The First Step: Understanding the Root
The first step in overcoming any illness is identifying what causes it. I’ve spent half my life with avoidant personality disorder (AvPD), and like other personality disorders, the exact cause remains unknown. Most researchers and psychologists today assume that personality disorders develop through a mix of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors.
In the case of AvPD, it’s the all-pervasive sense of fear that makes people withdraw and dread social interaction. To understand anxiety, we first need to recognize its possible causes.
Why Do We Feel Anxious?
Anxiety is a universal human emotion. Everyone feels it at some point—before an exam, in a job interview, or when meeting a partner’s parents for the first time.
For people with AvPD, anxiety is dialed up to double. They worry about things most people wouldn’t even think twice about. They feel nervous constantly in social situations, to the point where daily life becomes overwhelming.
Anxiety can stem from many internal and external factors.
Stress Factors That Fuel Anxiety
Stress is one of the most common triggers. It can come from:
- Work pressure
- Romantic relationships, friendships, and family conflict
- School or academic demands
- Financial insecurity
- Natural disasters or unsafe environments
- Lack of comfort and stability
- Irrational fears (phobias)
Trauma and Its Lasting Impact
Traumatic experiences leave deep, unforgettable marks. They may involve violence, neglect, loss, or fear—and often create long-term anxiety. Some of the most common forms include:
- Physical abuse – prolonged pain, injuries, or harsh punishment in childhood.
- Sexual abuse – any unwanted or forced sexual exploitation, or exposure of children to inappropriate sexual content.
- Emotional abuse – constant verbal attacks, humiliation, or intentional social exclusion.
- Neglect – when basic needs like food, care, and medical support aren’t met.
- Bullying – aggressive behavior among peers, leading to serious emotional wounds, substance abuse, or suicidal thoughts.
- Grief – the loss of a loved one, or witnessing violent deaths, accidents, or murders.
- War, terrorism, and violence – bombings, shootings, raids, or looting can traumatize those exposed.
Genetics: Family History Matters
Studies repeatedly show that family history plays a large role in anxiety disorders. AvPD often runs through generations, suggesting a possible genetic component. If you are highly anxious, chances are your children may inherit this predisposition.
Abnormal Brain Function
Research also links anxiety disorders to imbalances in brain chemistry. Irregular levels of neurotransmitters can disrupt internal communication networks, leading to heightened or inappropriate responses in stressful situations.
Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety
How do you know when someone is struggling with anxiety? Beyond excessive worrying, here are common emotional and physical symptoms:
Emotional Symptoms
- Poor concentration
- Persistent nervousness (feeling pressured even without a reason)
- A constant sense of tension (“feeling wired”)
- Negative thinking, rumination
- Hopelessness
- Irritability and anger
- Paranoia
- Stuttering or mental blocks
Physical Symptoms
- Rapid heartbeat
- Dizziness
- Stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhea, constipation
- Excessive sweating
- Shortness of breath
- Muscle tension
- Tremors and twitches
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Shaking
Final Thought
Anxiety can be traced back to many sources—stress, trauma, genetics, or brain function. Recognizing these causes is the first step toward managing symptoms and finding healthier ways to cope.