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mojatu .com 34 Health & Food WHAT TRIGGERS ANXIETY? 11 Causes That May Surprise You Triggers Identifying triggers Symptoms Seek help Takeaway Anxiety is a mental health condition that can cause feelings of worry, fear, or tension. For some people,  anxiety  can also cause  panic attacks  and extreme physical symptoms, like chest pain. Anxiety disorders  are incredibly common. They affect an estimated  40 million people  in the United States, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. What causes anxiety and anxiety disorders can be complicated. It’s likely that a combination of factors, including genetics and environmental reasons, play a role. However, it’s clear that some events, emotions, or experiences may cause  symptoms of anxiety  to begin or may make them worse. These elements are called triggers. ANXIETY TRIGGERS 1. Health issues A health diagnosis that’s upsetting or difficult, such as cancer or a chronic illness, may trigger anxiety or make it worse. This type of trigger is very powerful because of the immediate and personal feelings it produces. You can help reduce anxiety caused by health issues by being proactive and engaged with your doctor. Talking with a therapist may also be useful, as they can help you learn to manage your emotions around your diagnosis. 2. Medications Certain prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications may trigger symptoms of anxiety. That’s because active ingredients in these medications may make you feel uneasy or unwell. Those feelings can set off a series of events in your mind and body that may lead to additional symptoms of anxiety. Medicines that may trigger anxiety include: - birth control pills - cough and congestion medications - weight loss medications Talk with your doctor about how these drugs make you feel and look for an alternative that doesn’t trigger your anxiety or worsen your symptoms. 3. Caffeine Many people rely on their morning cup of joe to wake up, but it might actually trigger or worsen anxiety. According to one  study in 2010, people with  panic disorder  and  social anxiety disorderare especially sensitive to the anxiety-inducing effects of caffeine. Work to cut back your caffeine intake b y substituting noncaffeinated options whenever possible. 4. Skipping meals When you don’t eat, your blood sugar may drop. That can lead to jittery hands and a rumbling tummy. It can also trigger anxiety. Eating balanced meals is important for many reasons. It provides you with energy and important nutrients. If you can’t make time for three meals a day, healthy snacks are a great way to prevent low blood sugar, feelings of nervousness or agitation, and anxiety. Remember, food can affect your mood. 5. Negative thinking Your mind controls much of your body, and that’s certainly true with anxiety. When you’re upset or frustrated, the words you say to yourself can trigger greater feelings of anxiety. If you tend to use a lot of negative words when thinking about yourself, learning to refocus your language and feelings when you start down this path is helpful. Working with a therapist can be incredibly helpful with this process. 6. Financial concerns Worries about saving money or having debt  can trigger anxiety. Unexpected bills or money fears are triggers, too. Learning to manage these types of triggers may require seeking professional help, such as from a financial advisor. Feeling you have a companion and a guide in the process may ease your concern. 7. Parties or social events If a room full of strangers doesn’t sound like fun,  you’re not alone. Events that require you to make small talk or interact with people you don’t know can trigger feelings of anxiety, which may be diagnosed as social anxiety disorder. To help ease your worries or unease, you can always bring along a companion when possible. But it’s also important to work with a professional to find coping mechanisms that make these events more manageable in the long term. 8. Conflict Relationship problems, arguments, disagreements — these conflicts can all trigger or worsen anxiety. If conflict particularly triggers you, you may need to learn conflict resolution strategies. Also, talk with a therapist or other mental health expert to learn how to manage the feelings these conflicts cause.