After managing or conquering anxiety. Has any ever had the experience of being heavily triggered by the anxiety trigger that set off your General Anxiety Disorder?
Yesterday, I felt that I was going to have my first panic attack in a year from the source that set off my disorder?
Is this odd?
Wow I am so sorry for what you are going through.
I’m so sorry to hear this!
I don’t think there are any rules when it comes to GAD. What you’re experiencing doesn’t sound odd at all.
There are definitely ways to become more trigger resilient in the future.
I hear you
It is not odd at all, even after time has passed, to experience a trigger that sets you off.
There will always be people and places that can reset the fire in us. We have to accept
the feeling as normal when we stand up for ourselves or we end up living with anger and despair.
Don't be afraid of the feeling, it's but a past thought my friend.
Thank you Agora. I am feeling the headaches and dizziness so my blood pressure must be up for being triggered.
This is the time to use your relaxation meditation and breathing to calm down those
ruminating thoughts which I'm sure you are experiencing right now.
The headaches more likely are coming from the tightness of the muscles in your head and neck. Dizziness is but a part of the emotional and physical experience. Blood pressure that may rise at times due to stress will come down when you bring your stress levels down.
Find a quiet place and just breathe. No one should have the power to trigger you.
Breathe.... Bring your shoulders down away from your ears. Make sure you are well hydrated. Hydration can help dizziness. While in this state, stay away from caffeinated drinks. 
xx
Thank you
So sorry that you have experienced a panic attack after such a long time, it can be so discouraging, indeed. 💗
I have experienced triggers quite often. It is only recently that I am able to recognize that they are just that, triggers/thoughts. I entertain the thoughts for a few seconds, I just don't invite them to stay for tea anymore. Sounds easy, but it takes time to recognize this and actually follow through.
Treat this as a setback, not something permanent. This is not odd at all, it's the way GAD works sometimes, unfortunately.
I like this perspective!
I experienced a trigger today watching a baking show. I took a moment to think about what I was being reminded of and then thought about the actual emotion being depicted in the show: silly not anger or fear. I let a bad memory flow to a new silly experience. It’s like rewriting history in a positive way!
This is great, Rafiki11, I love how you approached the trigger. I especially like how you worded it.💗
"I let a bad memory flow into a new silly experience." I will remember this, thank-you. 🙏🏻
Bobbie, talk about yourself on your own posts. J needs support in this post.
I wish him the best.
Yes, triggers are very common. No, your experience isn't odd. Often with anxiety and panic, it's a long-haul, often chronic, persistent medical condition. Well, my experience...
It's also very common to have a perceived setback when we're triggered. You aren't alone! I often feel down on myself when triggered. And, to me - your example seems very natural for a person dealing with anxiety and panic disorder.
Have you learned your triggers and how to handle them mentally? If not, this is a course I learned a while back. "WRAP" - Wellness Action Recovery Plan by the Copeland Center.
Also, It'll pass! Hoping in a week from now you can laugh at yourself and say "Ah, a moment got me that day, but not today!"
~DaleB
Thanks for the advice
Hi I just wanted to add a little note and say that I completely understand what you are going through last week I was paralysed with fear and anxiety I reached out to a friend who had me come and sit at her place and she fed me a sandwich and we just chatted I have another friend who brought me back into the moment she said anytime you have fear and anxiety it's about the future and we are not living in the future I have to consciously bring myself back into this moment just this very moment and what is right in front of me And try to shut out everything else that's going on I wish you all the best I hope this helped just a little bit please know that you're not alone
What a gentle and warming message. Thank you.
I have found that with my past traumas, the panic feelings just jump on out whenever they want to. The trick for me is to concentrate on my response to the anxiety that wells up as a result. I work in a mental health emergency service. I'm surrounded by crisis all day but they aren't my own so I can be helpful to the people who come for help. However, when it comes to my own stuff, I have to practice getting control back.
I have had to meditate on the understanding that my body is my home. I work on trying to remember that however I am feeling, I am safe. I'm not back in the traumatic situation. A lot of times it helps to use visualization and a quick meditation. Simple to say but I have to practice going to that safe place in my head and reassuring myself that it is my brain that is sending out false signals. I am NOT presently in danger.
I have found that for me, to practice the meditation and quick visualization during times when I'm not feeling panicked or anxious, really helps. That way, it's easier to get to that place of calming when I do get triggered.
Also, don't forget to give yourself a nice pat on the back when you have either tried or succeeded to lessen your anxiety. Try to never ever be hard on yourself. Life can be hard enough without that stress added on.
Being your own best friend is the best gift you can ever give yourself. Practice that, too. it will help you. I guarantee.
🙂
I truly feel you on this one. Working hard to be my best friend every day.
I too had conquer anxiety. I was living my best life. For 8 beautiful years I was making improvements to myself. I was finally getting to a place of independence. But I suffered a terrible setback in March of this year. It's hard. Cause I feel such a sense of loss and embarrassment. I thought I was doing so good. And this stupid thyroid hormones took me out & feeling I have to start all over again.
I'm trying again. Reminding myself that setbacks are a part of life. Iron sharpens iron. Learn from this experience to make myself stronger. To stop putting myself down cause I still get feelings of anxiousness. It's ok. I'll get back to where I was. I know you will be ok too. We both seen the mountaintop. Panic attacks happened but we know how to deal with them. So no it's not odd. Completely normal. Best of luck to you on your journey. Don't let this minor setback go to your heart. You still got this!
Thank you so much. Yes I will understand this.
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