The triggers can be anything where you fear you will be judged.”
People normally know the specific thing that they’re triggered by, says Kissen, co-author of Overcoming Parental Anxiety, “but if you really want to figure out you’re triggered by, think about what you are avoiding in your life.”
Generalized anxiety disorder is associated with feelings of dread. A pile of mail makes you worry about paying bills; an impromptu trip to the market that is not part of your normal routine or seeing a deadline on your work calendar can set you off. If you aren’t worried about whether you’re doing enough at work, you are deeply concerned about the stock market or climate change.
“The triggers are any little reminder of some aspect of life that feels uncertain and out of control,” says Kissen, noting that most areas of life fall into this category.
Compared to people without GAD, people with this type of anxiety disorder cannot rationalize and resolve their fears. Life is a constant state of worry.
“For social anxiety, The core fear is judgment, negative judgment,” notes Debra Kissen, Ph.D., Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) member. “
Dr. Debra Kissen is CEO of Light On Anxiety CBT Treatment Center. Dr. Kissen specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for anxiety and related disorders. Dr. Kissen is the Co-Author of Overcoming Parental Anxiety: Rewire Your Brain to Worry Less and Enjoy Parenting More the Panic Workbook for Teens, Rewire Your Anxious Brains for Teens: Using CBT, Neuroscience, and Mindfulness to Help You End Anxiety, Panic, and Worry (The Instant Help Solutions Series) and Break Free from Intrusive Thoughts: An Evidence-Based Guide for Managing Fear and Finding Peace. Dr. Kissen also has a special interest in the principles of mindfulness and their application for anxiety disorders. Dr. Kissen has presented her research on CBT and mindfulness-based treatments for anxiety and related disorders at regional and national conferences. Dr. Kissen is the Co-Chair of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America Public Education Committee. Dr. Kissen was the recipient of the 2020 Gratitude for Giving Spirit Award and the 2018 Anxiety Depression Association of America Member of Distinction Award.
Learn more about Dr. Kissen and her own journey through past anxiety & panic disorder.