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Mindfulness 1-0: Understanding and Recognizing Anxiety

· 3 min read
Lucas Sanghyun Bang
Lucas Sanghyun Bang
Full-Stack Developer @ My Startup

🗂️ Contents​

  1. What is Anxiety?
  2. Why Do We Suffer From Anxiety?

1. What is Anxiety?​

Anxiety is a natural emotional response to stress and uncertainty, a survival mechanism that has evolved to protect us from danger. According to Mindful.org, "Anxiety is our body's way of saying, 'Hey, I'm experiencing too much stress all at once!'" This internal alarm system is designed to prepare the body for "fight or flight" situations, increasing our alertness and readiness to respond to potential threats.

Source: What is Anxiety? - Mindful.org

2. Why Do We Suffer From Anxiety?​

🪙 Financial Stress and Anxiety​

Financial difficulties are a significant source of anxiety for many individuals. A 2025 survey conducted by Talker Research for Doctor On Demand revealed that 70% of Americans experience financial anxiety, with 41% reporting chronic physical pain associated with this stress. Additionally, 76% feel isolated in managing their financial concerns. Financial stress can create a vicious cycle, where economic worries lead to anxiety, which in turn impacts work performance, further worsening financial problems.

Source: Most Americans have financial anxiety — and it’s taking a toll on their bodies: poll - New York Post

🏢 Workplace Conflicts and Anxiety​

Conflicts in the workplace are another prevalent cause of anxiety. A study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that workplace conflicts are significantly associated with increased risks of depression and anxiety among employees. These conflicts can lead to decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, and higher turnover rates, creating a toxic work environment that further exacerbates mental health issues.

Source: Conflicts in the Workplace, Negative Acts and Health Consequences - National Library of Medicine

🌐 Social Pressures and Anxiety​

Social stressors, such as traumatic life events, chronic strains, and social isolation, are linked to the development of anxiety disorders. Research indicates that individuals who have experienced social stressors like abuse or parental loss during childhood are at a higher risk of developing anxiety disorders in adulthood.

Source: Social Stress - Wikipedia

🧬 Understanding the Complexity of Anxiety​

It's important to recognize that anxiety does not always stem from a single cause. Genetic predispositions, environmental factors, and personal experiences all interplay in the development of anxiety disorders. The Mayo Clinic emphasizes that life experiences, such as traumatic events, can trigger anxiety disorders in individuals already prone to anxiety, and that inherited traits may also play a significant role.

Source: Anxiety Disorders - Symptoms and Causes - Mayo Clinic

📅 Next Steps: Mindfulness 1-1, 1-2, 1-3​

In the next parts, Mindfulness 1-1, 1-2, and 1-3, we will explore practical strategies for managing anxiety, including:

  • How to Deal with Anxiety 1: Mindfulness and Relaxation
  • How to Deal with Anxiety 2: Cognitive Approaches
  • How to Deal with Anxiety 3: Lifestyle Changes