What Causes Anxiety?

Anxiety is a natural body reaction caused by perceived danger. Anxiety disorders occur when anxiety doesn’t go away or worsens over time.

You may be wondering: What exactly is anxiety disorder, and do I have one?

Also, what's causing my anxiety, and will it ever go away?

Two factors that seem to largely determine whether a person will develop an anxiety disorder are:

  1. Genetics

  2. Environment.

Scientists also think there may be a link between anxiety and the hippocampus in the brain. Research has shown that experiencing trauma, or any type of brain injury in the hippocampus area, could predispose someone to an anxiety disorder.

Another area of the brain that could also connect with anxiety disorders is the amygdala, so injuries in that area also could increase the chances of developing an anxiety disorder.

How bad is my anxiety?

To help determine if you have symptoms of an anxiety disorder, take our 2-Minute Anxiety Online Assessment.

 If you suspect you might be living with an anxiety disorder, be sure to talk with your primary care physician and/or a licensed mental health counselor about your concerns. 

Find help for your anxiety

The Monarch Directory by SimplePractice can help you find a licensed mental health professional near you who specializes in anxiety. 

Talk therapy or psychotherapy, such as  cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT),can help us manage our anxiety by learning coping strategies and diving into what needs to change in the present to help us cope better.

CBT helps us focus on our thought processes and behaviors.

When we understand what is driving our anxiety, we're in a better place to cope with anxiety in a healthy way.

While it may be possible for our anxiety to be successfully treated with only medication or only therapy, in most cases, a combination of both treatments is recommended. 

Here’s are therapists near you who specialize in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).


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