Anxiety is not an instantaneous thing nor does it have an isolated cause. There are usually a number of components involved with the anxiety-trigger. It may be work and home related or ill-health with no-job or income. The combinations are many and varied

Some of the conditions are ongoing and others may be of a short duration. However all can affect your mental wellbeing and have to be dealt with sooner rather than later.

To help you recognise your own anxiety triggers here is a list of some of the conditions that can cause anxiety.

Physical health problems

We all avoid pain but chronic physical illness cannot be avoided and may contribute to anxiety conditions. Physical pain can cause anxiety, so rather than deny this fact, go to your GP and be assessed. Is there a medical reason you are feeling anxiety and perhaps there may be a medical solution to alleviate the feeling of anxiety?

Other mental health conditions

As mentioned before anxiety triggers are not necessarily isolated and there may be a number of conditions that are contributing to your feelings of anxiety. Indeed, depression, anxiety and stress conditions often occur together.

Substance use

If you find you are drinking a lot or using drugs you may be attempting to mask your anxiety, stress or depression. Unfortunately alcohol and substance abuse can aggravate anxiety. Be honest with yourself about what you are doing and seek help.

Personality factors

It is a simple fact that some people are more nervous than others with the resulting anxiety symptoms. Research suggests that people who want to control everything are attempting to keep their anxiety under control. Children who are perfectionists try to keep there environment pristine in order to offset any internal anxiety they may be feeling.

Certain personality traits do suggest that the onset of anxiety is more likely to happen from childhood to adulthood.

Ongoing stressful events

• Anxiety conditions may develop because of one or more stressful life events.
• Common triggers include:
• Stress at work or job change
• Moving house or changing living environment
• Pregnancy and giving birth
• Relationship problems, especially divorce.
• Major emotional shock following a stressful or traumatic event, including the death of a loved one.
• Abuse in all its forms: physical, emotional, mental.

A Reminder

It’s not always possible to identify the cause of the anxiety – but it is important to recognise the signs and symptoms and seek advice and support.