Anxiety Triggers: What is Making me more Anxious?

We have all experienced anxiety at some time or another and at varying intensities. This is perfectly normal; after all, living in the 21^st century, there are ample reasons for one to be anxious! At the same time, there are also serious anxiety related disorders, four in particular which include panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and phobias.

When it comes to anxiety, it can strike when you least expect it. That being said, there are certain things that can serve to trigger your anxiety and make things more uncomfortable whether or on you suffer from a disorder. Here they are!

Serious Health Complications

Serious health complications are something that can make most people anxious even if you have not been diagnosed with a disorder. A serious illness has the ability to really put you on your back. What makes things worse in such situation is that if you suffer from anxiety, it is hard to ground yourself in the here and now due to your illness. Physical discomfort makes that next to impossible.

Connecting with a medical professional and being proactive about treatment may be helpful here.

Medication

Do not underestimate the effect that different medication can have on your body and on your psychological wellbeing. Medications such used for things including birth control, flu symptoms and even those used for weight loss among others can trigger anxiety as well as mild panic attacks.

If your increased anxiety coincides with the starting of new medication, maybe look into it!

Over Thinking

Over thinking and dwelling on things that cause you stress can also do well to trigger your anxiety. The mind is extremely powerful and can trigger all sorts of emotional and physical responses without us even realizing.

It helps to try not to dwell and stew over things. If you feel you are, pull away, disconnect and give yourself a break!

Stress

Stresses particularly those relating to money, family and relationships can sometimes cause anxiety. It is important to remember that there are things that we need to let go of. Things we cannot control. This is okay. If you have trouble managing stress, it helps to look into therapy or counseling to help you navigate things better.

Social Settings

If you socialize with people you are familiar, safe and comfortable with there can be nothing better. If you socialized in places and with people where you have to be on your toes and make an effort against what comes naturally, this causes much anxiety even in the absence of a disorder.

Clock how you feel when you’re hanging out with people, figure out where you’re comfortable and stick with social settings that do not exhaust you.

Personal Triggers

Last but not least, we all have personal triggers that can set off anxious responses. This could be anything from heavy traffic or loud noises to clutter spaces or certain animals.

If you have personal anxiety triggers, it is recommended that you work on them with a therapist.

Winding Down

There are other things that may trigger your anxiety but the ones above are the most common. If you’re looking for a counseling center in Palo Alto, we’re here to support you. Just remember, regardless of what you struggle with, there is help out there!