What are your first signs that you’re about to relapse/panic attack/etc?

[Nutmeg]

I’m not looking for answers, or books to read, I’m just posting this as purely conversational about an observation of my experience with anxiety, and wondered if others can relate or have noticed similar trends with their anxiety/OCD? Sometimes it’s good to just talk/compare experiences and realise we’re not alone!

I’ve been trying to keep track of when a period of deep anxiety is about to start as a means to identify triggers, and have come to realise that for me it starts with a few days of worrying more and more about having locked/closed the door properly when I leave the house… the first day it’ll be just pulling at it to check, and then the next I’ll be getting back out the car to walk back and check before I leave, then the next day it’ll be all of the above, and I’ll be driving back home to check it’s closed once I’m a mile down the road.

Next time this feeling happens, I’m going to try and ignore it and not look back/check.. maybe!

 

[E.B]

Panic attack wise or extreme anxiety usually starts with weak knees/energy/numbness feeling like I will not be able to walk. That is my biggest symptom when it comes to panic attacks. The feeling like I won't be able to walk so in turn I keep walking and walking.

I have found that lately for the most part with my anxiety issues it's out of sight, out of mind...symptom free all is good, something that may worry's me my anxiety starts.

I also have found second to that lack of sleep combined with being out of my element creates some weird mental issues that leads to anxiety

 

[MATD]

It’s definitely been my own self expectations, to be that “perfect” person that I thought I was supposed to be so others would be happy with me. So I know that interactions with specific family were my triggers. I was trained very early that I wasn’t good enough, so I believed it.

 

[Jonathan123]

It’s definitely been my own self expectations, to be that “perfect” person that I thought I was supposed to be so others would be happy with me. So I know that interactions with specific family were my triggers. I was trained very early that I wasn’t good enough, so I believed it.

This is so common and is the cause of so much adult anxiety. To continually put a child down mentally is to ruin it's idea about itself as being worth anything. This can go on into adult life and is one of the main causes of anxiety. No matter how low we may go or how many tell us we are not worthy, we can recover our self worth. We should not fall into the trap of believing what we see in others. Many put on a brave face when they are in the pits of fear. Everyone has some hangups. It's how they affect our lives that matters. We can love one another and give help and understanding to those in need. This may help us to feel better about ourselves and to realise no one is not worthy of respect no matter how low they may have sunk.

 

[Nutmeg]

It’s definitely been my own self expectations, to be that “perfect” person that I thought I was supposed to be so others would be happy with me. So I know that interactions with specific family were my triggers. I was trained very early that I wasn’t good enough, so I believed it.

I can relate to this very much. On the past two occasions my checking obsessions have started the week I’m about to go and visit my parents, and it’s only got worse from there. It then begins to settle again after a week or so of being back to my normal routine.
When I first left home to go to university, I wouldn’t eat for a couple of days before I would be seeing family because I couldn’t face seeing them and having them see me as less than perfect after being away. People would say “oh your family love you regardless!”, but I lived with them and I’ve heard what they say about people they love once they’re out of earshot.

This is so common and is the cause of so much adult anxiety. To continually put a child down mentally is to ruin it's idea about itself as being worth anything. This can go on into adult life and is one of the main causes of anxiety. No matter how low we may go or how many tell us we are not worthy, we can recover our self worth. We should not fall into the trap of believing what we see in others. Many put on a brave face when they are in the pits of fear. Everyone has some hangups. It's how they affect our lives that matters. We can love one another and give help and understanding to those in need. This may help us to feel better about ourselves and to realise no one is not worthy of respect no matter how low they may have sunk.

Although I don’t believe it to have been their intention, my parents have always been very quick to criticise anyone and everyone for the way they look/act/exist, and it has left an imprint on me to believe that I can only present as perfect.
Just a few weeks ago I was watching tv with my mother, and she began talking so hatefully about a woman on the tv. All about her appearance. I think I’ve spent my life trying to present myself in such a way as to never receive those comments, although I’m sure she says plenty about me when I’m not around, as she does about everyone else.

Panic attack wise or extreme anxiety usually starts with weak knees/energy/numbness feeling like I will not be able to walk. That is my biggest symptom when it comes to panic attacks. The feeling like I won't be able to walk so in turn I keep walking and walking.

