Anxiety Triggers - 5 Surprising Causes

Anxiety is a mental health disorder known for its disruptive feelings of fear, tension, and worry. Individuals with anxiety may also experience panic attacks and physical symptoms such as chest pain and headaches. Not only are anxiety disorders pervasive, but approximately 40 million Americans also suffer from them, as stated by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.

Causes and risk factors for anxiety and anxiety disorders are complex, but multiple factors combined, such as genetics and environmental factors, are likely contributors to anxiety. In addition, certain triggers, specific experiences, events, or emotions, may bring on or worsen anxiety symptoms. Listed below is a guideline on common anxiety triggers.

• Health problems.

Health diagnoses that are stressful and challenging, such as cancer or a chronic illness, may unleash an anxiety attack or worsen a flare-up. Due to the immediate onset of intense negative emotions, this form of a trigger is substantially powerful.

You can manage health-related anxiety proactively and maintain a close relationship with a doctor specializing in that ailment. In addition, confiding with a therapist may also be helpful since they can formulate a mental health plan to help you control your emotions regarding your diagnosis.

• Prescription and OTC Medications.

Anxiety symptoms may be triggered by taking specific prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications. As a result, you may feel physically uneasy or mentally unwell due to these medications' active ingredients. In addition, multiple events within your mind and body may be triggered by such feelings, resulting in new anxiety symptoms.

Medications known to set off anxiety are:

• Birth control pills
• Medicines for cough and congestion
• Medications for weight loss

• Caffeine

Most people get themselves going in the morning with a cup of coffee, although an anxiety flare-up or symptoms may become more severe. Increased anxiety and panic attacks may be triggers in individuals with panic disorder when they consume roughly five cups of coffee, as reported by a 2022 review.

Over two years, in a 2020 Australian study with 429 twenty-year-old adults, energy drink consumption elevated anxiety in men but not in women.

• Eating less consistently.

You may experience a blood sugar drop if you don't maintain a proper eating schedule. Not eating will cause a rumbling stomach and jittery hands and may also result in anxiety. Eating balanced meals is essential for several reasons - it sustains you with energy and supplements you with vital nutrients. In addition, low blood sugar and nervousness, irritability, and anxiety may be controlled with healthy snacks if time constraints result from consuming three meals daily.

• Negative thoughts.

The mind is the focal point of how most of your body operates, and anxiety is no exception. The statements you tell yourself while you're frustrated or irritated can worsen anxiety.

If negative self-talk is a habit, learning how to shift your self-image and emotions into more positive ones is beneficial when you catch yourself behaving this way. In addition, consulting with a therapist can immensely benefit this process.