Triggers
What is a “trigger”? Something that causes anxiety or stress to rise.
Something that causes anxiety or stress to rise.
Name one coping skill we’ve talked about
Breathing, grounding, movement, journaling, etc.
What part of your body often speeds up when you’re anxious?
Your heart.
100What is “generalized anxiety”?
Worrying about many different things most of the time.
You have a big test tomorrow and can’t sleep. What coping skill could you use?
Breathing, journaling, or listening to calming music.
Name one situation that could be an anxiety trigger.
Examples: school, social situations, conflict, tests, noise, etc.
What are the 5 steps of the 5-senses grounding technique?
See, Hear, Touch, Smell, Taste.
What part of the brain is like your “alarm system”?
The amygdala.
What is “social anxiety”?
Feeling very nervous about being judged or embarrassed in social situations.
You notice your friend seems anxious. What’s something kind you could say?
“You’re not alone,” “Want to take a break?” or “I’m here for you.”
True or False: Everyone has the same triggers.
False — triggers are unique to each person.
Why do coping skills work best when practiced often — not just when anxious?
They train your brain to stay calm more easily over time.
What happens to your breathing when anxiety kicks in?
It becomes shallow or faster.
What is a “panic attack”?
A sudden wave of intense fear or physical symptoms like shaking, racing heart, shortness of breath.
You feel your heart racing before a presentation. What can you do?
Box breathing, focus on senses, positive self-talk.
What’s one way to identify your personal triggers?
By noticing patterns, journaling, or tracking when anxiety shows up.
What’s one healthy way to calm your body during anxiety?.
Deep breathing, stretching, walking, holding something soothing, etc
What’s one way to calm your nervous system when your body feels anxious?
Deep breathing, grounding, stretching, or progressive muscle relaxation.
What’s one way anxiety can show up physically in the body?
Nausea, headache, muscle tension, tingling, or stomachache.
You start to feel anxious and your thoughts are racing. What’s one thing you can remind yourself of?
“These are just thoughts — I can breathe and let them pass.”
Why is it helpful to know your triggers?
So you can plan coping skills and reduce anxiety when they appear.
What’s one coping skill that works for you personally — and why?
(Open-ended for discussion.)
500What’s one sign that your body might be in “fight, flight, or freeze” mode?
Examples: tight muscles, upset stomach, racing heart, zoning out, or restlessness.
What’s one difference between “normal anxiety” and an “anxiety disorder”?
Normal anxiety passes quickly; a disorder causes ongoing worry or physical symptoms that interfere with life.
You realize anxiety makes you avoid things that matter to you. What’s one way to practice facing anxiety instead of avoiding it?
Take small steps toward the situation while using coping skills (exposure).