Why So Many People Struggle With Anxiety & Depression?
Anxiety and depression affect millions of people every day. They’re not just about feeling sad or nervous—these conditions can make even simple tasks feel impossible. Some people struggle with anxiety that keeps them on edge all the time, while others feel weighed down by depression that won’t go away.
There’s no single reason why people go through this. Life struggles, stress, health issues, or even how the brain works can all play a part. Some deal with anxiety and depression because of genetics, while others develop these struggles after a major life event.
No one chooses to feel this way, but many don’t realize what’s making it worse. Some reasons are obvious, like stress and lack of sleep. Others are more hidden, like diet or certain habits. Understanding these reasons can help people take the first step toward feeling better. Here are 20 common reasons people struggle with anxiety and depression.
Understanding Why People Struggle With Anxiety & Depression
Anxiety and depression are two of the most common mental health struggles people face today. While they’re often mentioned together, they’re not the same. Anxiety creates constant worry, overthinking, and a sense of panic, even when nothing is wrong. Depression, on the other hand, brings feelings of sadness, emptiness, and a loss of interest in things that once felt enjoyable. Some people struggle with anxiety and depression at the same time, making everyday life feel overwhelming.
These conditions don’t just affect emotions—they change how people think, sleep, eat, and interact with others. Anxiety can cause racing thoughts, trouble concentrating, and physical symptoms like a fast heartbeat or stomach pain. Depression often drains energy, making it hard to get out of bed or find motivation.
Mental health struggles are becoming more common, and it’s not just a coincidence. Stress from work, financial worries, and the pressure to always “be productive” have made things worse. Social media makes people compare their lives to others, leading to feelings of failure. Many also struggle in silence because they fear judgment.
Understanding why anxiety and depression happen is an important step. The more people know about these struggles, the easier it becomes to find ways to manage them.
Biological & Genetic Factors That Make People Struggle With Anxiety & Depression
1. Family History of Mental Health Conditions
Mental health struggles often run in families. If a parent or sibling has anxiety or depression, there’s a higher chance of experiencing it too. This isn’t just about habits—it’s also about brain chemistry. Some people are born with genes that make them more sensitive to stress or less able to regulate emotions. While genetics play a role, they don’t mean anxiety or depression is guaranteed. Understanding this connection can help people take early steps to manage their mental health.
2. Hormonal Imbalances & Brain Chemistry
The brain controls mood through chemicals like serotonin and dopamine. When these chemicals are too low or out of balance, it can lead to feeling anxious, down, or constantly stressed. High levels of cortisol—the stress hormone—can also make things worse, leaving people in a constant state of worry. These imbalances can be caused by stress, poor sleep, or even diet. Finding ways to support brain health can make a big difference.
Life Circumstances & Environmental Factors That Make People Struggle With Anxiety & Depression
3. Chronic Stress from Work or School
When work or school feels never-ending, stress starts to pile up. Long hours, tight deadlines, and pressure to always perform can leave people feeling drained. Financial worries only make things worse, adding extra anxiety. Over time, this kind of stress doesn’t just go away—it builds up, making it harder to relax, sleep, or even enjoy life. Without breaks or support, chronic stress can turn into burnout, which can lead to both anxiety and depression.
4. Unresolved Trauma or PTSD
Painful experiences from the past don’t always stay in the past. Whether it’s childhood abuse, losing someone close, or surviving a traumatic event, the brain remembers. Some people have flashbacks or panic attacks, while others feel numb or disconnected. Trauma can change the way the brain reacts to stress, making it harder to feel safe or trust others. When these feelings aren’t dealt with, they can lead to long-term anxiety and depression.
5. Loneliness & Social Isolation
Humans need connection, but modern life often makes it harder to find. Long work hours, moving to new places, or even spending too much time online can lead to isolation. Social media makes it look like everyone else is happy, which can make loneliness feel even worse. Without real conversations and close relationships, people can start to feel empty, sad, or anxious. Having even one strong friendship can make a big difference.
