Common Causes and Stressors of Anxiety
Stress is a natural part of everyone’s lives. It can be a source of motivation for action or effort, or a means of focus or alertness. If unchecked or left to expand to all aspects of your life, that stress can become full blown anxiety that is significantly more difficult to control. Knowing the most common causes and stressors of anxiety can help you know what things to avoid and what to keep an eye on, so that you can maintain better control over your life.
Circumstantial Stress
Some stressors are circumstantial—from occupational struggles to educational frustrations to health problems, financial strains, or any big decisions you are facing. These are a part of progression, which is essential to a fulfilling life! However, the idea of making the wrong move or decision can become paralyzing, and individuals often put blame for failures immediately on themselves. This becomes a vicious cycle of self-loathing, and even obsession with success. When these feelings or thoughts begin to arise in your life, consider taking a step back and reevaluating your long-term goals. Root yourself in the positive side of reality, and recognize that your strengths and resilience mean you can work through or overcome any challenge put in your way! Practicing positive reinforcement is a huge help to combatting circumstantial stressors.
Relationships
Our relationships with those we care about are a core part of our emotional health. Humans are meant to connect with and support each other, and care for or about each other. When an important relationship in your life encounters some misunderstanding or disagreement, the tension from such raises major alarms in your brain. The idea of losing or damaging those relationships may create an even physiological response as your mind panics over the concern for connection! If you have a relationship that could use some TLC, devote some time to talking it through (even with a professional, if necessary) and take measures to strengthen healthy relationships. (Keep in mind that unhealthy relationships may require an entirely different outcome; maintain those relationships that help you be happy!)
Trauma
Major life tragedies are often a major trigger for anxiety. These might be traumatic moments such as injury or near-death experiences, being the victim of assault, the death of a family member or loved one, or moments of intense emotional and mental pressure that cause a mental break. These moments are almost entirely outside of your control, which means they are difficult to “avoid” altogether. However, being aware of their impact on your mental health should encourage you to seek professional help as soon as possible following the trauma! Therapists and psychologists are trained to help you work through trauma in a healthy way, decreasing the long-lasting effects of traumatic experiences.
Our organization employs those professional therapists and psychologists that can help you work through circumstantial, relationship or traumatic experiences that are causing you unhealthy stress. Look through our clinician bios and find one who fits your needs!