Everything and NOTHING! Reread the definition of it above. Now the picture should become a bit clearer.
In most documented cases of anxiety attacks, the patient rarely reports any event that would have triggered the onset of the attack itself.
Now, with that said, let me also explain that when an anxiety sufferer goes back to a situation or setting where a previous attack happened, this could trigger another attack.
They'll be reminded of how terrifying that first attack was, and subconsciously be thinking about it triggering yet another attack!
It's a vicious cycle of fear.
And the greatest fear of an anxiety attack/disorder sufferer?
To have ANOTHER PANIC ATTACK!
I hope that this is beginning to make a little more sense to you now. Of course the attack hasn't killed them, and most likely won't, but it can sure feel like you're dying at the moment when an attack is occurring though.
So, the greatest cause of having an anxiety attack is also your greatest treasure, your MIND. Even though you can tell someone having an anxiety attack that "It's All In Your Mind", this usually makes them feel you are being patronizing.
Not a nice feeling I'm sure you'll agree.Even though you don't mean it in that way, this is most likely the way it is received.
To be more 'clinical' about anxiety, it is, in fact, 'all in your mind'. Because the brain is where all your anxiety stems from. Many studies have focused mainly on two specific portions of the brain that are responsible for inducing feelings of fear and anxiety. It is simply a trigger that sets off one's “fight or flight” defense mechanism, kicks in the adrenaline, and BAM!
A full blown anxiety attack is on it's way.Often, anxiety is the result of increased stress in your daily life.
Bills piling up, children seemingly out of control, pressure from work, family, and other events can trigger this disorder bringing it to the surface of an otherwise “dormant” carrier of the genetic traits passed on by their parents.