It’s natural to feel anxious or scared at times, but if these feelings start impacting your daily life, there are strategies that can help you manage them.
Causes of Anxiety, Fear, and Panic
Anxiety, fear, and panic can arise from many different sources, and each person’s experience is unique.
When you’re anxious or fearful, your body releases stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol.
While these hormones are helpful in certain situations, they can also cause physical symptoms like a racing heart or sweating.
In some cases, they may even trigger a panic attack.
Ongoing anxiety or panic could be a sign of several health conditions.
If you’re worried about how you’re feeling, it’s important to see a doctor rather than try to self-diagnose.
Identifying the Cause
Recognizing what’s causing your anxiety, fear, or panic can make it easier to manage. Common triggers include:
- Work: Job pressure, unemployment, or retirement
- Family: Relationship problems, divorce, or caregiving responsibilities
- Finances: Unexpected bills or financial difficulties
- Health: Illness, injury, or loss
- Past experiences: Trauma, bullying, abuse, or neglect
Even major life changes, like moving, having a baby, or planning a wedding, can lead to stress and anxiety.
It can be hard to explain why you feel the way you do, but talking to someone you trust can help you understand your emotions and find ways to cope.