I have found that lately for the most part with my anxiety issues it's out of sight, out of mind...symptom free all is good, something that may worry's me my anxiety starts.

I also have found second to that lack of sleep combined with being out of my element creates some weird mental issues that leads to anxiety

I think lack of sleep is probably a bigger part of my issues than I give it credit for. I work night shifts, so I’m often woken in the day by couriers, etc. I’ve put signs on the door but they don’t seem to be able to read.

 

[Jonathan123]

I’m not looking for answers, or books to read, I’m just posting this as purely conversational about an observation of my experience with anxiety, and wondered if others can relate or have noticed similar trends with their anxiety/OCD? Sometimes it’s good to just talk/compare experiences and realise we’re not alone!

I’ve been trying to keep track of when a period of deep anxiety is about to start as a means to identify triggers, and have come to realise that for me it starts with a few days of worrying more and more about having locked/closed the door properly when I leave the house… the first day it’ll be just pulling at it to check, and then the next I’ll be getting back out the car to walk back and check before I leave, then the next day it’ll be all of the above, and I’ll be driving back home to check it’s closed once I’m a mile down the road.

Next time this feeling happens, I’m going to try and ignore it and not look back/check.. maybe!

It is virtually impossible to ignore anxiety symptoms. It's like trying to push a floating cork under water, it will bob up somewhere else.
Far better let them come with total acceptance. Anxiety is a learning experience. That can be the good part about it. If we stop and ask it what it is teaching us about our life, what is it showing that we may need to change, then it can be useful. OCD can be very annoying because we seem to have no control over it. When you lock your door write on a piece of cardboard in big letters, 'I HAVE LOCKED MY DOOR. Put it on your car dashboard. When you get the urge to go back look at it. Do this with all the checking you have to do.

 

[Nutmeg]

It is virtually impossible to ignore anxiety symptoms. It's like trying to push a floating cork under water, it will bob up somewhere else.
Far better let them come with total acceptance. Anxiety is a learning experience. That can be the good part about it. If we stop and ask it what it is teaching us about our life, what is it showing that we may need to change, then it can be useful. OCD can be very annoying because we seem to have no control over it. When you lock your door write on a piece of cardboard in big letters, 'I HAVE LOCKED MY DOOR. Put it on your car dashboard. When you get the urge to go back look at it. Do this with all the checking you have to do.

I do take photos of things, like unplugging stuff. So I know I haven’t left my hair straighteners on or the oven on. Maybe I’ll take a picture of the door.

 

[Jonathan123]

I do take photos of things, like unplugging stuff. So I know I haven’t left my hair straighteners on or the oven on. Maybe I’ll take a picture of the door.

Now that is a good idea too. Anything that reminds us that we have done something can only be good. OCD can be a creeping experience. It begins with us maybe forgetting something which we all do, then it gets out of hand. Once again, normal symptoms which everyone gets greatly exaggerated. Anything we get in anxiety is just that. Most people worry and most have fear about something, but it is kept in check and does not affect our lives. Would you want to fly with an airline pilot who had no fear? I wouldn't. Fear is a warning that something is not right and is a normal reaction to any disturbing situation. I have said this before. Watch a herd of sheep being chased by a sheep dog. They panic and run fast to get away. As soon as the dog is gone they revert to munching grass as if nothing has happened. We anxiety sufferers don't do that. Even after the danger is past we hang on to the feelings and emotions that make us ill.
Accepting and letting go is still the answer.

 

[E.B]

I can relate to this very much. On the past two occasions my checking obsessions have started the week I’m about to go and visit my parents, and it’s only got worse from there. It then begins to settle again after a week or so of being back to my normal routine.
When I first left home to go to university, I wouldn’t eat for a couple of days before I would be seeing family because I couldn’t face seeing them and having them see me as less than perfect after being away. People would say “oh your family love you regardless!”, but I lived with them and I’ve heard what they say about people they love once they’re out of earshot.

Although I don’t believe it to have been their intention, my parents have always been very quick to criticise anyone and everyone for the way they look/act/exist, and it has left an imprint on me to believe that I can only present as perfect.
Just a few weeks ago I was watching tv with my mother, and she began talking so hatefully about a woman on the tv. All about her appearance. I think I’ve spent my life trying to present myself in such a way as to never receive those comments, although I’m sure she says plenty about me when I’m not around, as she does about everyone else.

