Anxiety disorders are the most common form of mental illness in the United States. According to statistics provided by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders affect 40 million Americans over the age of 18 every year. The effects of anxiety can be devastating, and it affects the sufferer and their family in equal measure. To help those struggling with anxiety, it is crucial to understand the underlying causes of anxiety, the signs of anxiety, and how to manage this condition healthily.
This article will tackle the complex nature of anxiety. We will discuss the 9 causes of anxiety and the ways anxiety can be managed and treated for those dealing with this debilitating mental illness. If you or a loved one suffer from anxiety, you must find professional help as soon as possible. Sequoia Recovery Centers is the Pacific Northwest’s premier treatment facility. We offer top-tier treatment services that are evidence-based and personalized to meet your unique needs. Call Sequoia Recovery Centers today and conquer your anxiety.
What Are the 9 Causes of Anxiety?
There isn’t one universal cause of anxiety. The causes of anxiety differ widely from person to person, and many anxiety sufferers may exhibit multiple signs of anxiety at once. The following are the nine causes of anxiety and their characteristics:
Genetics—perhaps the most common cause of anxiety is having a family history of anxiety and mental illness in general. The risk of developing anxiety also increases if a current family member is suffering from the disorder.
Personality Type—while not commonly discussed, people with certain personality types are more at risk for developing an anxiety disorder. These types include people who are hypercritical of themselves or have great difficulty accepting constructive criticism. People who exhibit agoraphobia (the fearing and avoidance of crowded spaces) also are more vulnerable to developing anxiety.
Unresolved Trauma—another one of the common signs of anxiety is unresolved past trauma. These events include the death of a loved one, surviving a major accident, and being a victim of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse.
Gender—there may be instances where one’s gender may indicate a greater vulnerability. For example, women may be at a higher risk for developing an anxiety disorder such as panic disorder, separation anxiety, PTSD, and generalized anxiety disorder.
Medical Causes—Another common anxiety cause is underlying medical conditions such as hyperthyroidism, heart disease, and diabetes. Those withdrawing from substances may also experience anxiety.
Medications—medications can also be one of the anxiety causes people experience. Common medications that can cause anxiety include Ritalin, Excedrin, and Rytary ( a medication used to treat those suffering from Parkinson’s disease).
Poor Self–Care—people who don’t practice proper self-care are more at risk of developing an anxiety disorder. Poor self-care includes lack of hygiene, skipping meals, and not visiting the doctor regularly.
Unmanaged Stress—while stress is an accepted everyday part of life, unmanaged stress can lead to the development of anxiety over time. People who don’t have healthy coping skills in dealing with anxiety are at greater risk of developing an anxiety disorder.
Gender Dysphoria—gender dysphoria occurs when people who are assigned a gender at birth identify as another gender. This creates a tremendous amount of inner conflict as well as conflict with others. As a result, people experiencing this condition may develop anxiety or other mental disorders.
Healthy Ways to Cope With an Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety disorders can be debilitating and difficult to deal with daily. Fortunately, there are many healthy ways in dealing with anxiety disorders. These simple yet powerful coping strategies will address the causes of anxiety and ease anxiety causes if implemented consistently. The most obvious way in handling anxiety disorders is professional treatment. Evidence-based therapies, medication management, and coping skills training go a long way in helping people healthily manage anxiety.
Daily exercise is also effective in dealing with the causes of anxiety. Regular daily exercise releases dopamine, which is the brain’s natural “feel good” chemical and helps promote well-being. Utilizing relaxation techniques such as meditation and yoga is also helpful. Additional ways of managing the signs of anxiety include implementing a healthy diet, getting restful sleep every night, avoiding alcohol and other drugs, and journaling.
Tackle Your Anxiety Disorder Head-On With Help From Sequoia Recovery Centers
Your anxiety disorder does not define you and doesn’t have to ruin your life. Sequoia Recovery Centers features evidence-based mental health and substance abuse programs that empower you to transform your life. Our experienced treatment team will work with you to design a personalized treatment plan to help you address and overcome your anxiety disorder for good.
Sequoia Recovery Centers is a dual diagnosis medical detox center in Washington. Learn about how our full continuum of care path can help you overcome anxiety.
Call Sequoia Recovery Centers today and become the healthy and happy person you deserve to become!
