The rise in anxiety disorders among US adults has led to an influx of products and services aimed at alleviating stress, ranging from wearables to fidget toys. While many of these products promise stress relief, there’s a lack of regulatory oversight in this industry, and the FDA doesn’t approve many of these supplements. This surge in “anxiety products” is partly driven by difficulties in accessing traditional mental health services, prompting consumers to seek alternative solutions. Telehealth businesses, however, are stepping up to bridge the gap in mental health services.
Key Points:
- Anxiety disorders now affect 40 million US adults, leading to a growing market for stress-relief products.
- Products such as Apollo Neuro, Muse, and Sensate wearables, coloring books, and fidget toys are marketed as tools for reducing stress.
- Despite the proliferation of products claiming to alleviate anxiety, there is minimal regulatory oversight, and many supplements aren’t approved by the FDA.
- Difficulty accessing mental health professionals and adequate insurance coverage has driven many to seek alternative stress relief methods.
- Telehealth platforms like Headspace, BetterHelp, and Talkspace are offering online mental health services to meet the rising demand.
Source: https://thehustle.co/don-t-stress-our-anxiety-is-big-business/
