Anxiety inside out: Understanding the root cause
Imagine this: You’re sitting at your desk, staring at a long list of tasks, but instead of starting on any of them, your mind is racing. Your heart is pounding, and a knot tightens in your stomach. You can’t quite put your finger on why you’re feeling this way, but it’s overwhelming.
This is anxiety.
And it’s not just in your head—it’s a real, physical reaction that millions of people experience every day.
In this article, we’re diving into what really causes anxiety. Because by understanding anxiety inside out, we can learn how to manage it more effectively, no matter where it shows up in your life.
What really causes anxiety?
Anxiety isn’t just something that happens when we feel stressed. It’s a reaction deeply rooted in our brains. When we feel anxious, our body activates a “fight or flight” response. This response is controlled by the amygdala, a part of the brain responsible for detecting threats. For some people, the amygdala overreacts to everyday situations, making them feel anxious even when there’s no real danger.
Many factors contribute to this overreaction. It could be a combination of genetic predisposition, environmental stressors, or unresolved trauma. What’s important is recognizing that anxiety isn’t a weakness or flaw—it’s your brain’s way of trying to protect you, even when it goes into overdrive.
How anxiety inside out connects to mental health in the workplace
In line with World Mental Health Day 2024’s focus on mental health in the workplace, it’s important to understand that anxiety doesn’t just switch off when you clock in or out. Work stress is a significant trigger for many, but anxiety can stem from a variety of sources. Sometimes, what’s happening at work may amplify underlying anxiety that already exists.
When you understand anxiety inside out, it becomes easier to see why workplaces need to foster environments that support mental health. But even outside of work, recognizing your own anxiety triggers and responses can help you manage them better, whether they arise during a meeting, a family gathering, or when you're alone at home.
Recognizing the root causes of your anxiety
Anxiety often feels unpredictable, but understanding what triggers it can make a big difference. For some, it’s obvious: deadlines, social situations, or financial stress. For others, anxiety might come from deeper, less visible places—like past trauma, fear of failure, or even a chemical imbalance.
By recognizing what triggers your anxiety, you can begin to address how you respond to it. One effective way is through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps retrain your brain to react differently to stressors. Mindfulness and meditation are other powerful tools, as they help you stay grounded in the present moment instead of getting swept up in anxious thoughts.
Coping with anxiety holistically
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to anxiety, but there are many strategies that can help manage it. Addressing anxiety inside out means looking at both the mental and physical aspects of your experience. For example, meditation has been shown to reduce the brain’s stress response, helping people feel calmer and more in control over time.
Other helpful strategies include deep breathing exercises, staying active, and maintaining healthy sleep habits. These practices work together to lower your overall stress levels and help prevent anxiety from becoming overwhelming.
Take action to manage your anxiety
Anxiety doesn’t have to control your life. Understanding it from the inside out can help you take back control. Whether you use meditation, therapy, or lifestyle changes, the key is to recognize your anxiety and work on managing your body’s response.
Want help with that? Download the Balance app for personalized meditation techniques to help reduce stress and manage anxiety. Start today and take the first step toward feeling better.
