As we’ve discussed, if you’ve experienced panic or anxiety, you’re at increased risk for having another episode of panic or anxiety. This is probably because stress and anxiety affect the brain and change how the brain responds to stress. First episodes of panic often follow a very stressful life event while later episodes seem to be triggered by more minor life events. Even if you’re feeling a lot better right now, you may be more vulnerable to stress than you were before you started experiencing symptoms. The solution is to use CBT techniques to help you manage the stress in your life, even when you’re not depressed!
If you find it helpful, you can use this program for as long as you want, and you can always refer to your Session Diary. We’ll save your Session Diary so you can come back to re-read the information and your session results. You can always come back for more information or more practice.
You don’t notice the early warning signs of anxiety soon enough
It’s important for you to recognize the early warning signs of anxiety and to start using the CBT techniques that worked for you in the past sooner, rather than later. If you wait too long, or wait until your symptoms gets worse, it’ll be harder for you to dig yourself out.
Recognize your early warning signs and have a plan for what you’re going to do if you think that you’re starting to get panicked. Common early warning signs include changes in sleeping and eating, social withdrawal, anger and irritability. What are you going to do if you notice the early warning signs?
You experience a major stressful life event that sets you back
If you experience a major setback such as the loss of a loved one, or your job, or if a relationship ends badly, you may experience a temporary return of anxiety and a worsening of your symptoms.
Anticipating the return or worsening of your symptoms will allow you to plan for what you’re going to do if it happens. We have a number of suggestions for what you should do if you experience a setback.
How do you plan for a set back?
Ashley, Health Educator
