Coping with Anxiety and Trauma Triggers

Hi:-) I am currently in an IOP for anxiety/panic/illness related anxiety. I am doing GREAT! But, I haven't had anything too traumatic since starting. For some detail, I was triggered into a major setback when my cat (familiar, helps anxiety, best friend), had a severe asthma attack and her prognosis was questionable. on top of that, I have always assumed that when (because its part of life) a close family member of mine passes, I would completely shut down and be at risk for committing s**cide. does anyone else feel this way? how do you cope? had anything specifically helped? I am on a spiritual journey as well and it's seems to be helping but without a trigger how do I know if I'm better??? sorry this is so rambling, I'm not sure where to start, so I started... everywhere!