6. Unhealthy Relationships & Emotional Abuse
Not all relationships are good for mental health. Being around someone who is controlling, manipulative, or emotionally distant can make self-worth disappear. Constant criticism, gaslighting, or walking on eggshells takes a toll. Even after leaving a toxic relationship, the emotional damage can stick around, leading to anxiety, trust issues, and depression. Learning to set boundaries and recognizing unhealthy patterns is key to breaking the cycle.
Physical Health & Lifestyle Choices That Make People Struggle With Anxiety & Depression
7. Lack of Physical Activity & Sedentary Lifestyle
Exercise isn’t just for staying in shape—it helps the brain too. Moving the body releases chemicals like serotonin and endorphins, which help lift mood and lower stress. When people sit all day, whether at work, on the couch, or glued to a screen, energy levels drop, and anxiety can creep in. Without movement, stress builds up, sleep suffers, and motivation fades. Even small changes, like walking daily or stretching, can make a big difference.
8. Poor Diet & Nutritional Deficiencies
Food isn’t just fuel—it affects how people feel. Diets full of processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats can throw off brain function and mood. The gut and brain are connected, so when the diet is poor, anxiety and depression can get worse. Nutrients like Omega-3s, B vitamins, and magnesium are key for mental health. Eating more whole foods, like fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats, can help improve mood and energy.
9. Substance Abuse & Alcohol Dependence
Many people turn to alcohol or drugs to escape stress, sadness, or anxiety, but it often makes things worse. Substances change the brain’s chemistry, making it harder to feel happy without them. Alcohol, in particular, is a depressant, which means it can make depression even worse over time. The cycle of using substances for relief and then feeling worse afterward leads to more anxiety, more depression, and a struggle to break free.
10. Chronic Illness or Physical Pain
Dealing with ongoing health problems or chronic pain takes a toll, not just physically but mentally too. Pain makes it hard to sleep, focus, or enjoy life, leading to frustration and sadness. Conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and autoimmune disorders are also linked to higher rates of depression. The constant discomfort and limitations can cause stress and anxiety, making it even harder to cope. Finding ways to manage symptoms can help improve overall well-being.
Cognitive & Emotional Patterns That Make People Struggle With Anxiety & Depression
11. Negative Thought Patterns & Self-Criticism
Some people are their own worst critics. Constantly questioning decisions, overanalyzing conversations, and believing they’re not good enough can wear them down. These negative thought loops create unnecessary stress and make small problems seem much bigger. When the brain gets stuck in a cycle of self-doubt, it feeds anxiety and depression. Over time, these thoughts become automatic, making it hard to break free. Learning to challenge these patterns can help improve mental well-being.
12. Perfectionism & Fear of Failure
Trying to be perfect all the time is exhausting. Perfectionism makes people set impossible standards for themselves, and when they can’t reach them, they feel like failures. Instead of celebrating progress, they focus on what they did wrong. The fear of making mistakes can lead to procrastination, burnout, and self-doubt. Over time, this stress can lead to both anxiety and depression. Accepting that mistakes are part of growth can help ease this pressure.
13. Overwhelm from Too Many Responsibilities
Life can feel like a never-ending to-do list. Between work, family, bills, and social obligations, many people feel like they’re drowning in responsibilities. Without breaks or proper rest, stress builds up, leaving little time to relax or recharge. Feeling constantly behind can lead to frustration, exhaustion, and hopelessness. When the brain is always in overdrive, anxiety increases, and motivation drops. Learning to set boundaries and take small breaks can help manage the load.
14. Comparison & Social Media Pressure
Scrolling through social media makes it easy to feel like everyone else is happier, more successful, or better looking. But what people see online is often a highlight reel, not reality. Comparing real life to filtered perfection can create feelings of failure and self-doubt. The pressure to “keep up” can lead to anxiety and low self-esteem. Taking breaks from social media and focusing on real-life connections can help shift perspective and improve mental health.
