Anxiety is a common human experience that can be overwhelming and debilitating, causing us to feel like it's out of our control. It can be characterized by racing thoughts, a fast heartbeat, and sweaty palms, making it something most people try to avoid. However, anxiety is a natural response that helps us recognize potential dangers and triggers our "fight, flight, or freeze" response to protect us. At times, it can be challenging to distinguish between a real and a perceived threat.

Anxiety triggers can vary from person to person, but some common triggers may include:

• Major life changes, such as moving, starting a new job, or ending a relationship

• Financial stress or uncertainty

• Health issues or chronic illness

• Trauma or past traumatic experiences

• Family conflicts or relationship issues

• Social situations, such as public speaking or meeting new people

• Work-related stress or pressure

• Academic stress, such as exams or deadlines

• Substance use or withdrawal

It's important to note that some triggers may not be obvious or easily identifiable. Working with a mental health professional can help uncover and manage anxiety triggers.

How anxiety presents:

• Anxiety can manifest as physical symptoms like sweating, numbness, headaches, heart palpitations, and shortness of breath

• Emotional symptoms of anxiety include feeling stressed, keyed up, or on edge, being easily fatigued, having difficulty concentrating or going blank, irritability, and muscle tension

• Sleep disturbances are common in people with anxiety, such as difficulty falling or staying asleep, or restless and unsatisfying sleep

• Anxiety occurs across a spectrum of severity, ranging from mild feelings of uneasiness and worry to severe feelings of dread, paralyzing fear, phobias, and panic attacks

• Moderate levels of anxiety may include edginess, rumination, and distractibility.

As a therapist, I can provide support to individuals with anxiety by:

• Conducting a thorough assessment of their personal history, family dynamics, and social pressures to gain a better understanding of their anxiety triggers

• Helping them identify useful or meaningful aspects of their anxiety and how to cope with it effectively

• Providing emotional support to increase their tolerance and reduce the severity of their anxious reactions

• Teaching and encouraging the use of techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and visualization to manage their anxiety symptoms

• Recommending adjunctive use of medications when appropriate to alleviate severe symptoms.