What may be causing this
- Unpredictable schedule
- Tasks that are now too difficult
- Being left alone
- Pain or physical discomfort
- Caffeine and news programming
What to try first
- Simplify the day into a predictable routine
- Reduce choices to two
- Use calm tone and touch if welcomed
- Offer a repetitive comforting task such as folding towels
What usually makes it worse
- Surprises and last-minute changes
- Crowds and long outings
- Overheard stressful conversations
Simple things you can do today
- Post a visual daily schedule
- Build in rest periods
- Remove distressing news from the day
When to call the doctor
- Anxiety is constant or interfering with sleep and eating
- Panic episodes occur
- Depression may be present
When it may be an emergency
- Threats or acts of violence toward self or others
- Sudden confusion, weakness, slurred speech, or facial droop
- A fall with head injury, especially on a blood thinner
Medically reviewed. Last reviewed August 2026. This page is educational information, not individualized medical advice.