Situational & Societal Influences That Make People Struggle With Anxiety & Depression
15. Economic Hardships & Financial Struggles
Money problems are one of the biggest sources of stress. Living paycheck to paycheck, worrying about bills, or feeling trapped in debt can take a serious toll on mental health. Job insecurity and rising costs only add to the pressure. When financial struggles feel endless, it can lead to constant worry, sleepless nights, and even depression. The stress of trying to stay afloat can leave people feeling hopeless, making it even harder to find a way out.
16. Loss of a Loved One or Grief
Losing someone close changes everything. The grief can feel unbearable, making even small tasks seem impossible. For some, sadness fades with time, but for others, it lingers, turning into depression. Unresolved grief can leave people feeling empty, disconnected, and unable to move forward. The pain doesn’t go away overnight, and ignoring it only makes things worse. Finding ways to honor memories while slowly rebuilding life can help with healing.
17. Lack of Purpose & Meaning in Life
Feeling stuck or unfulfilled can drain motivation. When people don’t have a sense of purpose—whether it’s through work, hobbies, or relationships—it can make life feel empty. Without direction, anxiety creeps in, making it hard to find joy in anything. Depression can follow, making people feel like nothing really matters. Finding something meaningful, even small things like helping others or setting personal goals, can bring back a sense of fulfillment.
18. Uncertainty About the Future
Not knowing what’s coming next can create constant anxiety. Whether it’s worrying about job stability, relationships, or big life decisions, uncertainty can make people feel stuck in fear. The brain craves stability, and when the future feels unpredictable, stress levels rise. Over time, this can lead to both anxiety and depression. While no one can predict everything, learning to focus on what can be controlled can help ease some of that fear.
Medical & Treatment-Related Factors That Make People Struggle With Anxiety & Depression
19. Side Effects of Medication
Some medications meant to help can sometimes make things worse. Antidepressants, birth control, and even allergy medications can affect mood, causing anxiety or depression as a side effect. People may feel more tired, emotionally numb, or even more anxious than before. Finding the right medication can take time, and switching medications too quickly can make symptoms worse. It’s important to talk to a doctor about side effects instead of stopping medication suddenly, which can lead to withdrawal symptoms.
20. Not Seeking Help Due to Stigma or Fear
Many people avoid getting help because they fear judgment from others. Some worry that therapy or medication makes them look weak, while others don’t know where to start. In many cultures, mental health struggles are still misunderstood, making it even harder to speak up. The truth is, struggling with anxiety or depression is common, and treatment helps. Waiting too long to get help often makes things worse, but support is out there for those who seek it.
How to Overcome Anxiety & Depression
Seeking Professional Help
Talking to a therapist, doctor, or support group can make a huge difference. Therapy helps people understand their emotions, while medication can help balance brain chemistry. For some, joining a support group is a way to feel less alone. Getting help isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a step toward feeling better.
Healthy Coping Strategies
Simple lifestyle changes can help ease symptoms. Exercise releases chemicals that improve mood. Mindfulness and meditation can calm racing thoughts. Staying connected with friends and family reduces feelings of loneliness. Small steps, like stepping outside for fresh air or journaling, can improve mental health over time.
Small Daily Changes That Make a Difference
Recovery doesn’t happen overnight, but small habits add up. Setting a sleep schedule, eating healthier foods, and reducing screen time can help. Limiting negative self-talk and focusing on progress instead of perfection also make a big impact. Every step forward, no matter how small, is a win toward better mental well-being.
Final Thoughts on Understanding the Causes of Anxiety & Depression
There’s no single reason why people struggle with anxiety and depression. Genetics, stress, health issues, and even everyday habits all play a role. Understanding these causes can help people take back control of their mental health.
Self-awareness is key—recognizing triggers and patterns can make it easier to find solutions. Whether it’s therapy, lifestyle changes, or support from friends, there’s always a way forward. Struggling with anxiety or depression doesn’t mean someone is broken—it just means they need the right tools to feel better. Small steps matter, and reaching out for help is one of the most important ones.
