Do you know what your anxiety triggers are? Many people don't. This can be a huge problem, because if you don't know what can trigger anxiety, it's going to be difficult to manage your stress levels. In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of stressors that can trigger anxiety. We will also provide a list of common anxiety triggers so that you can start to identify what makes you anxious.
Managing your anxiety is all about knowing yourself and understanding how your mind works. Once you know how to trigger anxiety in yourself, you can start to develop strategies to deal with them!
1. Identify the things that tend to make you anxious
For many of us, anxiety is a response to stress. Our body will trigger anxiety as a way of getting us pumped up to deal with a difficult situation. But sometimes anxiety can become overwhelming and start to interfere with our everyday lives. If you're feeling anxious, there are a few things you can do to help yourself feel better.
What about anxiety disorders?
Not every person with anxiety symptoms has an anxiety disorder. Some people have what are called “situational” or “acute” anxiety attacks, which means their symptoms are brought on by a specific event or situation. This can be anything from public speaking to flying on an airplane. People with situational anxiety usually don't have anxiety symptoms all the time, and they can usually control their symptoms with some effort.
You MAY have an anxiety disorder if:
- You limit your daily activities because you fear your severe anxiety
- A normal activity triggers anxiety in your, but none of your friends
- You have been previously diagnosed with social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, or panic attacks
- Your attempts to reduce anxiety haven't helped at all
- You think anti anxiety medications may help manage anxiety
What can you do about the stuff that triggers anxiety?
First, it's important to identify what's causing your anxiety. Is it a specific situation, like public speaking or taking a test? Or is it something more general, like worry about your health or finances? Once you know what's triggering your anxiety, you can start to work on managing it.
Some helpful strategies include deep breathing, relaxation techniques, and exercise. If you're feeling particularly overwhelmed, you may also want to talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. Remember, you're not alone in this. Millions of people suffer from anxiety, but there are ways to get help and feel better.
Since you might not know what's triggering your anxiety, here's a big list of things that stress us out! Do you identify with anything on this list? Maybe it'll help you discover your own triggers!
The Big List of Anxiety Triggers
- Seeing distant relatives
- Listening to chewing noises
- Seeing a spider but not being able to find it again
- Heights
- Clutter
- The sound of a toilet flushing in a public restroom
- Crowds
- People talking loudly
- Babies crying
- Public transportation
- Being stuck in traffic
- A full inbox
- An almost-empty gas tank
- Deadlines at work or school
- A messy house/apartment
- Loud noises
- Seeing someone else's panic attacks
If any of these really get your anxiety symptoms going, it might be time to see a doctor. The Anxiety and Depression Association has some medically reviewed resources that may be able to help you.
2. Make a list of your anxiety triggers
Before you can start to manage your anxiety, it can be helpful to take inventory of the things that trigger your anxiety attacks. For some people, an anxiety trigger may be a specific situation, such as public speaking or flying on an airplane.
Other people may find that their anxiety is set off by more general things, such as feeling overwhelmed or stressed out. And still others may find that their anxiety is triggered by seemingly innocuous things, such as a change in routine or the sound of a loud noise. The important thing is to be aware of the things that make you anxious so that you can start to work on managing your anxiety triggers.
3. Take steps to avoid or manage your anxiety triggers whenever possible
Anxiety can be triggered by many different things. For some people, it might be a certain place or situation, like being in a crowded room or on a heights. For others, it might be a certain type of person, like someone who is aggressive or authority figure. And for others still, it might be something internal, like chronic stress or fatigue.
The important thing to remember is that everyone's anxiety triggers are unique to them. That's why it's so important to take steps to avoid or manage your anxiety triggers whenever possible. If you know that being in large crowds makes you anxious, for example, try to avoid those situations as much as possible.
If you can't avoid them altogether, see if there are ways to make them more bearable, such as by going with a friend or taking breaks often. And if you're not sure what your triggers are, don't hesitate to ask for help from a mental health professional. They can help you identify your triggers and develop a plan for managing them.
4. Practice self-care and relaxation techniques to help manage stress and anxiety
One of the best ways to manage stress and anxiety is to practice self-care. This can include simple things like getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and getting regular exercise. It can also mean taking time out for yourself every day to do something that you enjoy, such as reading, taking a bath, or going for a walk.
Practicing relaxation techniques can also be helpful. This might involve deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by stress or anxiety, remember that it is important to take care of yourself. By making time for self-care, you can help to ease your symptoms and feel better able to cope with whatever life throws your way.
5. Talk to a therapist if you feel like your anxiety is impacting your daily life
Many people experience anxiety at some point in their lives. For some, anxiety is a normal and short-lived reaction to a stressful situation. However, for others, anxiety can be a chronic condition that significantly interferes with daily life.
If you find that your anxiety is starting to take a toll on your overall well-being, it may be time to seek professional help. A therapist can help you to understand and manage your anxiety in a healthy way. Together, you can develop coping mechanisms for dealing with anxious thoughts and feelings. With time and effort, you can learn to reduce your anxiety and live a fuller, more enjoyable life.
