Dealing with Anxiety Triggers

Yes I have hundreds of things that take me back to a negative feeling and the original time and place it happened. For the triggers that repeat this feeling I try and identify the trigger and replace it with a positive thought of the kids, a happy time when I was laughing or talking to Jesus. This helped a lot. I used to walk past a particular house that triggered me regularly and when I replaced those feelings I actually started looking forward to going past it feeling a sense of victory. If I get really bad, I expel as much breath as I can slowly then wait as long as I can before drawing my next breath. This is a reset for the vagus nerve apparently. It always helps.

Absolutely I have a little song I sing to distract myself. If I cant leave the trigger. Its hear comes a thought from steven universe. Im thinking of getting some of the lyrics tattooed on my arm

Very relatable! I’ve found that allowing the feeling to be there, learning to exist with it without letting it take over, is a skill you have to practice at like any other. Just taking the time to be curious about your feelings without judgement is really important. We need to be validated! It’s normal to have feelings, and I always say, “I’m feeling exactly what I need to at exactly the right intensity for me”. It just sucks when it can be a lot in the moment, or if it pops up again and again. You have the strength and skills to get through it, and reaching out for help is a great step! If you have more persistent thoughts, you may find a therapist helpful, one who is familiar with trauma. Our bodies hold onto a lot of information, which can come back when we have a similar feeling, which a professional can definitely help you better understand.

Yes all the time! It’s not always something traumatic either sometimes it’s just something awkward that happened lol