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Quiz: What to Know About Anxiety

Anxiety isn’t just emotional — it can affect your brain health. Test your knowledge about anxiety and how to treat it

By

Stacy Lu

 
Updated April 16, 2026
Updated April 16, 2026
An illustration of a woman with her hands on her head with puzzle pieces coming out of it
alenaohneva/Getty Images

This quiz was written with the help of  AI. It was reviewed by human editors and fact-checked before publishing.

Question 1 of 9

What’s one reason anxiety can become more common later in life?

Major life changes such as retirement, health issues or losing loved ones can increase stress and trigger anxiety. These shifts may also increase isolation, which can make anxious feelings worse. Looking for new ways to strengthen connections? Check out these ideas.

Question 2 of 9

How is clinical anxiety different from everyday stress?

Clinical anxiety shows up when worry sticks around long after a threat has passed or when “what if” fears take over. It becomes a condition when it lasts at least six months and interferes with daily functioning. Click here for ways to help manage your stress.

Question 3 of 9

Why should you talk to a doctor if you have sudden unexplained anxiety?

When anxiety shows up out of the blue later in life, it might be tied to a medical cause. A doctor can help identify what’s going on and guide treatment. Read more here.

Question 4 of 9

Which of the following responses to anxiety might make symptoms worse?

Avoidance can strengthen anxiety over time. Talk therapy helps people to gently face fears and physical activity can ease anxiety. Learn more about therapy here.

Question 5 of 9

Which of the following does research say is surprisingly effective for easing anxiety symptoms?

A simple walk, like other aerobic exercise, can meaningfully reduce anxiety symptoms. Here’s how to make walking part of your regular routine.

Question 6 of 9

Why does social support help manage anxiety?

Talking things out can break the isolation that often worsens anxiety and can provide connection and perspective. Plus, social connections can help enhance your brain health. Find out more here.

Question 7 of 9

What is the first-line treatment for anxiety later in life?

Therapy can be helpful for anxiety and depression, but many people have misconceptions that can keep them from seeking help. Learn the truth about common therapy myths here.

Question 8 of 9

Mindfulness can help ease anxiety symptoms because it:

You can’t keep potentially stressful things from happening, but mindfulness can help you control how you experience and react to them. Watch this video to learn one easy mindfulness technique.

Question 9 of 9

How can getting treatment for anxiety later in life affect overall well‑being?

Treating anxiety — whether new or long‑standing — can make day‑to‑day life feel easier and more manageable. 

You have unanswered questions. Please go back and complete those questions to finish the quiz.

Click here to learn more about how treating anxiety can help support brain health.

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Legal Disclaimer: Staying Sharp, including all content and features, is offered for informational purposes and to educate users on brain health care and medical issues that may affect their daily lives. Staying Sharp is based on a holistic, lifestyle approach to brain health that encourages users to incorporate into their daily lives activities that are associated with general wellness. Nothing in the service should be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Features including the Cognitive Assessment and Lifestyle Check-Ins, Additional Tests, exercises, and challenges assess performance at a particular moment in time on certain discrete cognitive tasks. Staying Sharp games are intended for entertainment and recreational purposes only. Various factors may affect performance, including sleep, tiredness, focus, and other social, environmental, or emotional factors. Performance is not indicative of cognitive health and not predictive of future performance or medical conditions.

 

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