Has anyone ever not been able to identify their triggers for an extended period of time? If so, how did you solve this. I am finding it hard to deal with the anxiety when i can't identify my triggers. I would really appreciate anyone who could help. Thanks

[gimmeice]

((((((((((((((katlover)))))))))))))))))

Sometimes I have a hard time identifying my triggers too, have you tried writing down what you are doing when you are triggered then try to think about what exactly about the situation may be triggering you. Usually my T helps me identify what is triggering me but sometimes it takes some time to do so. Sending you lots of hugs.

[jerrymichele]

I can't either. I know it is so painful. What I do when I feel those feelings I try to point out what I am so afraid of. Then when I figure it out I try and start to reason with myself about this won't happen or that won't happen.

[cloudyday]

Hello,

To my knowledge not all anxiety has to have a trigger. I admit that a lot of situations or things that remind of of situations in the past can cause anxiety, but in cases such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) there does not need to be a trigger. It is a chemical reaction in the body that is set off for no apparent reason. I would suggest you see a psychiatrist about this, there is help.

Originally Posted by cloudyday

To my knowledge not all anxiety has to have a trigger. I admit that a lot of situations or things that remind of of situations in the past can cause anxiety, but in cases such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) there does not need to be a trigger.

True, but as a sufferer of GAD, there can be triggers with it as well. It's just quite a few of them and they're worried about a lot.

Panic attacks can be untriggered, too.

kat: what is your anxiety like physically (e.g. pounding heart, clenched teeth, etc.) and mentally (e.g. racing thoughts, deer-in-headlights, etc.)? And were you able to find triggers before? If so, are they still triggers?

[DoggyBonz]

That is a great question. It took a while for me to start really looking at my triggers and often I don't know what they are until I take the time to observe them. What my therapist tries to get me to do when a strong emotion takes over is to be "curious" about what just happened. No judgement, no positives or negatives just like another person observing the situation. That often helps me figure out what just happened, sometimes it has been buidling up and there is a story behind it but having a "childlike curiosity" is usually when I can start to figure it out. By the way this is not easy and takes time.

Thanks guys my anxiety is a combination of things Philo. There is almost always extreme agitation/restlessness. I can have a nauseous stomach a closed off throat. Mentally I'm usually going Oh, ****. not again but until i panic i am quite normal mentally. I have a little trouble concentrating on anything besides the anxiety. Concentrating on the anxiety probably just makes it worse though. I am sorta lost. I dont understand my own anxiety anymore. I used to. It didn't use to be this bad. I used to know my triggers. I used to be able to function. Unfortunately not anymore. Sorry guys got on sort of a rant there. Ill stop. Thanks for all your help.

[DoggyBonz]

Originally Posted by katlover251

Thanks guys my anxiety is a combination of things Philo. There is almost always extreme agitation/restlessness. I can have a nauseous stomach a closed off throat. Mentally I'm usually going Oh, ****. not again but until i panic i am quite normal mentally. I have a little trouble concentrating on anything besides the anxiety. Concentrating on the anxiety probably just makes it worse though. I am sorta lost. I dont understand my own anxiety anymore. I used to. It didn't use to be this bad. I used to know my triggers. I used to be able to function. Unfortunately not anymore. Sorry guys got on sort of a rant there. Ill stop. Thanks for all your help.

You don't need to stop "ranting" you are sharing your feeling about what is going on. Not sure if this was asked - but are you seeing a professional for some help with this? Would you consider talking to someone? Being sorta lost I think is natural - I feel that way when I am in the panic. As far as it getting worse - I can relate to that, that is what it feels like for me right now. I am working closely with some professionals b/c it's scary and it feels like I don't know how to get things back on track.

Keep sharing and letting us know how you are doing. We all need to know that other people are out there and that we are not alone. Thank you for reminding me of this.

[VickiesPath]

I used to have panic disorder but don't now. One thing I learned about it back then was just being in the location where a previous attack occurred can bring on another one. No particular thought, no particular worry, just being in the same place.

Originally Posted by cloudyday

I have a little trouble concentrating on anything besides the anxiety. Concentrating on the anxiety probably just makes it worse though. I am sorta lost. I dont understand my own anxiety anymore. I used to. It didn't use to be this bad. I used to know my triggers. I used to be able to function. Unfortunately not anymore. Sorry guys got on sort of a rant there. Ill stop. Thanks for all your help.

Even if you can't ID your triggers, there are techniques to calm you down when they do occur. One I'm aware of is "square breathing", where you breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, breathe out for 4 seconds and hold for 4 seconds.

There are plenty of techniques like this that can be worked on with a therapist or from an anxiety book.

[jerrymichele]

You can also do what I do, and take meds. My anxiety was so bad before, I was thinking death was better than this. Then I thought to myself there has got to be someone to help. I am so much better. IMO if this is becoming to where it is ruining your quality of life than you should go to the Dr.

[DoggyBonz]

I completley agree with what is being said about meds and seeing a therapist. Today I was out doing a volunteer project and could feel the anxiety building up. There was no logical reason for it ~ maybe things that are going on in my life. In addition to being grateful that I have the medication to help me I also know that I am talking with therapists (although that does not always feel like it is moving as quickly as I want), I can post here and I can try to stay in the moment. When I am in the middle of an attack it is so important that I try to just stay in the moment. To touch things around me, to do anything to get me to be present. I know this is hard and I wish there was an easier way to get thorugh ~ they are terrfying but there is help out there and triggers change. So what might have triggered you at one time may change over time. At least that is sort of what I am experiencing.

KEEP POSTING - you are helping everyone by doing so.