Person with hands on head with anxiety

What Triggers Anxiety?

If you live with anxiety, you may be wondering what your triggers are. What is a trigger? Specific situations or actions that lead to feelings of worry or fear are known as anxiety triggers. In more severe situations, triggers can lead to an individual suffering from a panic attack. A panic attack is a sudden feeling of intense fear or anxiety and physical symptoms, based on a perceived threat rather than imminent danger.

Examples of anxiety triggers includes:

  • Health issues. Receiving a diagnosis that is upsetting or difficult may trigger anxiety. This type of trigger can be significant because it can often feel urgent and involve personal feelings. Staying in touch with the doctor or a therapist to learn how to manage emotions around the diagnosis will be helpful in this situation.
  • Medications. Some over the counter medicines and prescriptions may trigger symptoms of anxiety due to the active ingredients. If you have anxiety, it is important to discuss the medications you are taking to ensure it does not worsen your symptoms. Some examples are birth control pills and weight loss medications.
  • Caffeine. Is coffee involved in your morning routine? Coffee works well if you are looking for energy for your day, but everything should be in moderation including your caffeine intake. If you want to learn more about the connection between caffeine and anxiety, bookmark this article by Healthline.
  • Skipping meals. For individuals that are used to eating regular meals, skipping meals can cause a drop in the body’s blood sugar levels. Eating well-balanced meals is important for many reasons.
  • Negative thinking. Thoughts that are negative can increase worry or fear and ultimately affect your emotions and mental health. If you suffer from anxiety, negative thinking will act as a trigger.

Those are just a handful of what can be triggers for someone’s anxiety. There can also be personal triggers which a mental health specialist can help you identify since they can be more difficult to recognize. If you experience anxiety and are unsure what your triggers are, try writing down your anxiety and experience in a journal to help track it.

Are you or a loved one suffering from anxiety? Contact us by calling (501) 553-9987 to learn more about clinical trials for anxiety or mental health.