Sources of Anxiety

Sources of Anxiety

Anxiety results from many factors and they can all interact. There is a biopsychosocial theory of anxiety’s origins; anxiety has sources in our biology, our psychological strategies for coping with stress, and life events, including our most important human relationships.

We humans developed the capacity to feel anxiety for a reason. Anxiety mobilizes us. Anxiety prepares us to fight an attacker or flee from imminent danger.

We still live with an internal alarm system. We still have the same brain like our ancestors.

The problem comes when anxiety turns into a perpetual series of false alarms. This occurs when anxiety happens for no apparent reason so often that you find it increasingly hard just to make it through the day. Sometimes, in fact, the mere thought that we are unsafe is enough to trigger the fight-or-flight response. Some of us have such thoughts more than others, meaning that our alarm system is especially sensitive. This puts us at extra risk for anxiety disorders.

These common factors can cause anxiety:

• Traumatic events
• Caffeine
• Food sensitivities
• Cigarettes
• Stress at work or in the academic field
• Stress in a personal relationship
• Financial stress
• Stress from an emotional trauma such as the loss of a loved one
• Stress from a serious medical illness
• Side effect of medication or drugs like alcohol
• Symptom of a medical illness
• Skipping meals
• Food supplements
• Lack of oxygen
• Dehydration
• Nutrient deficiencies
• Genetic dispositions
• Age
• Negative thinking
• Unconscious cues

Read more here:
Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders

Be sure to read the following notice

Before contacting me, please read the detailed information about fees, booking, contraindications to hypnotherapy and answers to other frequently asked questions (FAQ).

These pages are intended to provide information for those interested in psychotherapy using hypnotherapy. It is not intended to replace psychotherapy or personal consultation, examination or diagnosis by a licensed medical practitioner. I am not a medical doctor. I specialize in helping people with anxiety and anxiety disorders. The profession of a hypnotherapist (official license to practice psychotherapy according to the HPG) is fundamentally different from that of a medical doctor. Medical diagnoses are not made, nor are promises of healing made or medication prescribed. Hypnotherapy is not a substitute for medical or psychiatric intervention where this is required.

If you have any questions about psychotherapy with hypnosis, please do not hesitate to contact me. I will be happy to inform you.

Published: March 12, 2007
Author: Karsten Noack
Revision: August 15, 2023
Translation: May 26, 2008
German version: 
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AN: #34300