Why Your Anxiety Happens At The Same Time Every Day

Guido Mieth via Getty Images Experts share what causes recurring anxiety and how to address it. In fact, the Mayo Clinic says people with anxiety disorders “frequently have intense, excessive and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations.” And the American Psychological Association notes that those with anxiety disorders “usually have recurring intrusive thoughts.” So why does this recurring anxiety happen at the same time every day, and more importantly, what can we do to stop it? “For example, I treat many patients who experience onset anxiety in the morning when they get ready for work, especially if their job is a great deal of stress for them.” It’s possible to condition ourselves to have anxiety at the same time every day, albeit subconsciously, added Suraji Wagage, a licensed clinical psychologist and director of the Center for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness. “This is why many people report that they feel suddenly anxious at night when everything else is taken care of and it’s time for bed.” Recurring anxiety could also be a sign of having generalized anxiety disorder or metabolic and hormonal imbalances, according to Sanam Hafeez, a New York-based neuropsychologist, director of Comprehend the Mind and a faculty member at Columbia University. “Even skipping meals, health issues, medications, or personal triggers that remind you of a traumatic event or bad memory can cause anxiety at the same time every day,” Hafeez added.