Many people experience clinical anxiety that affects them on a day-to-day basis. In fact, the Anxiety & Depression Association of America estimates that about 40 million Americans suffer from anxiety. Symptoms of anxiety include worry, fear, tension, feeling restless, racing thoughts, irritability, and feeling distracted. You may have heard the word “trigger” used when talking about anxiety. In this blog, we are going to take a look at what triggers anxiety in adults.
What Does “Trigger” Mean?
When talking about anxiety, the word “trigger” refers to situations, thoughts, or memories that activate one’s anxiety and often leads to an increase in symptoms. While each person is different, triggers could lead to panic attacks, difficulty accomplishing tasks, or relapses in a former negative behavior. If you experience anxiety, Healthline says it is essential to discover what your triggers are so that you can learn to best manage your anxiety.
Verywellmind says there are two types of triggers: internal and external. Internal triggers refer to triggers that occur inside you, such as a physical sensation, memory, thought, or emotion. An example of an internal trigger could be the thought of making a mistake or something going wrong. In this example, the thought would be intrusive and unwanted, and it would lead to an anxious response. External triggers refer to triggers that happen outside of the body, such as people or specific situations. An example of an external trigger could be when someone who is anxious around large groups of people walks into a busy, crowded store. In this example, walking into the crowded store would lead to an anxious response.
What Are Common Anxiety Triggers In Adults?
Now that we understand what a “trigger” is, we can take a look at some of the common triggers of anxiety in adults:
- Health Issues
- Financial Issues
- Hectic Work Schedule
- Family Conflict
- Loneliness
- Thoughts of Failure
- Thoughts of Making a Mistake
- Public Events
- Stressful Situations
Choosing Therapy says that caffeine, diet, and lack of sleep can also lead to increased anxiety.
If you are experiencing anxiety and are looking to identify what your triggers are, it is important to work with a professional counselor who can help you examine situations or feelings that activate your anxiety response. Our counselors at Garrett Counseling in Huntsville, AL and our other locations are experienced in working with adults experiencing anxiety. Contact us today at (256) 239=5662 or by clicking here to schedule an appointment!