Approximately 18.1% of U.S. adults suffer from anxiety. While some people have minor cases, others have extreme situations that interfere with every part of their lives. 

Anxiety comes in different forms, and there are several types of anxiety disorders you can have. 

If you suffer from anxiety, you might wonder why you have this issue. You might also wonder what caused it and how you can treat it.

Here is a guide to help you learn more about the different types of anxiety disorders, the causes, and the best treatment options available. 

The Main Types of Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety affects so many people, yet it comes in different forms. Here are some of the most common types of anxiety disorders that you might experience:

Generalized Anxiety

Generalized anxiety is a disorder that causes long-term feelings of stress, nervousness, and fear. It often occurs for no particular reason, yet it has strong effects. 

When this affects a person, it causes their brain to fear things. Many times, a person can’t even name what they’re scared of or why they feel the way they do. They also have trouble controlling these feelings. 

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder 

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is another form of anxiety. When a person goes through a traumatic experience in life, it can cause them to develop PTSD.

When you have this disorder, you can develop a sudden fear that comes out of nowhere. It can happen from loud sounds or many other triggers. 

Social Anxiety

People with social anxiety feel extremely nervous in social settings. They constantly fear that people don’t like them. They worry that people are talking negatively about them or judging them. 

Social anxiety can cause people to isolate themselves to avoid feeling nervous or fearful in social settings. 

These are other forms of anxiety disorders that people also have, including phobias and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

A doctor or therapist can diagnose the type you have if you’re unsure about it. You might already know what type you have, though, based on these descriptions.

The next thing you might wonder about is why you have an anxiety disorder. 

The Causes of Anxiety

You might wonder what causes anxiety, but there is not just one answer. It depends on the person and the type of anxiety the person has. You will need to seek help if you wonder, “why do I have anxiety?”

A doctor or therapist can diagnose you with anxiety and narrow down the type you have. Here are some of the common causes of anxiety:

The Chemistry of Your Brain

A person’s genetics and brain chemistry can be responsible for causing anxiety. In fact, one study linked certain anxiety disorders to specific genes in a person’s body. 

Some studies also suggest that some people inherit anxiety disorders. Your brain chemistry can affect the way you think, feel, and react, and some people are more susceptible to anxiety as a result. 

Life Events and Surroundings

Anxiety can also develop from life events and a person’s surroundings and environment.

For example, PTSD is a form of anxiety that develops from a traumatic event. People who serve in wars might end up with this disorder. You can also develop it from sexual abuse, a bad car accident, and other things. 

If you go through any type of traumatic event or grow up in a dysfunctional home, you might be at a higher risk for developing anxiety. 

Medical Issues

Certain medical issues can also lead to anxiety. You might develop anxiety from struggling through a difficult or painful disease. You might also develop it from the medications you take for your health issues. 

Addiction Withdrawal

It’s also common for people to experience high levels of anxiety when they’re withdrawing from an addiction. If a person stops using drugs or alcohol when they’re dependent on it, it can lead to anxiety. 

The Best Treatment Options

Living with anxiety is difficult, but there’s good news – it is highly treatable. Here are some options you can try to help reduce your anxiety:

Medication

You can find all kinds of medications available today for treating anxiety. One option is benzodiazepines, which work well for short-term anxiety issues. 

Another option is antidepressants, which are great for longer-term use. You can also take mood stabilizers and other medications. Your doctor can help you find the right combination to use for your anxiety.

Counseling

Many people also find that counseling services provide a lot of relief. Counseling provides the opportunity for you to meet with a trusted person trained to help you work through your life issues. 

You can talk to your counselor about anything, including how your anxiety affects you. When you talk about things that bother you in life, it can bring relief to how you feel. 

Natural Supplements 

Many people also turn to natural supplements to find relief. For example, you can try using powder to reduce your anxiety symptoms. Kratom powder is natural and provides relief to many people who suffer from this disorder.

You can also try a lot of other supplements and vitamins, and your doctor might recommend some to you if you ask. 

Exercise and Meditation 

Exercising and meditation are both excellent forms of anxiety remedies that you can try. When you perform these things, it produces chemicals in your brain that regulate your moods. As a result, you might feel relief afterward.

If you want to learn how to treat anxiety, talk to your therapist or doctor. They might describe some of these options and others. 

Seek Help for Your Anxiety to Find the Relief You Need 

As you learn about the different types of anxiety disorders, you might discover which type you have. Seeking help for your anxiety is a smart move, especially if you’ve tried to find solutions yourself and had no luck. 

If you liked this article, you can learn more about anxiety and other mental illnesses by checking out the rest of our site.