Anxiety is a mental health condition that can cause fear, tension, panic attacks, and extreme physical symptoms. Understanding the triggers of an anxiety attack can help you to manage the situation effectively. Triggers are elements, such as past traumatic experiences, that can cause the signs of anxiety to appear or worsen. Although triggers differ for every person, they’re often common among those suffering from anxiety. Many people have multiple triggers, but for others, the attack can begin without any specific triggers. Knowing what causes your anxiety is essential for a full recovery.
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Anxiety Disorders in the United States
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), an estimated 19.1% of adults in the US suffer from an anxiety disorder. The severity of the anxiety disorders typically varies with age. Data reveals that it’s not common among older adults as it is with the younger adults aged between 18 and 29 years old. The disorder is prevalent among teens, especially those aged 15 to 18 years old. In terms of gender, women are more likely to suffer from anxiety-related challenges when compared to their male counterparts.
What Are the Triggers of an Anxiety Attack?
Most of the anxiety triggers usually feel spontaneous, but they’re linked with both panic and fear. Interestingly, a trigger that may seem like a standard life pattern to many people may negatively impact others to the extent of causing a mental health illness.
Health diagnosis of a chronic illness like cancer can trigger anxiety due to the immediate and personal emotions it evokes. To avoid these types of triggers, engage with a certified therapist who’ll teach you how to manage your feelings.
Active ingredients of some medications can make you feel uneasy and consequently lead to an anxiety attack. The medicines that may trigger anxiety include birth control pills, cough & congestion syrups, and weight loss medications. Ask your doctor to prescribe alternative medications with mild side effects.
Failure to eat can lower your blood sugar, thus leading to hunger pangs, which often trigger anxiety disorders. The best remedy is eating a balanced diet that will not only provide you with sufficient energy but also nourish your body and mind.
One of the most common triggers of an anxiety attack is negative thinking, which often entails self-stigmatization. To overcome this, train your brain to focus on positive thoughts, even when facing challenging situations. These triggers often co-exist with personal experiences, such as a song or smell, which can remind you of a bad experience or memory, leading to an anxiety attack.
Also, daily stressors, like conflicts in a relationship, either trigger or worsen anxiety disorders. Other examples of daily stressors include traffic jams, skipping meals, and substance use disorders.
The Common Symptoms of an Anxiety Attack
If you want to establish whether a loved one is suffering from an anxiety attack, watch out for several common symptoms, such as:
- A fast heartbeat
- Difficulty concentrating
- Restlessness and sleep problems
- Nausea or diarrhea
- Trembling or shaking
Overcome Anxiety Disorders at Northern Illinois Recovery Center
Don’t let anxiety ruin your life. Get help from our mental health experts to begin your journey towards recovery. At Northern Illinois Recovery Center, our state-of-the-art facility and experienced staff will ensure your recovery goals and treatment needs are adequately addressed. For the best results, therapists often use a combination of treatment programs, including:
- Partial hospitalization program
- Intensive outpatient program
- Sober living program
- Depression treatment program
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy program
Are the triggers of an anxiety attack wreaking havoc in your life? Seek the help of the Northern Illinois Recovery Center today, and our team of mental health experts will get you started on your recovery journey. So contact us at 855.786.1978 to schedule an appointment.
Licensed Physician and Surgeon
Dr. Beth Dunlap, a board-certified addiction medicine and family medicine physician, and is the medical director at Northern Illinois Recovery Center. She is responsible for overseeing all the integrated medical services at both campuses. Beth completed medical school, residency, and fellowship at Northwestern University, where she continues to serve on the faculty as a member of the Department of Family and Community Medicine. She has extensive experience in addiction medicine at all levels of care, and her clinical interests include integrated primary care and addiction medicine, harm reduction, and medication-assisted treatment.
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