No you dont have to hit rock bottom so to speak. Just monitor it like you would if you were taking some medication on a daily basis.When it starts changing or getting worse contact therapist and use coping skils like relaxation techniques the lessen it.

I think of my anxiety as it can only get as bad as I let it. If I keep track of it and use my many coping skills learned in depression/anxiety management groups and therapy it is more like a small sliver. It doesnt have to be there if I dont want it to stay there.