Anxiety is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by feelings of worry, nervousness, and fear, and can range from mild to severe. There are a variety of factors that can contribute to worsening anxiety, including changes in brain chemistry, stressors in daily life, and even genetic predisposition. If you’re experiencing increased anxiety symptoms, it’s important to seek help from an anxiety therapist in Phoenix. These professionals can help you understand why your anxiety is getting worse and develop strategies to manage it.
In this article, we will explore some of the reasons why your anxiety may be getting worse, and discuss strategies for managing and reducing symptoms.
Table of Contents
Symptoms Of Anxiety
Anxiety is a medical disorder that can present in many different ways and vary in intensity depending on the individual. Someone experiencing anxiety may notice physical symptoms such as:
- Shortness Of Breath
- Chest Pain
- Dizziness
- Sweating
- Hot Flashes Or Chills
- Feeling Tense And Restless
- Headaches
- Stomachaches
- Trembling Or Shaking
There are also psychological symptoms to look out for including frequent thoughts of worry or fear, intrusive negative thoughts that feel hard to control, difficulty focusing on tasks at hand, difficulty concentrating on positive things, and obsessive thinking about things that cannot be changed.
If you are experiencing any combination of these symptoms for an extended period it is important to seek professional help from experienced and professional anxiety therapists in phoenix. They can provide you with personalized strategies and establish coping mechanisms for dealing with different situations.
Multiple Reasons Why Your Anxiety Is Getting Worse
If you suffer from anxiety, you may have noticed that it seems to be getting worse. Experts have identified the reasons behind the rise in anxiety symptoms. These are:
1. Not Getting Enough Sleep
A lack of sleep is a major factor contributing to increased feelings of anxiety. When you don’t get enough rest, your body and mind pay the price. Your brain becomes more overwhelmed by stress and your body feels tense for longer amounts of time. This can lead to heightened feelings of worry and unease that can stay with you in most situations throughout the day.
By taking steps like avoiding screens before bedtime, having an established nighttime routine, and staying consistent with a regular sleep schedule, you can make sure you’re allowing your body and brain the opportunity to properly reset each night.
2. Drinking Too Much Caffeine
Caffeine can increase feelings of anxiousness by stimulating adrenal glands, which release hormones like adrenaline and cortisol that can increase heart rate. This can make it difficult for your brain to regulate emotions, leading to more anxious thoughts.
Additionally, too much caffeine may disrupt natural sleep patterns, preventing your body from getting restorative rest to manage stress levels and continue functioning properly. Ultimately, reducing caffeine consumption can make a big difference in helping to regulate nerves while keeping your mood manageable.
3. Bad Eating Habits
Our daily lives are filled with demands, deadlines, and commitments. As a result, many people are turning to less healthy but more convenient eating habits to save time, leaving them feeling lagging and unenergized. This neglect of a healthy diet can exacerbate anxiety, making it worse than ever before.
Consider making small adjustments in your diet to increase energy while supporting a more balanced and calm mental state like incorporating nutrient-dense foods such as salmon, nuts, fruits, and vegetables into your meals.
4. Excessive Worrying And Stress
With the hustle and bustle of life, it’s no wonder that stress and worry can become an everyday occurrence. Due to this, both of these emotions can lead to cognitive distortions and negative thinking patterns. Overthinking takes you to spend far too much time dwelling on trivial matters or irrational fears.
If left unmanaged, this overthinking can manifest into physical symptoms such as a racing heart, headaches, or tightness in your chest, further heightening one’s anxiety levels. Prioritizing self-care and reflection is essential for calming down any worrying thoughts.
5. Feeling Out Of Control
It is natural to experience a certain level of anxiety when faced with obstacles or uncertainty, and this can often manifest in feelings of being “out of control”. Ultimately this can lead to higher levels of stress and cause your anxiety levels to worsen over time.
Working on learning how to face anxiety head-on, instead of worrying about things outside your direct control is a great way to start shifting your mental landscape away from overwhelming worry and ease apprehension in situations.
Conclusion
While some of these factors may be out of your control, there are plenty of things you can do to ease your anxiety. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, cut back on the caffeine, and get outside for a walk or run every day. If your anxiety is still proving to be too much to handle on your own, consult a therapist who can help you develop coping mechanisms.