There are many causes of anxiety; the prevalence among the human population is huge. According to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America, 40 million American adults suffer from anxiety disorders, making them the most common mental illness. The causes of anxiety and the development of anxiety disorders stem from a complex set of circumstances found in the individual who is afflicted.
Basics
There are many factors in triggering anxiety. The cause of anxiety will depend on the individual, the environment and the support system. According to FamilyDoctor.org, anxiety is a person’s alarm system within his body that goes off in order to keep him out of danger.
Signs and Symptoms
Even though there are various causes for anxiety, the resulting behaviors and feeling produced are generally the same. According to the MayoClinic.com, the feelings of anxiety includes being apprehensive, feeling powerless, feeling as though there is impending danger or doom, increasing heart rate, rapid breathing, sweating, trembling and feeling fatigued; these experiences are generally irrational when they are triggered by an anxiety disorder.
Considerations
Consider the individual when determining a cause for anxiety. Individual characteristics such as personality, coping skills and background will help determine possible causes for anxiety in each person. The MayoClinic.com notes that people with some personality types are more prone to developing anxiety disorders than others. These people may be high strung and unable to relieve their daily stressors. Also, without adequate coping skills, a person may be more likely to dwell on problems, feel victimized and overwhelmed; thus, anxiety can take hold, reports the MayoClinic.com.
Causes
Anxiety is commonly caused by a build-up of stress, the stress that results from a chronic health condition; such as diabetes or cancer, trauma and/or abuse; it can result from being a victim or witnessing someone being victimized, gender; females are more likely to experience anxiety disorders and having a family history of anxiety, notes the MayoClinic.com. Anxiety can result from large and small things that occur in a person’s life and these things can be both good and bad. Having a child, getting married or starting a new job are all positive things that can trigger anxiety. Life situations such as living in poverty or suffering from another mental illness, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, can bring about anxiety symptoms.
Warning
Be aware of how substance abuse can contribute to the onset and intensity of anxiety. The MayoClinic.com points out that the use of drugs and alcohol can actually cause a person’s symptoms of anxiety to worsen. Drugs and alcohol only provide temporary relief for feelings and experiences of anxiety; therefore, they should not be consumed as a way to reduce anxiety or deal with a bad day. This will only fuel the flames of anxiety.
