Oh, Perna! So you're the Toilet Paper Fairy! I'm so grateful for your dedicated, unfailing service -- thank you!

Recognizing the Prelude Stage: Great advice; this is something I attempt to do, and I think I may have staved off a few episodes this way. I stress "may" because so many different things can serve as stressors and, if an episode is avoided, I can't add that particular stressor (or collection of stressors) to the database of higher risk triggers.

Solving the Refrigerator Problem: Mrs. Rohag went out and purchased herself an early Mother's Day gift.

Redirecting Anger/Rage/Terror: I hang my head in shame. I feel powerless against these unseen monsters who emerge from the depths from time to time. I've been in therapy, I have a good p-doc, I've haphazardly tried to learn and apply self-analysis. Social withdrawal (plus clonazepam) has been the best preventative, however, and it's easy to withdraw when you're already depressed. Yes, I'm all too aware that's a dysfunctional response to my problem.

Why Post If I Feel Powerless:

• To learn I'm not alone -- thank you, Theodora!
• Others may have better coping strategies.
• I like eliciting interesting responses that may prove useful to me and others, like Perna's.
• I'm curious to what extent my experience really fits the GAD mold.
• Every once in a while it's nice to vent.

Thanks all!