Anxiety is a common condition that everyone experiences at some time in their lives. It can cause a person to feel nervous, afraid or uncomfortable. Understanding where anxiety originated may help us to manage it better. Anxiety has a number of roots we can investigate, including genetics, life experiences and mental health.
To begin with, genetics may largely contribute to how likely a person is to be afflicted by anxiety. Some people may be born with a tendency to worry and feel anxious. And if someone has a family member who has an anxiety problem, they can also be more likely to become anxious. Recent studies indicated that as a result, these individuals often experience similar sentiments because of their family history of anxiety disorders. This indicates that our genes may play a role in how we respond to stress and fear—whether things are harder or easier for us when dealing with difficult circumstances.
Stress is among the leading causes of anxiety. We experience what’s known as “fight or flight” in our bodies when we’re up against a difficult situation — essentially, our heart rate speeds up, our muscles become tense and we feel as if there’s an imminent threat. That is a normal reaction and one that’s meant to help us cope in dangerous situations, but it can occur even when no real danger is present.
Life experiences can also cause anxiety. Anxiety in children can be caused by trauma – such as the death of a loved one, bullying or even experiencing a major life change like attending a new school. For example, anxiety levels have risen among students who are returning to school after the COVID-19 pandemic. Some were concerned about contracting the virus or unsure of their ability to transition back to in-person learning. Such experiences may cause fear of a similar situation in the future and result in residual anxiety.
Our brains also play a role. Other times, our brains can be “locked” into a “fight or flight” reaction when in fact there’s no real danger. This response is designed to keep us safe, but when it kicks into gear too frequently, it can result in worry and fear that are relentless. For instance, the brain of someone who has been traumatized — after a car accident, say — may learn to associate certain situations with danger and go into what we call hypervigilance.
There is also the powerful element of mental health. Depression or generalized anxiety disorder can make it difficult for people to cope with how they feel. When they are struggling with their mental health, people may also have a hard time getting a grip on worries. For instance, an overwhelmed employee who is fixated on his or her office tasks might experience anxiety about failing to deliver a good performance. This pressure can chip away at their self-esteem and produce a cycle of anxiety that is difficult to escape.
Knowing the source of anxiety is the first step to manage it. Through identifying the various causes of your anxiety – whether it’s genes, environment, brain function, or thoughts and actions – you can get a better understanding of what’s at the core without relying on unhealthy ways to cope. You can’t own a tree, but — like a gardener caring for its roots — you can cultivate mental well-being and make your anxiety manageable.
If you are struggling with anxiety, or someone you love needs help to overcome this problem, Arbor Wellness is the place for you. We are a team of specialists and we create tailored treatment plans that fit your individual self and goals.
Sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anxiety/symptoms-causes/syc-20350961
https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety/anxiety-triggers
https://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/anxiety-disorders
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https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3181683/
https://www.cdc.gov/mental-health/living-with/index.htmlhttps://www.apa.org/topics/stress/anxiety-difference
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fight-or-flight_response
https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2881589/
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