Anxiety Signs & Causes

While almost everyone experiences anxiety at some point in their lives, for some of us it’s a chronic problem we can’t escape. Navigating your life with anxiety can feel like making your way through a grocery store using a cart with a broken wheel. It might feel manageable at first, but as you load it down it becomes harder to maneuver. Challenges that should be easy end up feeling difficult, if not impossible to overcome.

Many people don’t even realize the degree to which their anxieties are holding them back. As kids, many of us are taught to ‘tough it out’ when we’re anxious or upset. Instead of ignoring our problems, wouldn’t it be better if we learned to understand and address them?

Here are some of anxiety’s most common signs & causes:

Signs of Anxiety

There are a wide variety of symptoms people can experience when they’re struggling with chronic anxiety. Worries over work, finances, or relationship issues can all contribute to anxiety. For some, anxiety is tied to specific locations or social situations. Regardless of what causes your anxiety to build or surface, you may experience some of the following symptoms:

●      Avoidance

●      Cold Sweats

●      Dizziness

●      Fatigue

●      Hypervigilance

●      Insomnia

●      Irritability

●      Lack of Focus

●      Muscle Tension

●      Nausea

●      Nervousness

●      Rapid Breathing

Most people experience a few specific symptoms on a recurring basis, while for others it’s a moving target. No matter the case, like that squeaky wheel on that overloaded grocery cart, anxiety makes it harder for us to get through life when our worries start to pile up.

You may have been living with anxiety for so long that it’s started to feel like normal. Take a look at the list above and consider: when did these symptoms start, and how long have they been holding you back?

Causes of Anxiety

Research has shown several causes for anxiety. In some cases, anxiety may be caused by biological factors such as family genetics, chemical imbalance, or medical conditions. In others, it may be the result of environmental factors like childhood trauma or abuse. Often, stress builds up over time until it hits a breaking point, which can result in chronic anxiety.

Biological Factors

●      Family Genetics

●      Substance Abuse

●      Chemical Imbalance

●      Heart Conditions

●      Thyroid Disorders

Environmental Factors

●      Childhood Trauma

●      Emotional Abuse

●      Family Instability

●      Sexual Abuse

●      Social Media Consumption

●      Workplace Stress

While it may seem strange, anxiety is a survival mechanism that doesn’t always complement the modern world we live in. When we’re uncomfortable or feeling unsafe, our brain sends signals to produce stress hormones like cortisol which are useful in fight-or-flight situations, but not always suitable for the situation at hand. Our bodies are built for a primitive world and sometimes can’t tell the difference between a deadline and a life-or-death threat.

Recognizing Triggers

Just like some people have allergies to certain foods, people who suffer from chronic anxiety often have specific triggers. Try to think about what situations or places trigger that fight-or-flight instinct in your body.

Here are some examples:

●      Crowded Spaces

●      Deadlines

●      Evaluation \ Judgment

●      Fear of Failure

●      High-Pressure Situations

●      Medical Evaluations

●      Public Speaking

●      Rejection

●      Social Gatherings

●      Travel \ Change in Location

Some people are able to identify patterns or common features that are driving their anxiety. Once you understand your triggers, it’s possible to change how you perceive them. Remember, because anxiety is a fight-or-flight instinct that runs awry, finding a way to restore your sense of safety in situations that might otherwise be threatening will help you get your anxiety under control.

Schedule a Consultation

If you struggle with anxiety on a daily basis and it’s impacting the way you live your life, consider reaching out to schedule a free consultation for anxiety therapy. In my practice, I work with people every day to help them regain control over their thoughts and emotions. Don’t let anxiety stop you from living life on your terms!