Triggers

[Gilbertannie67]

Do you all know what caused your anxiety and depression? Do we need to know? Or is it more important to learn coping mechanisms? I have had both for 10 years now and I suspect I have always had anxiety!

[gajh]

I do know what caused my anxiety and depression. It was PTSD and I know what caused the PTSD. I don't think knowing that has helped me much or at all. I think it is still all about learning coping skills. I also have agoraphobia and it has been a real process getting back to leaving the house. It has only happened by taking baby steps. I am not where I want to be yet, but I have come a long way. Sharing with other people who actually understand has made all of the difference in the world for me. I just want you to know that there is hope.

[-Charlie]

I can’t speak to depression but as far as anxiety, it was very relevant for me to understand the how/why. My anxiety was a result of a semi-rational fear that caused extreme panic attacks. Over time I developed a form of GAD due to the intense fear of the attacks, an anticipatory type of anxiety. Understanding how and why it developed gave me insight to work backward so to speak and make peace with the incorrect way of thinking that set me on that journey. I’m a big advocate on people facing the how and why so that the past doesn’t repeat itself, if they are able to do so without re-traumatization. Again, this is for anxiety only. I haven’t a clue if this works for depression but I’m sure in some cases knowledge of ‘why’ equals power in that type of recovery as well. Hope this answers some of your questions.

[sunshinefan]

I know my triggers for my anxiety and depression. I also know coping skills and both have helped me. Knowing my triggers has helped me to avoid them if I can and/or know when a bout of depression or anxiety is coming because of something that has happened.