Anxiety is an emotion characterized by tension, worried thoughts, and physical characteristics, such as increased blood pressure.
We all experience anxiety at some point in our lives – it can be argued we all have anxiety but at varying degrees. Some of us have this at a degree we can manage, and some of us may have this at a degree where we need additional help.
An anxiety disorder involves recurring, intrusive thoughts or concerns and other specific criteria that lead to a diagnosis.
An anxiety disorder is a medical condition that interferes with your life. Common triggers for anxiety can make it difficult for you to handle your job or school responsibilities, do daily tasks, concentrate, and establish and maintain personal relationships. It might even make it difficult for you to leave your home or get out of bed.
I’d like you to ask yourself now and at the end of reading this article, “How would I rate my anxiety out of 10 on a regular day-to-day basis?”
Common Factors Causing Higher Levels of Anxiety
Some common factors that can be potential causes of anxiety include
- Stress
- Genetic factors
- Personality type
- Trauma
- Racism
- Medical causes
- Life events
- Health issues
- The use of some substances, such as drugs or caffeine
- Lifestyle factors, such as financial worries
- Either being alone or being with a lot of people
- Conflict
- Reminders of past trauma
Specific examples may include
- Losing a loved one
- Divorce or separation
- Spending time in the criminal justice system
- Injury or illness
- Financial pressures or a loss of employment
- Major changes, such as moving into a new house or getting married
What Causes Anxiety Attacks?
Now, getting more specific here, triggers for anxiety vary widely between individuals. Current problems in your life may build up and trigger anxiety as well as health issues that sometimes cause anxiety or might make it worse. Anxiety can sometimes be a side effect of taking drugs or medication as well.
It is worth noting that common triggers for anxiety often stem from a past experience or trauma where a situation or people bring up the same feelings of anxiety again in an extreme form – this can be an anxiety attack. Different anxiety disorders will also have different triggers. We’ll now look into each of these a little more. So far, can you relate to any of the trigger points mentioned?
Past or Childhood Experiences
Difficult experiences in childhood, adolescence, or adulthood are common triggers for anxiety problems. Going through stress and trauma when you’re very young is likely to have a particularly big impact. Experiences that can trigger anxiety problems include things such as
- Physical or emotional abuse
- Neglect
- Losing a parent
- Being bullied or being socially excluded
- Experiencing racism
- Having parents who don’t treat you warmly or are overprotective
Your Current Life Situation
Current problems in your life can also result in common triggers for anxiety, creating a range of problems. For example,
- Exhaustion or a build-up of stress
- Lots of change or uncertainty
- Feeling under pressure while studying or at work
- Long working hours
- Being out of work
- Financial concern
- Housing problems and homelessness
- Worrying about the environment or natural disasters (sometimes called climate anxiety or eco-anxiety)
- Losing someone close to you (sometimes called bereavement)
- Feeling lonely or isolated
- Being abused, bullied, or harassed, including experiencing racism
Physical or Mental Health Problems
Other health problems can sometimes cause anxiety or might make it worse. For example,
- Physical health problems – living with a serious ongoing or life-threatening physical health condition can sometimes trigger anxiety.
- Other mental health problems – it’s also common to develop anxiety while living with other mental health problems, such as depression.
Drugs and Medication
Anxiety can sometimes be a side effect of taking
- Some psychiatric medications
- some medications for physical health problems
- Recreational drugs and alcohol
When to Start Taking Action to Stop Anxiety in its Tracks
Do you believe it is ever too late to start taking action to stop your anxiety in tracks?
The truth is, it is never too late to stop reducing your levels of anxiety; however, there are certain signs that indicate you need to start taking action as soon as possible!
Some signs that your anxiety is increasing to worrying levels that need action include
- Anxiety is affecting your work, studies, or other aspects of daily life.
- You feel worried or distressed about your symptoms or anxiety levels.
- You are using alcohol or other substances to manage anxiety.
- You think there may be an underlying mental health problem.
- You are having suicidal thoughts.
- You have had treatment for anxiety before, and now it has come back.
If you’re fed up with anxiety holding you back in your career and life and you’re ready to stop anxiety in its tracks, just email or click below to book your free 15-minute clarity call. We’d love to chat about where you are and what you need to do to get to where you need to go fast!
Serena and I work with corporate, professional women who are looking to stop their anxiety in its tracks and replace the major triggers holding them back.
I know it might sound crazy, but our method works!
If you’re ready to be committed, do the work, and make this a priority in your life right now, contact us by email or book a call, and we’ll reach out to you with more information about the support we can provide.