WORCESTER, Mass. — A new TikTok trend claims eating sour candy can relieve anxiety and panic attacks.

A local doctor said there's significant benefits to information spread through social media. There's also some limitations and things to look out for; but when it comes to sour candy, it turns out this trend works.

Whether it's Sour Patch Kids, Warheads or gummi worms, eating sour candy helps diminish anxiety attacks.

Dr. Tracie Goodness, a clinical psychologist at UMass Memorial Health, said there is science behind using sour candy as a grounding technique.

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 19.1% of people ages 18 and older in the United States suffer from anxiety disorders, which makes anxiety the most common mental illness in the country.

Goodness said social media trends are a great way to start the discussion and get people engaged on ways to improve their mental health.

"Using sour candy can be a really quick and effective way of practicing what we call grounding techniques. More or less what that means is kind of snapping back to the present moment, and it can kind of be a reset switch," Goodness said. "Essentially, if somebody's stuck in a loop of anxiety, either thoughts or physical sensations - so pounding heart, rapid breathing - it's kind of a reset button. People have different kinds of levels or of what they're used to or what they like. But you're really looking at sometimes it's the actual physical reaction. When you have that taste, that physical sensation can be enough to kind of snap you out of it. And so if you can kind of jumpstart that, the stronger, the better. But you don't have to do anything that's painful or extremely unpleasant."

Dr. Goodness said other grounding techniques include using ice or splashing cold water on your face for a cold sensation. While these can be quick fixes, Goodness said to seek help and talk to someone if you're experiencing severe anxiety.