Identify your triggers

Some life circumstances can make anxiety worse. Recognising your triggers is an important first step to reducing your anxiety. Some situations that may worsen anxiety are:

• Stress: Stress affects everybody but overwhelming stress can result in anxiety, especially for people who are vulnerable or have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.
• Caffeine: Stimulants such as caffeine which is found in tea, coffee, fizzy drinks, energy drinks and some over-the-counter medicines can aggravate anxiety.
• Unrealistic thinking: Anxiety can often affect your ability to think clearly and distinguish between rational and irrational thoughts.
• Poor coping skills: Anxiety is unlikely to get better without positive coping skills in place. Take a look at our Tools section or go to your GP to get some more advice.