anxiety triggers

[ijack]

what do you do once you figure out an anxiety trigger? Obviously if you have a therapist that helps (I'm working on it), but any other tips?
I've discovered that not being able to help people really sets me off - homeless people, children in need, the girl that's been abducted in my area. It's not even fear for my kids (because that barely occurred to me in this case), it's the feeling that I can't do anything to help them. Donating money isn't enough (I would seriously give all my money to every homeless person I saw if I could) and volunteering with the organizations helps a bit, but not enough. How do I deal?

[bunnysmom]

I have huge anxiety when I think about the future. I'm an extremely type A person and anything that I can't plan or decide right now in regards to the future triggers my anxiety. I start thinking about all the things that I have not yet planned or the things that I'm not sure about, for example not knowing if I want to have kids, and I can have anxiety for days.

I try to take a deep breath, think of all the things that I have to enjoy during the present time and try to trust in my abilities to make a good decision in the future. Talking to DH helps, because he can calmly expose the arguments in a rational way and make me understand that it's impossible to have my whole life planned when I'm only 24.

[treedimensional]

I feel slightly anxious before speaking engagements. I really don't have a lot of anxiety.
The things you mention (people in need, tragedies) cause me to feel empathy and concern, but not at all anxious.
There are many wrongs in the world that I can't right, and there always will be. I already spend almost half my working hours on pro-bono services.

[countthestars]

Oct 11, 2012 8:42:48 GMT -5 treedimensional said:

I feel slightly anxious before speaking engagements. I really don't have a lot of anxiety.
The things you mention (people in need, tragedies) cause me to feel empathy and concern, but not at all anxious.
There are many wrongs in the world that I can't right, and there always will be. I already spend almost half my working hours on pro-bono services.

^o)

I think OP is looking for suggestions on how to deal with her triggers, not information on how her triggers aren't triggers for you.

[countthestars]

ijack, I like swizz's suggestion to create a mantra. I'm sorry you are dealing with this ((hugs))

[Deleted]

Ijack, the Eastern therapist I went to that focused on energy healing would walk me through my triggers and make me do exercises and other weird stuff to cope with them. Sounds kooky I know but it really worked.

[ijack]

NQB, that's actually a good reminder. I went to someone like that when I was pg with Q because my anxiety was thru the roof and I still have her CDs. Thanks!

[Deleted]

I get anxious when things get added to my 'to-do' list and I start thinking about everything that needs to get done, or worrying about finances when there's a new expense. It's worse when I am overtired (I have a 2yr old). And it's definitely under better control when I can do yoga or exercise regularly, but life happens. Sometimes the anxiety makes me feel very high strung--that's when a good, sweaty workout or power yoga routine helps. Other times, it makes me feel exhausted and depressed. Then I do a calming yoga routine or a 10-20min meditation. Making lists and using my planner also sometimes helps me feel more 'in control' and that I can see things more clearly.

[stingsharkruns]

Oct 11, 2012 8:42:02 GMT -5 bunnysmom said:

I have huge anxiety when I think about the future. I'm an extremely type A person and anything that I can't plan or decide right now in regards to the future triggers my anxiety. I start thinking about all the things that I have not yet planned or the things that I'm not sure about, for example not knowing if I want to have kids, and I can have anxiety for days.

I try to take a deep breath, think of all the things that I have to enjoy during the present time and try to trust in my abilities to make a good decision in the future. Talking to DH helps, because he can calmly expose the arguments in a rational way and make me understand that it's impossible to have my whole life planned when I'm only 24.

This is a big one for me, that i've recently come to realize. Since deciding to sell our house it is making me crazy that I can't do anything other than sit & wait.

Also talking to MH helps, and constantly reminding myself that there is nothing I can do so stop worrying helps..sometimes. Sometimes I just lose it and DH has to bring me back from the edge.

[bunch]

I'm lucky that mine is clutter, so I take a mental healthily cleaning break

[casmgn]

I take Lexapro. It has changed my life.

[mrssandro]

I get very anxious if I am doing anything out of my normal schedule. Traveling, going to any type of non standard/normal event, going out to eat, going anywhere that requires me to use a map. I tense up and become really anxious/nervous and I can't seem to keep my emotions in check. I am surprised I can ever leave the house.

[Kore]

Caffeine
Going to the movies (fear I'll get sick for some reason)
Driving across large bridges
Being somewhere where I have to sit quietly & can't leave without drawing a lot of attention to myself
GTGs

There are so many. Thankfully, Lexapro keeps them mostly at bay.

[Deleted]

Kore we are soulmates. Just throw in trucks on the highway or people tailgating me. I'm fine at gtgs but ask me now that I don't drink and the answer may change.

[bunch]

If you add in having to pee and not being able to, my h could round out your trio.

[Kore]

Oct 11, 2012 11:35:19 GMT -5 @notquiteblushing said:

Kore we are soulmates. Just throw in trucks on the highway or people tailgating me. I'm fine at gtgs but ask me now that I don't drink and the answer may change.

Uggg. Construction on the interstate with those concrete barriers right on the shoulder line of the road used to make me have a full-on panic attack with dizziness. I'm always amazed now that I drive next to them without thinking twice. While passing semis, even!

[missajane]

Oct 11, 2012 11:29:00 GMT -5 casmgn said:

I take Lexapro. It has changed my life.

Ditto this and Kore.

I also have a prescription for ativan. When I have a bad case of anxiety I am able to take 1 and it lets me refocus and calm down. I realize meds aren't for everyone, but it has helped me overcome some triggers that used to cause problems and now don't.

For example, being in/on water (bridges over water, boats, etc) causes major anxiety. All my friends kayak and I hated being left out for no reason other than it causes me to get upset. So for a while, before we left, when I felt it building I would take an ativan and continue with what I was doing. After like two months of this I realized I wasn't always having to take the ativan and that I was actually enjoying my kayaking. It can help if you know what your specific triggers are!

[cjeanette]

That is a tough one.

A lot of things that create anxiety for me I can avoid. Like I get major anxiety when I drive so I only do when it can't be avoided.

The anxiety items that are fully beyond my control are why I medicate...lol.

[Deleted]

I try to limit my exposure. Don't watch the news.
I pray for those people I can't help. It's doing something even when I can't do anything.
My latest mantra picked up from a speaker last week is "Don't think about things that thinking can't change."