Non-Psychological Factors Contributing to Anxiety: It’s Not All in Your Head

Anxiety is commonly associated with psychological triggers like stress, trauma, or major life changes. However, many people experience anxiety that arises from underlying physical and environmental factors that frequently go unnoticed. The body and mind are closely interconnected, and disturbances in physical health can appear as emotional and cognitive symptoms. If you are struggling with anxiety that hasn’t improved despite psychological treatment and therapy, it may be time to explore additional biological factors with your therapist. Seeking support from a trained holistic provider, such as a Naturopathic Doctor, can be beneficial, as they can order lab work and tests to determine if these or other factors are contributing to your symptoms.

Below are some non-psychological factors that I have observed in my work with clients that can contribute to anxiety. This information is not an exhaustive list of potential health issues, and not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional who can provide personalized guidance based on your individual circumstances.

1. Thyroid Dysfunction

The thyroid gland plays a critical role in regulating metabolism, energy levels, and mood through the release of thyroid hormones. When this gland is either underactive or overactive, it can significantly impact mental health and contribute to anxiety. Women are more likely to experience thyroid issues, and even if your levels fall within the lab’s “normal range,” you may still have symptoms if your thyroid is slightly underactive or overactive. Consider testing your thyroid if you experience anxiety along with physical symptoms such as weight changes, hair loss, fatigue, or temperature sensitivity.

2. Hormonal Imbalances

Hormones such as cortisol, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone play crucial roles in mood regulation. An imbalance in these hormones can trigger or exacerbate anxiety. For example:

• Cortisol: Often referred to as the “stress hormone,” cortisol is released by the adrenal glands during times of stress. Prolonged elevated cortisol levels can make the body feel like it’s in a constant state of fight-or-flight, which can lead to increased anxiety. Conversely, chronically low cortisol levels, which is often associated with adrenal fatigue, can also lead to increased anxiety and difficulty managing everyday stress.
• Estrogen and Progesterone: Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone, especially in women during PMS, perimenopause, or menopause, can lead to significant mood disturbances, including anxiety. Estrogen dominance, which occurs when estrogen levels are high relative to progesterone, often leads to irritability and anxiousness. Low progesterone, which has a calming effect on the brain, can also contribute to anxiety.
• Testosterone: Low testosterone in both men and women is linked to anxiety and low mood. While testosterone is often associated with physical energy and strength, it also plays a role in emotional stability.

3. Vitamin D Deficiency

The Importance of Vitamin D on Mental Health, as well as for overall health, cannot be underestimated. In fact, I commonly find that my clients are vitamin D deficient even in sunny California! Many studies have shown that low levels of vitamin D are associated with anxiety and depression, both through its role in neurotransmitter production as well as in mediating inflammation. Limited exposure to sunlight, use of sunscreen, darker skin tones, and absorption issues in the gut can all contribute to vitamin D deficiency.

4. Sleep Deprivation

Sleep is essential for mental health, and chronic sleep deprivation can increase anxiety. Inadequate sleep, whether due to insomnia, sleep apnea, or irregular sleep patterns like night shift work, can impair the body’s ability to regulate emotions and stress responses. The amygdala, a region of the brain involved in fear and stress, becomes more active with sleep deprivation, which can trigger anxious feelings. Anxiety then disrupts sleep patterns, creating a vicious cycle in which lack of sleep worsens anxiety, and anxiety further impairs sleep quality. Enhance your physical and emotional well-being by adopting healthy sleep habits with these Tips for a Good Night’s Sleep.

5. Mold Toxicity

Mold toxicity, or chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS), is a condition most often caused by exposure to toxic mold in damp or water-damaged buildings, although contaminated food and household items can also be a source of mold. Mycotoxins released by mold can have profound effects on the body, including neurological and mental health symptoms. Exposure to mold can cause brain inflammation and disrupt neurotransmitter function, leading to symptoms such as brain fog, depression, and anxiety. Mold toxicity can also trigger oxidative stress and immune dysfunction, further exacerbating mental health issues.

6. Chronic Inflammation

Chronic inflammation, often the result of the over-consumption of ultra-processed foods in our diet, infections, or exposure to toxins, can significantly impact brain function and contribute to anxiety. Inflammation in the brain, known as neuroinflammation, can disrupt communication between neurons, leading to mood disturbances. The brain’s immune cells, called microglia, become activated in response to chronic inflammation, releasing inflammatory molecules that can impair neurotransmitter function. This process is believed to contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders. For more information on the link between inflammation and mood disorders, read Food and Your Mood: How Food Affects Mental Health.

7. High Copper Levels

Copper is an essential mineral that plays a role in energy production and brain health. Copper promotes the production of excitatory neurotransmitters, while zinc supports calming neurotransmitters like GABA. Elevated copper levels in relation to zinc can contribute to elevated anxiety, mood instability and can overstimulate the nervous system. Excessive copper levels can result from environmental exposure, copper plumbing, birth control pills, or a genetic condition called Wilson’s disease. Certain foods such as organ meats (like beef liver) are also high in copper, and overconsumption could cause an imbalance.

Conclusion

Anxiety is often the result of a complex interaction between the mind, body and environment. Addressing the non-psychological causes through a functional medicine approach can help you find lasting relief from anxiety and improve your overall quality of life. Treatment may include a combination of individual therapy, lifestyle changes to help you move From Burnout to Balance, nutritional therapy, medications and/or supplements, and stress management tools. By considering both your physical and mental health, you can develop a more comprehensive and effective strategy for managing anxiety. To learn more about factors contributing to your anxiety, I recommend The Anatomy of Anxiety: Understanding and Overcoming the Body’s Fear Response by Dr. Ellen Vora.

If you struggle with anxiety, a member of our talented team at Therapy Changes is here to help you determine factors contributing to your mental health concerns. Seeking help for anxiety is a courageous and essential step toward reclaiming your peace of mind and overall well-being. Whether you choose to explore therapy, lifestyle changes, or naturopathic medicine, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone on this journey. Contact Us for the support you deserve. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Photo by Rachel McDermott on Unsplash