Feeling anxious is a normal part of the human psyche. However, suppose you notice this feeling is persistent, even in unwarranted situations. In that case, you may have an anxiety disorder and need to seek help from Atlanta Center for Mental Health and our anxiety treatment program. Close to 18.1% of the population develops this disorder every year. The profound prevalence makes anxiety the most common disorder in the United States. By understanding the triggers of anxiety, you stand a better chance of recovering. Triggers of anxiety can also help you tell if a loved one suffers from the disorder. With treatment, you or a loved one can begin to make progress towards recovery.
Call Atlanta Center for Mental Health today at 833.625.0458
Types of Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety manifests itself in various forms. Before knowing the triggers for anxiety in a person, you need to know which kind of anxiety affects them. Knowing will help you deal with the anxiety effectively and seek appropriate treatment. The National Institutes of Mental Health identifies five main types of anxiety:
1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Generalized anxiety disorder, GAD, is characterized by chronic anxiety, exaggerated worry, and tension, even when there is little or nothing to provoke it.
2. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder, OCD, is an anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and/or repetitive behaviors (compulsions). These repetitive behaviors may include:
- Handwashing
- Checking on something (the door is locked, the oven is off)
- Cleaning
- Counting
They are performed in the hope of preventing or banishing obsessive thoughts. However, performing these ritualistic acts provides only temporary relief, and not performing them dramatically increases the level of anxiety.
3. Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is characterized by unexpected and repeated episodes of intense fear. These “panic attacks” are often accompanied by physical symptoms that may include:
- Chest pain
- Abdominal distress
- Heart palpitations
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
4. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post-traumatic stress disorder, PTSD, is an anxiety disorder that usually develops after exposure to a terrifying event or experience in which severe physical harm or life-threatening conditions occur. Traumatic events that may trigger PTSD include military combat, natural or human-caused disasters, violent personal assaults, or accidents.
5. Social Phobia (or Social Anxiety Disorder)
Social phobia, or social anxiety disorder, is characterized by overwhelming anxiety and excessive self-consciousness in everyday social situations. Social phobia can be limited to only one type of situation–such as a fear of speaking in public (formally or informally) or eating or drinking in front of others. In its most severe form, a person experiences symptoms almost anytime they are around other people, which can be utterly debilitating and disruptive to a person’s life.
Whatever the type of anxiety disorder, it can frequently cause depression in those that must endure it. If you suffer from depression, seek help from a depression treatment program.
Triggers of Anxiety
A variety of factors can be triggers of anxiety. They include:
- Health issues: A diagnosis of an upsetting health condition like cancer can trigger your anxiety. This is because of the personal feelings that the news breeds. You may end up worrying about your health constantly.
- Medication: Some forms of medication are natural triggers of anxiety. For example, birth control pills and weight loss treatments. You should talk to your doctor about any side effects of such medication.
- Financial concerns: Financial constraints can breed feelings of anxiety. Especially if you are the breadwinner of your family, anxiety from financial constraints can lead you to substance use to cope.
- Trauma: Some people have a traumatic past. If they see or experience a situation that replicates their past, their anxiety can escalate.
- Personal triggers: Our environment can trigger our anxiety. But these triggers are unique to every individual. Establishing these triggers can be difficult even for the victim. However, mental health specialists can identify these triggers.
- Social events: Some of us dread social events. Especially the ones that need our active participation, such as public speaking. These social situations can trigger the feeling of anxiety among these individuals.
Treatment at Atlanta Center for Mental Health
Atlanta Center for Mental Health has mental health therapies and programs that can help deal with your triggers of anxiety. Our mental health treatment programs give those who need treatment and provide a lifelong solution for mental health disorders.
Some of the programs at our residential mental health treatment center include:
- Dual diagnosis treatment program
- Depression treatment program
- Anxiety treatment program
- PTSD treatment program
Join Our Facility
Anxiety can affect your relationships in life. Don’t let it hold you back from progressing as a productive member of society. You can get treatment for the triggers of anxiety to help deal with the disorder. You only need to enroll for treatment. Contact Atlanta Center for Mental Health at 833.625.0458. We will help you regain control of your life.
