Historically, my anxiety was always related to some particular event or concern, which I could easily identify. Usually, it related to something I did or said -- and then later I regretted it and worried a lot about the consequences -- often jumping to the worst case scenario. Sometimes it did not relate to anything I said or did, such as my concern about getting the same illness that killed by father. But it was always something I could point to. I always KNEW why I was anxious -- even if I was sometimes powerless to do anything about it.
More recently, there are times, including now, when I feel a level of tension and anxiety without any obvious cause. In some ways, that is even more troubling. When I know the cause, at least I can try to analyze it, try to use the skills I learned through CBT, etc. Or try to do something practical, to ameliorate the concern. But when I just feel anxious and stressed and on edge without any obvious cause, it is harder to address.
I guess it could be a combination of factors -- some challenges in my family relationships, a very sick mother, a long list of things I need to get done, some significant stresses at work, etc. But I cannot pin it to anything in particular.
And when I feel this sort of general anxiety and then something particular happens that induces anxiety -- something I can point to -- it is even worse. It is sort of like starting at a higher baseline anxiety level, and then going up from there.
Does this make any sense? Any similar experiences? Thanks.