I think lack of sleep is probably a bigger part of my issues than I give it credit for. I work night shifts, so I’m often woken in the day by couriers, etc. I’ve put signs on the door but they don’t seem to be able to read.

I know for a fact it really contributes to my anxiety...big time. A lot of times when I go on a vacation and drive through the night when I get down out of my element...if I were to take a nap I would really anticipate waking up with a panic attack

 

[Nutmeg]

Now that is a good idea too. Anything that reminds us that we have done something can only be good. OCD can be a creeping experience. It begins with us maybe forgetting something which we all do, then it gets out of hand. Once again, normal symptoms which everyone gets greatly exaggerated. Anything we get in anxiety is just that. Most people worry and most have fear about something, but it is kept in check and does not affect our lives. Would you want to fly with an airline pilot who had no fear? I wouldn't. Fear is a warning that something is not right and is a normal reaction to any disturbing situation. I have said this before. Watch a herd of sheep being chased by a sheep dog. They panic and run fast to get away. As soon as the dog is gone they revert to munching grass as if nothing has happened. We anxiety sufferers don't do that. Even after the danger is past we hang on to the feelings and emotions that make us ill.
Accepting and letting go is still the answer.

Oftentimes when I’ve driven too far to be able to turn back, I try to persuade myself to accept the uncertainty of whether or not I’ve locked the door. I then go through the day like a zombie, I don’t eat, and I think that there are burglars in my house. I even start considering how we will have to claim our possessions on insurance.

It’s like I accept it, but then take it to ridiculous levels.

 

[E.B]

Oftentimes when I’ve driven too far to be able to turn back, I try to persuade myself to accept the uncertainty of whether or not I’ve locked the door. I then go through the day like a zombie, I don’t eat, and I think that there are burglars in my house. I even start considering how we will have to claim our possessions on insurance.

It’s like I accept it, but then take it to ridiculous levels.

I understand. At least you recognize it

 

[Nutmeg]

I know for a fact it really contributes to my anxiety...big time. A lot of times when I go on a vacation and drive through the night when I get down out of my element...if I were to take a nap I would really anticipate waking up with a panic attack

Sometimes I can even feel the thoughts starting, and I try to maintain the awareness of it so I don’t slip in to it fully.. but it always seems to get me in the end!

 

[Jonathan123]

Sometimes I can even feel the thoughts starting, and I try to maintain the awareness of it so I don’t slip in to it fully.. but it always seems to get me in the end!

'IT' doesn't get you, you get 'IT'. By thinking that way we create more fear. There is no monster out to get us, although it may feel so at times. We have to thank our cave man ancestors for all this anxiety. When confronted with a Sabre Toothed Tiger he had two choices. Run or fight. To fight would not have been a good idea, so he ran. But once the danger was over he calmed down until the next time. In modern society we can neither run away or fight when danger threatens, so we internalise our fears and so they fester inside us and we have anxiety. Fear is a good servant but a cruel master.

 

[Mark G]

Fearful thought is like looking in a mirror, it doesn't reach for you, it's you reaching for it.

 

[MATD]

After reading the responses here, one thing I’d like to say without seeming to be critical is that the obsessions are only manifestations of the anxiety. These manifestations aren’t the real problem although they may seem to be. Jonathan is right on when he says acceptance is the key. We struggle against these manifestations and reinforce them instead of just accepting them for what they are.

'IT' doesn't get you, you get 'IT'. By thinking that way we create more fear. There is no monster out to get us, although it may feel so at times. We have to thank our cave man ancestors for all this anxiety. When confronted with a Sabre Toothed Tiger he had two choices. Run or fight. To fight would not have been a good idea, so he ran. But once the danger was over he calmed down until the next time. In modern society we can neither run away or fight when danger threatens, so we internalise our fears and so they fester inside us and we have anxiety. Fear is a good servant but a cruel master.

