It’s 2022 and we are in our third year of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Rates of mental health issues like anxiety and depression are increasing directly with rates of COVID-19 infection around the globe.
Many individuals are experiencing anxiety for the first time, not understanding their symptoms and what is causing them. But how is anxiety different from stress? And what triggers anxiety? Let’s explore these topics.
What exactly is anxiety?
We all experience feelings like stress, fear, and worry in our day-to-day lives. However, anxiety disorders are more than experiencing these emotions.
Anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, and phobia-related disorders. Those who suffer from any one of these disorders experience persistent anxiety that gets worse over time.
Symptoms can become so severe that those with anxiety disorders are unable to complete daily tasks, meet job expectations, or maintain relationships with friends, family, and romantic partners.
Some common symptoms of GAD include:
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
- Increased muscle tension
- Difficulty regulating emotions
- Restlessness or difficulty staying/falling asleep
10 Common Anxiety Triggers
Anxiety is caused by a multitude of factors, pre-existing conditions, and live events. We’ve compiled a list of common factors that can trigger anxiety disorders and related symptoms.
Past or Childhood Experiences
Adverse childhood experiences, or ACEs, can have a very strong, negative impact on our
mental health well into adulthood. Some common ACEs include experiencing violence,
neglect, abuse, witnessing violence within your home or community, or losing a family
member to suicide. If you had a traumatic childhood, you very well may experience
anxiety associated with these negative experiences.
Financial Issues
Money is very closely tied to mental health. On one hand, symptoms of anxiety can make
it difficult to hold a job and earn money. On the other hand, a lack of money and
resources can also cause anxiety and other mental health related issues. There are
resources available, reach out for support if you are struggling from anxiety due to
financial issues.
Grief & Loss
Grief is a complicated emotion that easily coincides with symptoms of anxiety tied to the experience of loss. It could be the death of a family member, friend, romantic partner, or pet. We can also experience grief at the end of a relationship, the loss of a job, or moving to a new location. Counseling, therapy, and support groups are recommended to those experiencing grief.
Isolation
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, quarantine and social isolation has been both
encouraged and mandated to protect global health. Many individuals felt lonely and
lacked connection with friends and loved ones. Isolation is known to cause symptoms of
anxiety. Similarly, when quarantines were lifted, individuals experienced anxiety at
re-entering the world, becoming exposed to the virus, and learning to socially interact
with others once more.
Work or Academic Expectations and Deadlines
Careers in every type of field come with expectations, duties, deadlines, and
responsibilities. Some of these expectations can be difficult to meet and may result in
symptoms of anxiety, stress, and depression. Similarly, students may experience these
symptoms in relation to academic deadlines and exams.
World News and Events
Unfortunately, there’s a surplus of negative news in the media lately. Global events like
humanitarian crises, global warming, climate change, and the ongoing pandemic are sure to cause the healthiest person anxiety. A good way to manage anxiety is to be thoughtful about our media exposure and learn how to balance mental health while remaining informed on important news and events.
Drugs and Alcohol Use
Anxiety can be exacerbated by some psychiatric medications, other medications for physical health, and recreational drugs and alcohol. These anxiety symptoms can be made
worse by substance abuse and addiction. Some individuals may turn to substances in
attempt to manage pre-existing anxiety. It is always recommended to work through
anxiety with a trained, licensed professional rather than self-medicate.
Physical Health Problems
Individuals living with chronic or life-threatening health problems may experience
anxiety. Also, individuals that have suffered an accident and lost mobility or have a new
decrease in physical health may also experience anxiety. Many hospitals and medical
providers can refer patients to resources for mental health support.
Food and Nutrition
Our gut microbiota and inflammation have a direct link to symptoms of anxiety. Several studies have explored ways to decrease anxiety through a change in diet and nutrition accompanied with an increase in physical exercise.
Other Life Events
Any kind of major life event can trigger anxiety, even if the event is meant to be positive like graduating college, getting married, or having a child. Life events mean a change in
what is expected and what has been experienced in the past. It is natural to experience
fear, stress, and symptoms of anxiety no matter the event.
How EDMR Therapy Can Treat Anxiety
If you are experiencing symptoms of an anxiety disorder, first know that you are not alone. Anxiety is one of the leading mental health disorders in the world. Also know that there are modalities of therapy that can specifically treat both the causes and symptoms of your anxiety.
One of these modalities is EDMR therapy. In short, EDMR therapy is a type of psychotherapy that uses rhythmic stimulation to help individuals recover from traumatic memories and other stressful life experiences. For patients that find their anxiety triggered by past events, EDMR therapy is proven to dramatically reduce anxiety.
As a trained therapist qualified to deliver EDMR therapy, you can trust that our therapeutic environment is a safe place to explore these traumatic experiences and their associated feelings. Click here to learn more about how EDMR therapy can help you resolve feelings of anxiety or click here to schedule an initial assessment session.
You can also learn more about my qualifications and background here