Feeling good and trigger

[D Walsh]

Hi all,

just wondering if anyone else finds that feeling good can trigger anxiety?? I know it sounds silly but I find that when I get back on top of things I seem to increase the self checking which ultimately talks myself back in to a spiral. I am doing EMDR work with my psychologist on it but still seems to happen.

[Yana8216]

Totally! I find it hard to enjoy good moments because I'm afraid of "what if." What if this is the last time (insert scenario)?
It can be very challenging to overcome this way of thinking, but pat yourself on the back for appreciating what you have and try to dispel any negative thoughts. I think a lot of anxiety sufferers can relate to this.

[D Walsh]

It’s just so frustrating as I spend so much time getting myself well and then I bring myself back down!

[D Walsh]

Any helpful tips on how to bust the cycle??

[Petal22]

Hi D Walsh,

I understand.

When you become aware of the self checking can you then bring your attention back onto something in the present moment?

[Yana8216]

Yes, it is difficult. In my experience I've come to accept that I will have times where I feel well and a few days here and there where I don't. Realising this reassures me when I'm not feeling good that I will feel better within a day or two. I had a rough day yesterday but I'm feeling ok today. I thanked my husband for listening & sympathising last night, and he said "That's ok, I know you'll feel better tomorrow" - even he has noticed my mood patterns! In the moment distracting yourself is key to relief. Ask someone a question about themselves to start a conversation. You can go to an event with questions in mind that you think will start a good conversation. Pets and kids can be a good distraction.

When fears creep in to my mind I recognise them as my illness talking and this usually reduces their weight. I find prayer helpful too. Petal 22 has given good advice. I really hope you feel better soon and are able to fully enjoy the good times 🙂

[D Walsh]

Thank you for your reply. For me it seems to set in for a week or two at a time which tests my resilience. I’ve got a 100% track record of beating the “fog”. It just hurts when there is no apparent trigger or event that brings it on. I think the fear of not feeling good at Christmas may also be playing havoc with my subconscious mind

[Annas1]

Hi DW,

I hope this finds you doing okay as it's been a few days since the last post in this conversation. But then again, you may not be feeling great, and that would be fine too. I also struggle with episodes of anxiety that can knock me off my perch of managing well in life. Sometimes I can spook myself into an episode with rumination about 'what if I were to be anxious now?' This is particularly frustrating as it seems so needless and obviously self-defeating. Something for me to work on!

I'm also working on accepting episodes of anxiety - which usually include agitation, distress and insomnia - regardless of the context or impact on my functioning. No, I don't have to like it, but it is happening so my task in the moment is to do what best constitutes care for myself. I think I have spent a lot of time asking for space from others without recognising that I also need to give myself that same space.

I'm coming to the viewpoint/understanding that anxiety is a condition which I can learn to address rather than run from/deny/smother/be distressed by. It's a tendency in my make-up, just like any other medical condition. When I think of it in this way it helps to destigmatise anxiety in my own thinking. I'm just another imperfect and valuable person who is doing their best to manage their health.

Wishing you well DW