If you’ve noticed more intense anxiety symptoms recently, you’re definitely not alone. Along with depression, anxiety is one of the most common mental health conditions. And more people are experiencing anxiety than ever before.

In 2023, 50% of adults ages 18-24 and 32.3% of all adults reported anxiety and depression symptoms, according to the United States Census Bureau. Data from a 2017 survey showed that only 19.1% of U.S. adults had any anxiety disorder in the past year. The lifetime prevalence for adult anxiety was 31.1% at that time.

It’s no secret that we’re living in a period of high stress due to current events, socioeconomic factors and demanding schedules. But as an individual, you have a unique set of life circumstances and biological makeup. Understanding your specific risk factors for anxiety is a great first step toward finding treatments that work.

This article covers 10 potential causes of high anxiety.

Why is my anxiety so intense? 

You may already know that trauma and stress go hand in hand with anxiety. Experiences in your past and instability in your current environment can both cause anxiety symptoms. Your health, your finances, your identity, your relationships and your living situation are all important parts of your life. When you’re feeling stressed in one or more of these areas, your anxiety can build up to a level that’s hard to cope with. Big and sudden life changes often trigger anxiety, too.

Anxiety can be both a mental health symptom and a condition on its own. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is the most well-known diagnosis. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and panic disorders are other common anxiety conditions. Anxiety can also be a symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or bipolar disorder.

Feeling anxiety symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean you have a diagnosable condition. And fortunately, you don’t need a diagnosis to talk with a therapist or get help.

10 possible causes of high anxiety

Anxiety can be summed up as a consistent fear of the unknown or worry about specific events taking place. It’s one big “what if” that won’t go away. You may be anxious about specific possibilities or situations, or your anxiety might be a general feeling of unease. Many people describe it as being “on edge” or restless. Exploring the possible reasons behind your anxiety can give you important clues about life changes and treatments that may help.

The following are 10 risk factors and potential causes for anxiety:

• Stress — Stress can come from working in a high-pressure, fast-paced or chaotic environment, as many of us do. Anticipating negative consequences of failure and feeling unsafe in any way are also common causes of stress. Toxic cultures and relationships can be a source of stress, too.
• Life changes — Big adjustments can bring up a lot of worries and fears, especially when they’re not planned. A sudden loss, a move to a different city or even losing a job can cause significant anxiety.
• Health concerns — Worrying about your health can cause anxiety even if you’re well. But for those who have chronic illnesses or poor health, distressing physical symptoms can cause a new level of fear. The physical stress of a health condition can affect your ability to cope.
• Environmental factors — Environmental factors can come from any place where you’re spending a lot of time. They’re things in your workplace, school, neighborhood or home that cause you stress. Some examples could be loud noises, crime and isolation from other people.
• Finances — Money is one of the biggest sources of worry people experience today. You can’t always control your work situation, and unexpected life events can be very expensive. Whether you’re constantly low on funds or your finances have changed overnight, money-related anxieties can affect other areas of your life.
• Caffeine — Caffeine can exacerbate anxiety symptoms in sensitive individuals, potentially leading to increased nervousness and sleep disturbances.
• Trauma — People respond to traumatic experiences in different ways, but anxiety symptoms are common. Witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event can leave you with worries about similar situations. Feeling that you’re threatened or in danger for extended periods will keep your mind and your nervous system on the defensive.
• Side effects from prescription medications — Certain prescription medications, such as corticosteroids and certain asthma medications, can cause anxiety-like symptoms or worsen existing anxiety as a side effect. If you’re taking any new medications or your dosage has changed, let your prescriber know about your anxiety.
• Substance use — While alcohol and recreational drugs can lower inhibitions, the long-term effects can cause more mental health concerns. People with high anxiety should avoid drinking in excess or taking recreational drugs.
• Anxiety disorder — Anxiety doesn’t always have a clear cause, and often, it’s a combination of many things. If you think you may have an anxiety disorder, you should talk with a therapist.

When to seek help for anxiety

In many cases, talking through your feelings with a trusted friend or a mentor can help you get more perspective. However, if anxiety starts to get in the way of your daily activities, or when it continues for weeks at a time, you may need treatment from a licensed clinician or a therapist. Online support groups can be a great way to connect with people who understand what you’re going through. Many weekly groups are free to join.

At Lightfully, we provide higher levels of care for anxiety conditions. We treat each client as a whole person rather than a list of symptoms. We create highly individualized treatment plans that account for the factors causing your anxiety and the interventions that will create lasting mental wellness. We also hold a free online support group, currently on Fridays at 12:30pm PT (2:30pm CT & 3:30pm ET). You’re welcome to join us.

You can’t always change the memories, situations and facts of life that cause your anxiety. But you can change your relationship with them and you can learn skills to manage your stress and fears. The compassionate professionals at Lightfully can help.

Have questions about anxiety or treatment? Contact us today.