Are you addicted to your anxiety? Psychotherapist Owen O'Kane says many of us are hooked on the negative feelings

Psychotherapist Owen O'Kane discusses rising anxiety levels in his new book, 'Addicted to Anxiety.' Drawing on his personal experiences as a gay Catholic in Belfast, he emphasizes the importance of recognizing our role in sustaining these feelings. O'Kane warns against the tendency to over pathologize anxiety, suggesting that while openness about mental health is beneficial, it might inadvertently contribute to the problem. He introduces the term 'generation anxious' to highlight how pervasive anxiety has become in contemporary society, affecting people of all ages.

"In my 30 years of working in physical and mental health, I haven't witnessed anxiety levels as high as they are now. We have become 'generation anxious'."

"Owen O'Kane puts forward the belief that we play a role in maintaining those feelings and warns against over pathologising it."

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