Maybe it’s what we have not been taught. That life has ups and downs and we aren’t taught how to deal with these ups and downs. The bully on the playground, the teasing name callers at school. The list goes on. We weren’t taught how to persevere in the face of life’s challenges. We didn’t have a role model or a mom or dad who took the time to help us face the challenges. Therefore we didn’t build self confidence and instead buried our proverbial heads in the sand. We weren’t nurtured, we were sensitive by nature, we didn’t verbalize our fears for various reasons, didn’t ask, didn’t learn how to face the fear and learned how to run from it instead. I recognize the fight or flight, an inner protective mechanism that is important for survival. My own opinion is there are plenty of saber tooth tigers in the world today, they just don’t look like tigers. They are the things we don’t understand and learn to fear them for lack of all the necessary information we desperately need to process what we are facing at any given time. And it’s a generational thing, passed on by parents to children. We keep passing on the negativity, the behaviors, the lack of understanding, being involved more intimately with our children. It’s evident in the statistics, one in six develop anxiety related issues. That’s a lot. And just my own personal opinion.

 

[Mark G]

Yep, for sure conditioning plays a huge part in whether you will go on to develop an anxious mindset. In some people it's down to serotonin production issues which usually come into fruition through stomach and gut imbalances. SSRI's work really well with these people.

 

[Jonathan123]

After reading the responses here, one thing I’d like to say without seeming to be critical is that the obsessions are only manifestations of the anxiety. These manifestations aren’t the real problem although they may seem to be. Jonathan is right on when he says acceptance is the key. We struggle against these manifestations and reinforce them instead of just accepting them for what they are.

Maybe it’s what we have not been taught. That life has ups and downs and we aren’t taught how to deal with these ups and downs. The bully on the playground, the teasing name callers at school. The list goes on. We weren’t taught how to persevere in the face of life’s challenges. We didn’t have a role model or a mom or dad who took the time to help us face the challenges. Therefore we didn’t build self confidence and instead buried our proverbial heads in the sand. We weren’t nurtured, we were sensitive by nature, we didn’t verbalize our fears for various reasons, didn’t ask, didn’t learn how to face the fear and learned how to run from it instead. I recognize the fight or flight, an inner protective mechanism that is important for survival. My own opinion is there are plenty of saber tooth tigers in the world today, they just don’t look like tigers. They are the things we don’t understand and learn to fear them for lack of all the necessary information we desperately need to process what we are facing at any given time. And it’s a generational thing, passed on by parents to children. We keep passing on the negativity, the behaviors, the lack of understanding, being involved more intimately with our children. It’s evident in the statistics, one in six develop anxiety related issues. That’s a lot. And just my own personal opinion.

Absolutely! It is hardly ever recognised that childhood repressed negative memories play such a big part in adult anxiety. A repressed memory, or the emotions attached to it, can appear at any time if triggered, but the memory of what caused it does not come up. Anxiety can be so bewildering. Oh yes!! Sabre toothed tigers are still around waiting to metaphorically devour us. The bully, the nasty boss who has a control problem, parents who treat their kids badly etc. As you say, we are not taught how to handle them so, as kids, we tend to retreat into ourselves which can go on into adult life and cause anxiety. Thanks for that post.

 

[RLM]

I can tell that I'm headed for an anxiety attack when I get shaky, hands and feet go numb, and I can't breathe very well. I also get chest discomfort. I immediately try to do what my therapist suggests and focus only on deep breathing (5 counts in, hold for a sec, 5 counts out) until I slow down breathing. I had a mild heart attack years ago, and these panic attacks feel exactly like that. I see a cardiologist and I know my heart is ok. It's only panic, so I say over and over to myself "this will pass, this will pass" while deep breathing.

 

[cheer_mom]

For me, I get the horrible "hone sick" feeling. That is when I know my anxiety is about to come full swing. I don't want to be alone, but no one gets rid of that lonely feeling. I hate it!

 

[Camden]

For me, the day and time have a significant impact. My worst times are Sunday afternoon, Monday morning, and Tuesday morning.

I’ll often wake up early before my alarm clock and immediately experience the physical symptoms. As I lay there, my feet and hands tingle, my stomach feels nauseous, my face feels hot and flushed, and sometimes my eyes twitch. I get the urge to vomit even though my stomach is empty.

If I have an anxiety attack during the day, I experience the same physical sensations and have more mental experiences. I feel mentally out of control as if 1000 thoughts are trying to occupy my conscience at once. Everything suddenly seems scary and overwhelming. I get a powerful urge to leave wherever I am and try to get someplace comfortable, quiet, and private.