recent years, it has become a well-known fact that the education system has in many ways become harsher, for better or worse. However, for anyone who may be suffering from an anxiety disorder, school often makes their symptoms worse. Today, more than 10 percent of European and American citizens suffer from an anxiety disorder, and this figure is even higher among young people (Viewpoints: DON'T). As English-speaking countries move forward in time, testing becomes more stressful and competitive, anxiety is to be expected to increase. Additionally, according to Psychology Today, "[t]he average high school student [in the United States] has the same level of anxiety as the average psychiatric patient in the early 1950s" (Psychology Today: How Big a Problem is Anxiety Today). This makes sense given that a similar study in 2010 concluded that high school and college students were five times more likely to develop depression or an anxiety disorder than a student fifty years ago (Psychology Today: The Decline of Play and the Rise). mental disorders in children?). This excessive increase illustrates the stress level of students. As the years go by, it becomes more and more evident that anxiety disorder is prevalent in a majority...... middle of article ......n.aspxdirect=true&db=p3h&AN=94138351&lang=en- ca&site=pov-canLeahy, RL (April 30, 2008). How big is the problem of anxiety? Psychology today: health, help, happiness + Find a therapist. Retrieved May 10, 2014 from http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/anxiety-files/200804/how-big-problem-is-anxiety McBain, S. (2014). Anxiety Nation. (cover story). New Statesman, 143(14), 24. Accessed May 10, 2014, http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspxdirect=true&db=p3h&AN=95495009&lang=en-ca&site=pov-canShields, M. (2004). Social Anxiety Disorder – Beyond Shyness. Health Reports, 1545. Retrieved May 10, 2014 from http://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/041026/dq041026b-eng.htmVaas, RV (2004). Have no fear. Scientific American Special Edition, 14(1), 62. Retrieved May 10, 2014 from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspxdirect=true&db=p3h&AN=12545985&lang=en-ca&site=pov-can