JEDDAH: The rate of anxiety in Saudi society is on the rise, warn psychologists, with most cases not requiring intervention of drugs due to being linked to daily activities.

Common driving factors of such anxiety include debt and associated concerns, as well as the stresses associated with social and economic life.

According to Dr. Mohammed Al-Hamed, consultant psychologist, anxiety has reached as high as 80 percent in Saudi society, and is defined as tension and concern linked to the mind’s constant preoccupation with daily events. Symptoms may also include lack of concentration, sleep disturbance fatigue, and feelings of unease and instability.

He said the best way of eliminating such anxiety is the acceptance and satisfaction of fate and faith in God, positive thinking, patience and remembering God. In the case of continued anxiety, patients should visit with a psychologist for necessary treatment.

Consultant psychologist Dr. Abubakr Banaama agrees, noting that “increasing financial commitments and social obligations may have tremendous impact on the individual and impose challenges on daily life, in turn increasing stress.”

He urged individuals to take an organized, responsible and routine approach to life, as most people put themselves in financial dilemmas to keep up with life’s extravagant obligations, only to find themselves unable to meet payments.