10 Causes Of Anxiety: Why Does This Disorder Occur?

What are the reasons for suffering from anxiety? What is the origin of an anxiety disorder? Discover the reasons and consequences of an anxiety disorder.

Main causes of anxiety

Have you experienced anxiety? More and more people suffer from an anxiety disorder. This disorder does not develop or is caused by just one factor, but by a combination of things. There are different causes of anxiety that can lead a person to suffer from this disorder. So, what causes anxiety?

Why does anxiety appear?

Currently it is unknown exact causes behind anxiety disorders In fact, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), there are a combination of genetic and environmental factors that can play a relevant role in this. Research shows that brain chemistry may be one possible cause. In many cases, the origin of anxiety can be related to those areas of our brain that control the fear response.

Additionally, anxiety disorders often occur with other mental health conditions, such as substance abuse or depression. This happens because many people try to relieve anxiety symptoms by using alcohol and other drugs. Current studies indicate that the main causes of anxiety They fall due to a combination of genetic factors and social stress.

The 10 causes of anxiety

Factors that can increase a person’s risk of suffering from anxiety are the following:

  1. Genetics: Research shows that having a close relative with this disorder may be one of the causes of anxiety Currently, there is not enough evidence to show whether this is due to certain genes that make us vulnerable to developing anxiety or whether, on the contrary, we learn particular ways of thinking and behaving from our parents and other family members as well as of the social or school environment as we grow up.
  2. Traumas: Difficult experiences in childhood, adolescence or adulthood can be one of the triggering factors of origin of anxiety People who have experienced a lot of stress or even trauma when they were very young often suffer a great impact on their mental health as a result. One of the consequences can be anxiety, especially when these experiences are related to physical or emotional abuse, neglect, losing a parent, as well as being bullied or socially excluded.
  3. Stress: Your current problems may also be one of the reasons for anxiety For example, having too much exhaustion due to stress, being in a change or uncertainty, feeling under a lot of pressure, working long hours or having money problems, among others, can be one of the causes of anxiety.
  4. Physical or mental health problems: Suffering from other health problems, whether mental illnesses or disorders, can be another of the causes of anxiety Anxiety can appear because a person lives with a serious physical health condition, as well as when they are suffering from other mental health problems such as a depressive disorder.
  5. Drugs and medications: Having anxiety can also be a side effect of taking certain psychiatric medications or to treat physical illnesses. On the other hand, another of the causes of anxiety It is linked to drug and alcohol abuse. Causes of anxiety
  6. Bad nutrition: Some foods or drinks, taken regularly, can trigger certain symptoms of anxiety, as well as worsen all the signs of this disorder. For example, a diet high in sugar or caffeine may be one of the causes of anxiety
  7. Personality types: Certain traits of our personality can be one of the causes of origin of anxiety Research showed that those people who suffered from problems with criticism, as well as experienced more negative thoughts about themselves, were much more likely to develop panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorders, agoraphobia, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). ) as well as major depressive disorder.
  8. Sex: Studies suggest that women are much more likely than men to experience anxiety and develop an anxiety disorder. According to experts, it is likely that the reason for this is a combination of biological, social and cultural factors.
  9. Gender dysphoria: For people who have gender dysphoria, their biological gender does not match the gender they identify with. This can lead to confusion and anxiety, but it can also increase conflict with those who have rigid perceptions of male and female roles. Dealing with this hostile environment can be one of the reasons why anxiety appear.
  10. Relationship problems: Having a problem or a bad relationship with a close person, whether in the family, school, friends or work, can be one of the causes of origin of anxiety In these cases, not talking about the conflict or avoiding confrontation can also influence the development of an anxiety disorder.
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These are the main causes why a person can end up suffering from anxiety. If you think you have the symptoms and you identify with any of these experiences, it is likely that you have an anxiety disorder that requires the attention of a mental health professional.

Anxiety attacks and their causes

An anxiety attack happens when you experience a state of extreme anxiety briefly and quickly. These moments are usually accompanied by physical symptoms, such as a feeling of shortness of breath, palpitations, pressure in the chest, dizziness and fear of losing control or dying. As there are different anxiety disorders, there are also different triggers for attacks. In the aanxiety attacks, the causes The most common are the following:

  • Health problems
  • Use of substances such as drugs, alcohol or caffeine
  • Lifestyle, such as facing too many sources of stress or having too many financial worries
  • Being alone or, on the contrary, being among many people
  • have a conflict
  • Remember past traumas

Consequences of anxiety

What are the consequences of anxiety?

If anxiety is not treated, people can end up developing the following consequences:

  • Affect different areas: One of the main consequences of anxiety is that this disorder can end up affecting aspects such as work, studies, as well as relationships with others.
  • Constant concerns: When anxiety is not treated, people can experience a lot of distress due to being able to suffer from its symptoms at any time.
  • Substance use: Many people try living with anxiety using substances to control it such as alcohol, drugs and tobacco. Although it may relieve symptoms for a few moments, the reality is that drug use aggravates anxiety disorder.
  • Suicidal thoughts: Anxiety can also end up causing suicidal thoughts if not treated properly.
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There are many consequences behind anxiety For this reason, it is a disorder that must be treated with a mental health professional.

How to prevent anxiety?

There are different coping mechanisms that can help you manage anxiety Among the most effective, we recommend the following:

  • Exercise
  • Meditation (guided meditation or hypnosis)
  • Relaxation exercises, including deep breathing.
  • Display
  • Have good sleeping habits
  • Healthy diet
  • Learn interpersonal skills to deal with difficult people and situations

Anxiety affects more and more people. In fact, there are many cases in which we end up living with anxiety despite all its consequences. This disorder can affect us in all areas of our lives, something that can contribute to developing other mental health disorders. For this reason, it is vital treat anxiety to be able to live without fear or worries.