There are three competing theories about the causes of anxiety. A cognitive therapist might assert that negative thoughts and irrational attitudes cause anxiety. For example, if you believe that you must always get everyone’s approval, you might feel very nervous if your boss was criticizing you or if you had to give a speech before a large audience.
A psychoanalyst might assert that repressed conflicts, trauma, and anger make people anxious. When you were growing up you may have gotten the idea that children should be seen but not heard. You might have been afraid of sharing any negative feelings with your parents. As an adult you may still be afraid of expressing anger or telling people how you really feel. When you have a conflict with your boss, you may clam up because you feel they may put you down just as your parents did. The effort to avoid conflict makes you repress your feelings, and you get terribly nervous and panicky. Some psychiatrists think that an imbalance in your body chemistry causes feelings of fear and panic. These therapists might tell you that all you need is the right drug to correct the problem. Many patients are equally convinced that their nervous problems are medical. Some think their anxieties are caused by food allergies or low blood sugar. Others fear they have a brain tumor or a heart condition. They go from doctor to doctor looking for a diagnosis and cure that never seems to materialize.
If you’re tired of anxiety and haven’t found an answer, then we hope you’ll contact us and set an appointment. Anxiety is not a mandatory condition, and there are things you can do to reduce it.