Why Is Anxiety So Prevalent?

Anxiety is the most common mental struggle in the United States. Approximately 1 in 5 adults and 3 in 10 adolescents (aged 13-18)  in the United States had an anxiety disorder in the past year. Additionally, approximately 3 in 10 adults in the United States have an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. You may wonder what the major causes of anxiety are, given its prevalence. 

What Cause Anxiety Evolutionarily?

We are evolutionarily programmed to be anxious from time to time, especially in seriously dangerous and life-threatening situations. Back a few hundred thousand years, the real danger was everywhere, from the tiger stalking people for food to the younger man about to take over the prime position in the tribe - so humans developed a response known as the "fight, flight, or freeze" response. This means that when we sense danger, our bodies react quickly to prepare us to tackle it. Adrenaline and other hormones are rapidly released, causing our hearts to beat faster to pump more oxygen into our bodies. 

Whether you are fighting, running away, or staying absolutely still, your bodies are busy supporting your muscles, resulting in physical sensations such as lightheadedness, music tension, stomach ache, and nausea.

The problem with the "fight, flight, or freeze" response is that many situations we face in modern society do not necessitate a rapid physical reaction. For example, when you're giving a presentation in a meeting, it's not very helpful if your body is tense, and the increased strength in your muscles isn't needed for the situation.

Our primitive survival mechanism is tricking us. But, unfortunately, it has yet to catch up to our modern way of life. Until it does, we must honor how it works and learn effective ways to cope with anxiety. 

What Causes Anxiety from the Lifespan Perspective?

Several factors have been found to cause anxiety from the lifespan perspective. 

1) Predisposing factors.

These factors make you more susceptible to anxiety, such as genetic and environmental factors (nature and nurture). According to research, anxiety does appear to run in families, but this may be due to the effect of growing up in that family rather than the genes themselves. It could be that growing up in an invalidating environment where basic physical and emotional needs are not met predispose you to anxiety. Or it could be that the adults in the family are projecting their anxiety onto you, and you unconsciously identify with them. Before we can speak, we begin to develop a sense of self. An invalidating environment or anxious adults fosters false beliefs such as "I am unlovable," "I don't belong," or "the world is dangerous."

2) Precipitating factors.

There are the triggers in your life that set the anxiety off. It could be prolonged unmet needs at home, bullying at school, or experiencing a sudden loss. Any difficult life event, life transition, daily stressor, or trauma can play a critical role in exacerbating your anxiety. 

3) Maintaining factors.

These are stressors that feed your anxiety. It could be the ongoing stress of navigating daily life, relationship issues, work-related stress, or a combination of several factors.

\It is Not Your Fault and Therapy Can Help… A Lot.

You might treat the anxiety like a hungry baby tiger, feeding it to keep it from crying. Much like a fed tiger, your anxiety is alleviated by avoidance but grows in strength and appetite. It is not your fault you couldn't make anxiety go away. It's not that you're not strong enough or something is wrong with you.

Have you ever wondered if the way you approach your anxiety is flawed? No worries, therapy can really help!

Learn more about Anxiety Therapy.