1. Having too many responsibilities
Individuals with anxiety may experience an increase in stress levels when faced with multiple tasks or responsibilities. This may be due to the fear of failure or not being able to adequately manage all of their obligations. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and guilt, which in turn can lead to heightened levels of stress and anxiety.
2. Waiting for the unknown outcome of a situation
The fear of the unknown can be a powerful trigger for individuals with anxiety disorder. When faced with situations that have an unpredictable or uncertain outcome, this may cause feelings of dread and uncertainty, which can lead to heightened levels of stress and anxiety.
3. Feeling overwhelmed by life events
When faced with major life changes such as sudden illness, death in the family, or job loss, it is not uncommon for those suffering from an anxiety disorder to experience an increase in their symptoms. This can cause feelings of extreme stress and helplessness which will exacerbate existing symptoms.
4. Fear of change or uncertainty in life circumstances
People who suffer from anxiety disorder may have difficulty adjusting to sudden changes in their life, such as a change in residence or job. This can lead to feelings of fear, confusion and uncertainty, which can cause an increase in symptoms associated with the disorder.
5. Anxious anticipation about making mistakes, including small ones
Individuals with anxiety disorders tend to be overly self-critical when it comes to even minor mistakes they make. This can lead to feelings of guilt and shame, which can exacerbate existing levels of stress and anxiety.
6. Negative self talk and fear of judgment from others
Those living with an anxiety disorder may experience heightened levels of stress and worry due to negative thoughts about themselves or fear that others will judge them negatively for their perceived flaws. This can lead to an increase in symptoms associated with the disorder, such as increased heart rate and difficulty focusing.
7. Worrying about feelings of guilt or shame associated with past experiences
Individuals who suffer from anxiety may experience intense feelings of guilt or shame due to events that have occurred in their past. These feelings can be overwhelming and can lead to increased levels of stress and fear, which will exacerbate existing symptoms associated with the disorder.
8. Fearing physical ailments that may be caused by stress
Those suffering from an anxiety disorder may worry about the potential physical repercussions of their heightened levels of stress and worry, such as digestive issues or headaches. This can lead to an increase in overall stress and anxiety levels.
9. Hyper focus on potential risks or dangers in everyday situations
Individuals with an anxiety disorder may have difficulty focusing on the present moment, due to their intense focus on potential risks and dangers that could occur in everyday life. This can cause feelings of fear and dread, which can lead to increased levels of stress and anxiety.
10. Intense rumination on past traumas/mistakes and how they could have been avoided
Those who suffer from an anxiety disorder may experience intense rumination about mistakes or traumas from the past, as well as thoughts about how these events could have been avoided. This can be overwhelming and can lead to increased levels of stress and anxiety, which will exacerbate existing symptoms associated with the disorder.