Anxiety is defined as a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome. It's future thinking in a negative way. While it’s normal to have concerns from time to time, chronic anxiety leads to loss of appetite, insomnia, compromised immunity and other diseases. Dr. Sanam Hafeez PsyD
a NYC based licensed clinical psychologist, Teaching Faculty Member at
the prestigious Columbia University Teacher’s College and the founder
and Clinical Director of Comprehensive Consultation Psychological
Services, shares 5 common anxiety triggers and offers insights and tips for what we can do to get back into ease.
1. Retirement
Once
people hit 40, they feel as if the years are going quicker and the
money is running out. They panic. They look at the math and it simply
doesn’t add up to a life of abundance. They’re plagued with thoughts of
an unknown future with medical expenses, costs for housing, food, and
with every item added to the list, they get more and more anxious.
“Some people go into denial because they feel such an intense of fear.
While it’s normal to want to shift your thinking, avoidance only leads
to more anxiety,” explains Dr. Hafeez.
She suggests settling the mind with information and action. “The more
you know about your retirement goals and create a plan of action, the
more you can include other family members, shift finances and get
clarity on what’s real. Information combined with action will give a
sense of control.”
2. Job Loss
Years
ago, people would rebound faster from job loss. Within a month they
would find another job often at a higher salary. Saving a bit of money
as an “emergency fund” to keep up with expenses should there be a job
loss was also a possibility. Times are very different now. These days
people lose their job and it creates a complete upheaval in their lives.
Finances are depleted and it could take months before getting another
job and at times, people accept less money just to have a salary. “I
have patients with good careers anxious that there will be a cut back and they’ll be let go without any idea what to do next. This scarcity mindset leads to anxiety.
I always remind them to explore other income generating options of
interest to them currently so they don’t feel as if their well-being is
solely determined by their employer. Anxiety is rooted in fear and this fear is quite common, unfortunately,” says Dr. Hafeez.
3. Health
When you’re anxious about your health, it dominates your mind. “The worst part about health-related anxiety is that it makes you feel worse and prolongs any kind of recovery,” warns Dr. Hafeez.
A lot of people make the mistake of researching different conditions
online and self-diagnose. They get overwhelmed with all the
possibilities of what may be. "The best thing to do is take control of your health by staying current with doctor visits, exercise, eat
healthily and focus your attention on optimal health,” she advises.
4. Divorce
Marital strife is a common cause for anxiety. “It’s very common for people who are going through divorce to lose weight due to anxiety and stress. Night anxiety is
also common which is when you can fall asleep, but then suddenly awaken
out of a sound sleep feeling sad, panicked, unable to go back to
sleep," Dr. Hafeez says. “When anxiety interferes
with one’s ability to eat and sleep, consulting with a therapist can be
helpful. Divorce is a major life event that radically changes one’s
life. Depression and anxiety are common,” she adds.
5. Terrorism and other acts of violence.
We
live in a very different world today. Unfortunately, every time we
board an airplane, enter a shopping mall, go to a concert, the movies or
send our kids to school, we get anxious. Terrorism is intended to make people fearful and anxious. What can we do? “Again, anxiety is
triggered by a loss of control. It’s rooted in a feeling of possible
danger without warning. So be vigilant. Observe your surroundings.
Report anything that seems suspicious. Put an emergency plan in place
with family and loved ones. When triggered by anxiety ask,
what do I need to know here? What can I control in this situation? Then
do what you must to feel better and prepared,” recommends Dr. Hafeez.
The common thread here is to first acknowledge the feeling of anxiety, then assess the source of it, then access information and make an action plan to make you feel more in control.
About the Doctor:
Dr. Sanam Hafeez PsyD is
a NYC based licensed clinical psychologist, teaching faculty member at
the prestigious Columbia University Teacher’s College and the founder
and Clinical Director of Comprehensive Consultation Psychological
Services, P.C. a neuropsychological, developmental and educational
center in Manhattan and Queens.
Dr. Hafeez masterfully
applies her years of experience connecting psychological implications
to address some of today’s common issues such as body image, social
media addiction, relationships, workplace stress, parenting
and psychopathology (bipolar, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, etc…). In addition, Dr. Hafeez works
with individuals who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),
learning disabilities, attention and memory problems, and abuse. Dr. Hafeez often shares her credible expertise to various news outlets in New York City and frequently appears on CNN and Dr.Oz.
Connect with her via twitter @comprehendMind or www
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