Causes of Anxiety Disorders Environmental Factors As has been suggested in the Genetic Causes of Anxiety Disorders, there are particular experiences, including heredity that can result in developing a predisposition to developing high levels of anxiety or an anxiety disorder. Once this predisposition is determined, there are particular environmental situations that can actually precipitate high levels of anxiety. Some of the environmental triggers of anxiety include: Experience of your childhood The role models and significant people in your life as a child affect your experience of growing up and can play a role in the development of high levels of anxiety and anxiety disorders. As a child we are highly influenced by our role models. Their treatment and care of us can often contribute to the development of a particular belief and value system which then affects how we view ourselves and our world. Some circumstances of childhood which can lead to the development of unhealthy beliefs and a predisposition to the development of an anxiety disorder include: Being critised, put down regularly Having high expectations of us as children Being overprotected Lack of nurturing, affection and support Lack of encouragement of assertive behaviour and independence Other events that happen to us as children and how we perceive those events can also contribute to the development of high levels of anxiety or an anxiety disorder later in life. Small events can be very significant to a child who is sensitive. For e.g. if we were doing show and tell at school and two of the children in the front laugh at us, we may interpret this to mean there is something wrong with us, and spend days or weeks worrying about this. If we internalise the meaning we place on this event as a belief we may then have problems being assertive in later life, and experience reduced self-esteem, both of which can contribute to anxiety. Cumulative stress If we experience stress over a long period of time, and are unable to reduce it or work through it, it tends to accumulate and does not automatically go away. This cumulative stress can put so much pressure on the mind and body that your body will go into automatic protection mode, resulting in high levels of anxiety. If the anxiety is not addressed and the stress is not decreased or managed, people can then often develop an Anxiety Disorder. Adverse life events and major loss Threats to our safety, the death of a loved one, breakup of a marriage or relationship, financial hardship and loss of a job are often short term contributors to precipitating high levels of anxiety or an anxiety disorder. Major life changes Life changes of great significance such as moving country or interstate, changing jobs, having children or children leaving home, marriage or a new relationship can often be triggers to high levels of anxiety and panic attacks.
Posted on: Wed, 18 Jun 2014 01:30:00 +0000