What is Triggering my Anxiety?

Author: Bertha Argueta

“Interrupt anxiety with Gratitude” 

Danielle LaPorte

Anxiety is not fun, not at all. Anxiety takes a toll on your emotions, mental health, and your body. Everything you think, feel, and experience when anxiety creeps in, feels like your world is being turned upside down and the usual way you function is no longer an option. 

Because the symptoms that come along with anxiety make it difficult to function properly, I believe it could be beneficial to learn and know the things that may trigger your anxiety.

There are a few triggers that you may be able to avoid so that you can ease some of the anxiety symptoms you may be experiencing. 

First you need to know that triggers are different for everyone. What triggers my anxiety symptoms might be totally different from what triggers yours. 

The Big Triggers

• Health Issues – This is a big one for many. Health issues may cause individuals to potentially lose their jobs, which may bring about other unnecessary issues which create higher levels of anxiety. 
• Negative Thinking – There is so much power in your thoughts. When your thinking is negative, your words become negative, your actions become negative, your body spikes up and acts accordingly. Negative thinking only creates an anxious body (I invite you to replace one negative thought for 5 positive thoughts).
• Conflict – Conflict can be easily found among families, between partners, children and their parents, siblings, friends, co-workers; you name it, if there are people involved there is a chance for conflict. When there is a lack of positive conflict resolution, anxiety tends to creep in and the results may only create even more conflict (I recommend you seek additional help if you need help to learn conflict resolution). 
• Financial Concerns – Paying off debt, unexpected bills, and even saving money could be big triggers for anyone. It can be overwhelming especially during this pandemic. Many have lost their businesses, jobs, opportunities, and anxiety has become their friend because of the uncertainty the future may hold. It is important to seek professional help when it comes to finances, either to learn to manage them or to get out of debt so that you can have a more stable future (I recommend “The total money makeover” by Dave Ramsey).
• Parties, social events, public events/performances – For many people and maybe for you, just thinking of going to a social event, a party, or performing creates a high level of anxiety. There are many coping skills to learn to deal with social anxiety. You may start by practicing deep breathing exercises and I recommend (Seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor who may teach you different coping skills).
• Stress – Traffic jams, missing your bus to work or school, being late, disagreements at home. Stress, if not treated properly may lead to long-term anxiety.
• Personal Triggers –  These may be difficult to identify, some may even begin with a smell place, a song, reminders whether conscious or unconscious of a bad experience or traumatic event. Individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), usually times experience anxiety.

A Few More Triggers  

Here is a list of basic triggers you could avoid so that your anxiety levels don’t spike up: 

• Coffee
• Skipping a meal
• Some over the counter medications
• Some weight loss medications
• Birth control pills
• Cold and cough medications

Identifying and understanding what your triggers are, can help you avoid them. There are different coping skills you may learn to help you deal with your anxiety. Remember that there is a root to your anxiety, seek professional help if you feel that your anxiety is stopping you from enjoying your life to the fullest. 

WHAT TO DO?

I recommend you start a journal of the times you are feeling anxious and notice what you are doing at the moment and the kind of thoughts you are ruminating on and placing your focus on. Be honest with yourself and be patient and kind to yourself. Be grateful and express gratitude for the things you have in your life. Build a daily gratitude list and think about those things. 

You got this!

REMEMBER: Always seek professional help to help you deal with anxiety that you may feel is out of proportion. 

1 Peter 5:7  “Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you”

Reference

Cirino, E. (2018). What is Anxiety: https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety-symptoms