Why Am I So Easily Triggered into a State of Panic?

It’s normal to feel anxiety at stressful times, such as a presentation at work, the beginning of the school year, or when you’re getting married. The anxiety can boost your concentration or give you energy to undertake a task.

But when anxiety begins to take root in every aspect of your life, so that daily living becomes difficult, you have an anxiety disorder.

Panic disorders are a type of anxiety disorder that can paralyze you with fear in a given situation. You may panic in response to a particular stressor, or it may be more generalized. While an attack may be temporary and pass within minutes, you may experience another at any given time. Both anxiety disorders and panic disorders require medical attention.

At Sidhu Psychiatric Clinic, Kanwaljit “Kavi” Sidhu, NP-C, PMHNP-BC, and the skilled staff diagnose and treat anxiety and related panic disorders at their office in Palm Harbor, Florida. If you’re easily startled, feel anxious all the time, or panic at the drop of the hat, here’s what you need to know about your condition and how it’s treated.

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is an intense and persistent worry and/or fear about everyday events. Anxiety disorders may involve periodic attacks of excessive worry, fear, or even terror that peak within a few minutes. These are called panic attacks. The panic isn’t rooted in any real danger, but the emotions you feel are very real. Intense panic can make you feel like you’re having a heart attack.

When pervasive and intense, anxiety and panic can interfere with your daily activities. They’re out of proportion to the actual danger, last a long time, and are difficult to control. You may avoid people, places, or situations that cause these feelings so as not to have an attack.

Anxiety disorders are common. Some 31% of Americans experience anxiety at some point during their lives.

What are the symptoms of anxiety?

Common signs and symptoms of anxiety include:

Feeling nervous, restless, or tense
Having a sense of danger, panic, or doom
Having an increased heart rate
Breathing rapidly
Sweating
Trembling
Feeling weak or tired
Difficulty concentrating or thinking about anything other than the anxiety
Having trouble sleeping
Experiencing digestive problems
Having difficulty controlling worry
Having the urge to avoid things that trigger anxiety

You may have one, two, or some other combination of symptoms, based on your personal history, issues, and the type of anxiety disorder you live with.

Treating anxiety and panic

At Sidhu Psychiatric Clinic, we treat anxiety with a combination of medication and psychotherapy, employing evidence-based treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

There are also a number of lifestyle adjustments you can make to help manage anxiety symptoms. These include:

1. Prioritize sleep

Sleep and mental health go hand-in-hand. A lack of sleep can make mental health issues worse, and vice versa. Adults should get 7-9 hours of sleep each night, including on the weekends. You should also go to bed and get up at the same time every day.

2. Stay active and go outside

Daily exercise by itself can help you manage anxiety, because your body may produce more of the neurotransmitter serotonin and endorphins, the body's natural feel-good chemicals. Both can help you better manage stress. Exercise can also reduce fatigue, decrease tension, and elevate your mood. Thirty minutes of exercise 3-5 times per week is a good amount to aim for.

3. Focus on good nutrition

Eating balanced meals helps improve your overall well-being. Include fresh fruits and vegetables, protein, and complex carbohydrates. Your body synthesizes serotonin from the complex carbohydrates, and protein helps stabilize your blood sugar, evening out your mood.

4. Practice meditation

Meditation helps you relax your mind, reducing stress. There are many types of meditation you can try, from deep breathing to walking. Try to make this a daily practice.

If you’re easily triggered into a state of panic, you likely have an anxiety disorder, and our team at Sidhu Psychiatric Clinic can help. Call our office at 727-382-1383, or book online with us today.