Question

I have an anxiety disorder. Why do I get anxiety doing nothing, like sitting on the couch? What triggers it?

Answer 1

Anxiety disorders can be complex and vary from person to person. It's essential to consult a qualified mental health professional for a comprehensive understanding of your specific situation. That said, I can share some common reasons why people with anxiety disorders might experience anxiety even when seemingly doing nothing, like sitting on the couch:

1. Overthinking: When you have anxiety, your mind may tend to wander and dwell on negative thoughts, worries, or potential future scenarios. Overthinking can lead to a sense of restlessness or unease, even in calm situations.

2. Hyperarousal: Anxiety disorders can result in a heightened state of alertness, causing you to be more sensitive to your surroundings and internal sensations. This hyperarousal can make it difficult to relax, even when there's no apparent external threat.

3. Fear of the Unknown: Sitting idle might create an opportunity for uncertainty and fear of the unknown to surface. People with anxiety often feel safer when they are engaged or have a sense of control over their environment.

4. Conditioned Responses: Over time, your body and mind may have become conditioned to associate certain environments or situations with anxiety, even if the initial trigger is no longer present.

5. Physical Sensations: Anxiety can manifest in physical symptoms like a racing heart, shallow breathing, or muscle tension. These symptoms can persist even when there's no specific external cause.

6. Avoidance Behavior: If you've experienced anxiety in certain situations before, you might start avoiding those situations altogether. However, this avoidance can lead to anxiety about not engaging in any activity or feeling unproductive.

7. Underlying Stress: Sometimes, underlying stressors, even if not immediately apparent, can contribute to a general sense of anxiety in your daily life.

Remember, it's crucial to seek help from a mental health professional who can provide personalized support, diagnosis, and treatment for your anxiety disorder. They can work with you to understand the specific triggers and develop coping strategies tailored to your needs. Therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, and relaxation techniques are some of the approaches that can help manage anxiety disorders effectively.