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 can be different for each person, but many triggers are common among people with these conditions. Most people find they have multiple triggers. But for some people, anxiety attacks can be triggered for no reason at all.

For that reason, it’s important to discover any anxiety triggers that you may have. Identifying your triggers is an important step in managing them. Keep reading to learn about these anxiety triggers and what you can do to manage your anxiety.

Anxiety Triggers

1. Health issues

An upsetting or difficult health diagnosis, 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. Medication

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 medicines 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 disorder are especially sensitive to the anxiety-inducing effects of caffeine. Work to cut back your caffeine intake by substituting non-caffeinated 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. As such, 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. For a quick, healthy snack, you can try Boyo Strez, a Saffron Infused Botanical Beverage Mix with a twist of Orange that alleviates symptoms of stress, depression and anxiety as well as soothe your nerves.

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.

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.

9. Stress

Daily stressors like traffic jams or missing your train can cause anyone anxiety. But long-term or chronic stress can lead to long-term anxiety and worsening symptoms, as well as other health problems. Stress can also lead to behaviors like skipping meals, drinking alcohol, or not getting enough sleep. These factors can trigger or worsen anxiety, too. Treating and preventing stress often requires learning coping mechanisms. A therapist or counselor can help you learn to recognize your sources of stress and handle them when they become overwhelming or problematic.

10. Public events or performances

Public speaking, talking in front of your boss, performing in a competition, or even just reading aloud is a common trigger of anxiety. If your job or hobbies require this, your doctor or therapist can work with you to learn ways to be more comfortable in these settings. Also, positive reinforcements from friends and colleagues can help you feel more comfortable and confident.

11. Personal triggers

These triggers may be difficult to identify, but a mental health specialist is trained to help you identify them. These may begin with a smell, a place, or even a song. Personal triggers remind you, either consciously or unconsciously, of a bad memory or traumatic event in your life. Individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) frequently experience anxiety triggers from environmental triggers. Identifying personal triggers may take time, but it’s important so you can learn to overcome them.

However, while occasional anxiety is common, consistent, chronic feelings of worry, fear, or dread aren’t common. They’re a sign you should seek professional help. The good news is that anxiety is a highly treatable mental health condition. However, many people with anxiety don’t seek treatment.

If your anxiety is impeding your day-to-day life, you should seek help. A mental health specialist can help you find a treatment plan that eases your symptoms and helps you cope with your anxiety triggers.