Anxiety in young adults: Helpful ways to manage your triggers

Anxiety is a crippling condition at any age. And as a young adult, suffering from chronic anxiety can lead to serious mental health issues, which in turn can impact your life, your future and your wellbeing. An anxiety attack is so much more than experiencing sweaty palms or butterflies in your stomach – young adults confronted with an anxiety disorder can have symptoms manifest in all kinds of ways, including:

•     A sudden sense of impending doom.
•    Extreme sweating.
•  Shaking and trembling.
•  Feeling hot or incredibly cold.
•    Chest pain and difficulty breathing.
•    Dizziness and nausea.
•    Even a sense of complete detachment from reality.

You can find out more about the characteristics of anxiety in young adults, by clicking the link. It’s worth remembering that no two sufferers are the same, and these symptoms can vary from person to person.

What events lead to anxiety? 

Anxiety comes in many different forms. For example, anxiety and panic attacks often go hand in hand, as one of the main causes of panic attacks is anxiety. However, it can also be linked to other disorders, such as depression and PTSD. Anxiety can form in young adults due to a number of underlying factors, such as traumatic events that have occurred either historically or recently. Often the manifestation of anxiety can be triggered by a singular event or numerous events. Here are some of the most common causes of anxiety:

• Bullying: When someone has been systematically and persistently bullied throughout childhood, adolescence or early adulthood then this can have a negative impact on their mental health, potentially manifesting as anxiety in later life.
• Divorce/Family problems: The absence of a stable family environment can also have a detrimental effect on the mental health of young adults. Often when parents divorce and relationships break down, for example, this can lead to the development of mood disorders and anxiety.
• Abuse: Abuse can be inflicted in various ways. From physical abuse and mental/psychological harm to sexual abuse or assault. These traumatic events, whether experienced as a single event, or as a persistent problem throughout childhood, can lead to the build up of anxiety in young people.
• Witnessing a traumatic event: If someone has witnessed a traumatic event, such as a car accident or a criminal act, or if loved ones were in danger and they couldn’t help, then this can result in PTSD and anxiety. 

Essentially, highlighting the potential underlying causes of your anxiety may help you find the right treatment and manage your triggers much more effectively.   

Understanding these triggers will help you to take positive steps to control your anxiety, improve your wellbeing and supplement any other treatment you may be receiving. Read on to find out more about how to manage your anxiety on the EMDR Healing website. 

Limit your caffeine intake

Did you know that caffeine consumption can trigger your anxiety? We all enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning, and perhaps a few more to get us through the day. You may be consuming more than the recommended amount of caffeine per day with coffee and energy drinks, to help you get through school, long study sessions, exams and to keep up with your friends. By reducing caffeine, you can limit the impact of your anxiety triggers.

Develop and maintain a routine

For some young adults, the fear of the unknown, or a sudden change in circumstances can trigger anxiety symptoms. Whether you’re worried about the future, exams, you have a new job or are starting a new school, sometimes it can all become too much. To manage this kind of trigger, experts recommend developing and maintaining a simple routine, to help you feel in control and to ease these feelings of unrest.  

Refocusing your language

When there’s been a mishap or if something hasn’t gone to plan, it’s only natural for young adults to feel frustrated and upset. It’s in these moments of vulnerability that the words we say to ourselves are often negative and destructive, which in turn can trigger an anxiety attack. By refocusing your choice of language, pushing away negative energy about yourself and replacing it with helpful, kind words, you can manage this trigger more effectively.  

Asking for support

Maybe you have a party coming up, or you’re expected to attend a social event. If you’re a young adult with an anxiety disorder, then this can be a nightmare scenario. You can manage this trigger by making yourself as prepared as possible, and asking for support. Bringing a friend along with you and being open about your concerns will help you feel at ease and keep your anxiety at bay.  

Final thoughts…

If you’re struggling with anxiety, reach out to your doctor as soon as possible