There are many triggers that can cause anxiety and panic attacks. Some of the triggers include:

• Grief - Death in the family, death of a parent, death of a close friend, spouse

• Financial difficulties - loss of a job, overwhelming debt, problems at work, etc.

• Major trauma - such as:

  • being assaulted or robbed

  • being in an automobile accident

  • being involved in a major natural catastrophe, such as an earthquake, flood, fire and tornado

  • witnessing a violent crime

  • a life-threatening experience

  • childhood trauma/abuse

• Divorce or leaving an abusive relationship

• Major illness

We can also have a build-up of stress, that can take weeks, months, or even years to reach the boiling point. When stress reaches this level, it can cause anxiety to progress into a significant problem, resulting in a disruption in a person's life.

Not all anxiety triggers come from "bad" events. There can also be "good things" happening that trigger anxiety; for instance, planning a wedding, having a baby or starting a new relationship.

There are also conditions that mimic anxiety disorders, such as hypothyroidism, hypoglycemia and mitral valve prolapse syndrome. That's one of the reasons why it's important to have a professional evaluation.

next: Treatment of Anxiety Disorders and Panic Attacks