Should I avoid my triggers for panic attacks?
Anonymous
on
Jul 28, 2015
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Do not completely avoid them. Have enough exposure so that you eventually become comfortable or used to them. Complete isolation from them can make their influence worse
lonelyghost
on
Nov 7, 2014
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Yes, but also recognize what it is about the triggers that cause you to have a panic attack so you can learn to handle them better when the triggers do pop up.
Clouder
on
Jul 21, 2015
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Although it's sometimes wise to avoid triggers, avoiding every trigger every time is likely to increase your anxiety in the long run. Each time you avoid a 'triggering' situation, your world gets a little smaller. It's as if your anxiety learns that it can bully you into missing out on the things you used to enjoy, or the things you need to get done. When you avoid your triggers, anxiety wins.
Meet your triggers in a mild way in a safe environment. Watching your anxiety rise and fade is the best way to learn that you can get through triggering situations without having a panic attack. Gradually increase the intensity of the triggers and your anxiety is likely to decrease over time.
All that being said, there will be times when it's unsafe or inappropriate to face your triggers and times when you deserve to give yourself a break. Consider what will be best for you and pick your battles.
anthonyd
on
Oct 14, 2014
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Make a goal to slowly build the bravery to expose yourself to something that may trigger you; soon it will no longer a fear.
OptimisticOmega
on
May 23, 2015
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Yes, I always think it's a good idea to avoid all triggers at all times. Because if you avoid triggers - there may be less involvement for your panic attacks. I hope all goes well!
SimonTheGr8
on
Sep 9, 2015
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Some people feel this may be the best solution, but if you avoid triggers, the anxiety will never get better. I suffer from Emetephobia, an extreme fear of vomiting, it has many impacts on my life and the events I take part in. One for example, is eating lunch with other children. I eat in the Learning Support room at school, but this isn't helping me too improve. I would say, when you feel comfortable, start taking small steps in facing up too this anxiety trigger
ICareAboutYou11
on
Dec 15, 2015
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It depends on what triggers you; for example; if a certain scent triggers a panic attack, you should avoid it, but say, if it's the smell of hand soap (or another common scent), avoiding it would be completely unrealistic, and you should seek out better ways to deal wit this trigger.
Anonymous
on
Sep 27, 2014
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Absolutely not. This will cause you to have more anxiety. I suffer from anxiety and panic attacks and have made the mistakes of avoiding things that make me feel anxious. You'll miss out on a lot of things and that's not what you want.
MadisontheGemini1717
on
Oct 23, 2014
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Of course you should! its emotionally unhealthy to purposely emerge yourself Into situations in which you may be triggered.
Jessiexyloto
on
Oct 25, 2014
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I think it all depends on what your triggers are. Some shouldn't be avoided, such as work or school deadlines. I feel like better handling of your triggers produces better results than simply avoiding them.
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