If you’ve noticed that more people seem overwhelmed, anxious, and discouraged — you’re not imagining things. These struggles are on the rise. But the good news is, we’re no longer in the dark about what’s fueling them. Over the past several decades, researchers have made significant progress in understanding the root causes of anxiety and depression. As these issues have become more widespread, the scientific and medical communities have dug deeper — and what they’ve uncovered is both sobering and hopeful.

From this growing body of research, eight primary causes have consistently emerged. Two of them — genetics and early life trauma — tend to dominate the conversation. And for good reason: both are powerful, deeply rooted influences. 

But here's the problem: When we just focus on those two, we miss a big part of the picture. 

There are six other causes that are equally real, equally supported by research — and in many cases, more immediately within our power to change. These aren’t quick fixes, but they point us toward choices and patterns that can help us build resilience and improve our well-being over time.

So let’s take a closer look at all eight. My hope is that as you read, you’ll not only gain insight into what’s going on — in your life or in the lives of people you care about — but also discover where new possibilities for healing might be waiting.

1. Genetics: A Family History You Didn’t Choose

Some of us were born into a higher risk for anxiety or depression — not because of anything we’ve done, but because of our genes. Research from twin studies confirms that if one identical twin experiences depression or anxiety, the other is significantly more likely to struggle as well. This doesn’t mean we’re doomed, but it does mean we may need to be more proactive in caring for our mental health (Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3181836/).

2. Trauma: Wounds from Childhood That Still Echo

If you experienced trauma in childhood — neglect, abuse, instability, or early loss — your risk for anxiety and depression is significantly higher. These aren’t just “bad memories” we can shrug off. They can actually rewire our brain’s stress response systems, making us more reactive to challenges later in life (Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6060541/).

3. Meaning and Purpose: The Void of Meaningless Work

We were created to do work that matters — not just to earn a paycheck, but to make a contribution. When our jobs feel soul-deadening, or when we feel replaceable and unseen, it takes a toll. One study found that people who view their work as meaningful report significantly better mental health than those who don’t (Source: https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-021-11955-0).

4. Environment: Nature Deficit Disorder

There’s a subtle, but very real healing that happens when we step into nature — a walk in the woods, a sit by the lake, a moment under the open sky. The trouble is, most of us are spending less and less time in those spaces. Instead, we’re indoors under artificial light, tethered to screens, and increasingly disconnected from the natural rhythms our bodies were designed to follow. But the research is clear: time in nature lowers stress, lifts our mood, and significantly reduces the risk of mental health struggles (Source: https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2019/outdoor-nature).

5. Negative News: The Media Spiral

We are more informed than ever — and more emotionally exhausted. Endless scrolling through bad news, outrage, and tragic headlines can chip away at our hope. It can also amplify our anxiety. Multiple studies show a direct correlation between heavy news consumption and higher levels of stress and depressive symptoms (Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10027140/).

6. Social Isolation: A Crisis of Connection

Even in an age of likes and comments, deep relationships can be hard to come by. Loneliness is a quiet epidemic — and it’s devastating for our health. Research has shown that social isolation carries risks comparable to smoking and obesity when it comes to long-term health outcomes, including mental health (Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5891001/).

7. Poor Sleep Hygiene: Broken Sleep, Broken Spirit

Sleep isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity for emotional regulation and mental clarity. Chronic sleep problems are strongly linked to both anxiety and depression — and, conversely, improving sleep often leads to improved mood and reduced anxiety (Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7080062/).

8. Sedentary LIfestyle: Stillness That Isn’t Rest

Many of us spend hours each day sitting — in the car, at our desk, on the couch. But this sedentary lifestyle comes at a cost. Regular movement and exercise aren’t just good for our bodies — they’re powerful tools for emotional resilience. Physical activity helps regulate mood-related neurochemicals, like dopamine and serotonin (Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1470658/).

Where Do We Go From Here?

If you recognize yourself in these patterns, take heart. These aren’t character flaws — they’re invitations. Invitations to examine what’s beneath the surface. To seek help. To adjust your rhythms. To pursue healing.

What small change could you make this week — not to fix everything, but to care for one part of yourself that’s been neglected?

If you’re a leader, a caregiver, or someone in ministry: let this be your permission to do your own work. To tend to your own healing. Because the world doesn’t need more burned-out heroes. It needs more whole, grounded, compassionate people.

That kind of life doesn’t happen by accident. It begins with honest reflection — and grows through intentional, grace-filled steps forward.