What Causes Anxiety​?

Every human experience is unique, and hence, we all react differently to the stressors around us. Considering that, it’s difficult to know for sure what causes anxiety​. However, there are many common triggers that, when identified, help manage, prevent, and even treat anxiety disorders. 

Anxiety comes in different forms. For some people, it might just be feelings of fear or terror in a crowd. For others, it can manifest as physical symptoms such as;

• Panic attacks,
• Shortness of breath, and 
• Trembling

It’s widely recognized that a series of events, experiences, or emotions triggers anxiety. Read on to know what causes anxiety and some of the common triggers that you should look out for. If you want a deeper understanding of anxiety, including its symptoms and treatment options, you can explore our In-depth Guide On Anxiety. 

Causes of Anxiety

From medications to genetics to environmental factors, anxiety can stem from a combination of these influences, or primarily from one. Let’s take a look at each one of these three causes of anxiety​ in detail!

Medication

Certain medications, including but not limited to weight loss, contraceptives like birth control pills, and simple antibiotics for cough and chest infections, can potentially contribute to anxiety symptoms among certain indiviudals.  

This can happen because of the active ingredients in these medications. If you’re feeling any symptoms like:

• Feeling anxious
• Breathing difficulties
• Hands or body shaking
• Simply feeling nauseous 

If experience any of these concerning symptoms or worsening of symptoms while using these medications it is always a good idea to reachout to your healthcare professional to discuss your symptoms to ensure appropriate support for your overall wellbeing. 

Genetics

Genetic predisposition toward anxiety is one of the emerging causes of anxiety. Research on this topic was scarce in the past, but it is now making significant progress. The likelihood of being diagnosed with anxiety disorders is elevated if there is a genetic predisposition. However, this does not mean that anxiety is directly inherited as a single trait.

Research indicates that a person does not inherit a single gene that causes anxiety. Instead, it’s a set of different genes that makes a person more prone to getting the mental disorder.

According to research, there’s an increased likelihood of being diagnosed with anxiety disorders if your close and older family members have/had it. As somebody with a family history of mental illnesses, you should keep an eye out for the warning signs of anxiety and talk to a professional as soon as you notice them. 

Environmental Factors

The bidirectional relationship between anxiety and environmental factors is well-supported by many studies and human behaviour. Social and environmental factors often act as triggers for anxiety and can be significant contributors to the development of mental disorders.

Some environmental factors that can potentially trigger or contribute to anxiety symptoms include:

• Financial concerns
• Stressful living conditions
• Sleep deprivation
• Childhood or past traumas
• Stressful work routine
• Social pressures
• Gender bias
• Social isolation

When Should You See A Therapist For Your Anxiety?

One of the most common treatment for anxiety is therapy. A theraphy based treatment for  anxiety requires consistency and active participation to to reinforce the skills learned and for this therapy to be effective . However, how do you know it’s time to see a therapist for your anxiety-related issues?  Following few tips can be useful to reflect over to help guide and decide when to seek help from a therapist:

1. You’ve been overthinking a lot lately about every little thing concerning your professional and personal lives, and it’s affecting your performance and relationships. 
2. Your concerns are getting out of control and causing you distress much more than in the past. 
3. You’re feeling more anxious than before, along with constantly feeling down and depressed. 
4. You’ve developed a habit of using alcohol or other intoxicating substances to get your mind off things. 
5. You’ve become more irritable than usual. 
6. You’re experiencing physical symptoms like shortness of breath, trembling hands, pain in the chest, etc. 
7. You’re having suicidal or self-harming thoughts. In this case, immediately call for help. 

Bottom Line

Anxiety is much more common than one might think. However, many times due to lack of awareness and social stigmas many people hesitate to seek treatment for anxiety. Untreated anxiety can hurt many aspects of an individual’s life including mental health, physical health, relationships, performance at work or school and overall quality of life. Help must be sought to avoid and prevent the negative effects and rippling long-term implications of untreated anxiety. If you’re somebody with the signs or symptoms of anxiety disorders, seek professional help right away.