Anxiety is a normal response to times of true danger or uncertainty. It’s a useful emotion that can alert us to danger and prepare us to fight or flee. However, when anxiety starts to interfere with normal daily function, that is called an anxiety disorder, and it is a mental health condition that can be treated. Anxiety disorders are, by far, the most common type of mental health disorder in America. While the severity of anxiety varies, when left untreated, it can eventually become debilitating for those who experience it constantly. Learning about common anxiety triggers is one part of managing anxiety disorders.
If you or someone you care about requires anxiety treatment in Pennsylvania, Promont Wellness is ready to assist you. We offer a comprehensive anxiety treatment program that helps clients discern the root cause of their anxiety and teaches them how to manage triggers. Our treatment center emphasizes individualized care and accessibility, lowering the barriers to treatment so that we can better serve more people. Our staff members are committed to serving the community and helping ease the physical, mental, and emotional toll of addiction and other mental health disorders. Contact our admissions team at 866.545.9552 to learn more.
What Is an Anxiety Disorder?
Anxiety disorders are different from normal, expected anxiety. While normal anxiety can help a person to pay attention or give them the focus to ace an exam, anxiety disorders present symptoms even when there is no reason to be anxious. Those who struggle with anxiety disorders may experience extended periods of fear and worry that can make it nearly impossible to function in day-to-day life. There are a number of different symptoms that are common to the different types of anxiety disorders:
- Persistent anxious thoughts or beliefs
- Restlessness
- Rapid heart rate
- Shortness of breath
- Behavioral changes
Common Triggers for Anxiety
Different types of anxiety have different triggers. It’s also important that the causes of anxiety are different from anxiety triggers. For those who have anxiety disorders, the cause of anxiety is the something that caused the anxiety disorder itself. A person’s upbringing, experiences, or genetics can be causes for anxiety. However, anxiety triggers are things that make the anxiety worse or more prevalent.
Some of the common triggers for anxiety can include:
- Medications—Some prescription or over-the-counter medications can trigger or activate feelings of anxiety. The active ingredients of these medications can make a person feel uneasy or anxious.
- Health problems—A cancer diagnosis or other progressive disorders can be very stressful and cause anxiety. This is a powerful trigger because these types of medical problems are often life-changing and financially stressful at the same time.
- Financial difficulties—Worrying about rent, car payments, or school tuition can take up a lot of emotional and mental energy, even for those who do not suffer from anxiety disorders. Debt or other financial uncertainties can be a constant trigger since there are few easy solutions.
- Public speaking—Many people dislike speaking or performing in public, so this is a very common trigger for those who suffer from anxiety disorders. A therapist can help provide positive reinforcement and techniques to be more comfortable with this type of trigger.
- Personal triggers—Personal triggers are difficult to define. These types of triggers could be anything that reminds a person about a traumatic or stressful time in their life. A specific type of clock chime, the lyrics to a certain song, or the smell of freshly-cut grass could all be triggers to certain people. Those who suffer from PTSD tend to experience personal triggers.
Anxiety triggers can be tough to identify, let alone control. A therapist can work with you to determine triggers and teach techniques to manage or avoid them.
Begin an Anxiety Treatment Program at Promont Wellness
If you’re ready to get started with anxiety treatment, we’re here to help. The compassionate and experienced staff members of Promont Wellness provide a judgment-free space where those with anxiety can feel safe again. Whatever type of anxiety you have, treatment can help. Don’t hesitate to contact our admissions team at 866.545.9552 or via our online form to learn more about our comprehensive treatments and therapies.
