Is it true that once you get anxiety you are more prone to it a second and third time

maria k · Post by **maria k** » Thu Aug 13, 2009 2:10 pm

I was wondering (like I have nothing else to worry about-lol), has anyone heard that once you get anxiety/depression, you are more prone to get it again. This is my second time in my life (but I do believe it was all brought on by the same ongoing problem), but I wanted to know if I am more prone now that it has happened again. I was hoping that once I get this situation resolved (in my case- having a child), that I would be okay. I think I once read something like that but am not sure. Any insight? Thanks, Maria

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Aug 13, 2009 10:42 pm

I think dealing with anxiety and depression over a lifetime can be compared to taking medicine for a disease. Take for example someone with high blood pressure. Once they start taking medication, their blood pressure returns to a normal level. But if they think they are cured and stop taking the medication, their blood pressure skyrockets back to where it was before.

The same goes for anxiety and depression, and I'm speaking from experience. I had anxiety, panic, and agoraphobia terribly when I was younger. But I learned to deal with it and for a long time, I lead a relatively normal life. But what I didn't realize is that when I started to feel good again, I stopped practicing all the coping techniques I had learned to get me through my anxiety. And now, I'm in the same boat again, struggling with anxiety, panic, and agoraphobia again along with depression now too.

Living with anxiety and depression is a life long effort. When we start to feel better, we can't just stop doing the things that got us there. We need to keep using positive self talk, relaxation exercises, and all of the other coping skills we have learned. This doesn't mean that we are going to feel bad for the rest of our lives, it just means that we need to continue our healthy habits to help ensure a positive and productive future. Think of it as healthy food for the mind.

Jamie

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Aug 16, 2009 5:06 pm

I think sometimes when you have made real progress and overcome anxiety, but you find yourself at a place or in a situation that used to cause you a lot of anxiety, it might be just normal to all of a sudden feel that instant anxiety response, but I would just say that it's an old bad habit, something that you're used to doing. Something..a place you haven't been or a person you haven't seen in a while since you've made your progress, and automatically you just have that response, but it doesn't mean anything, it was just a force of habit, but you have to just immediately realize that it's nothing, you're strong and you just deal with whatever silly irrational thought happens to pop up, just dismiss it and move on. Having said that I would also think that if anything you would have a better defense against anxiety in the future having had problems with it in the past, assuming you dealt with it in the right way.. you'd already know what you were facing and have the skills to overcome it easier I would think. The more you know about something, the more strength you have against it. Overall I wouldn't let yourself get anxious worrying over the idea that you might get anxious. We don't know what's gonna happen tomorrow or even 5 seconds from now, there's no reason to worry about it. Never waste any time or energy worrying about something that you don't even know whether it will happen or not. of course easier said than done. You're strong. you can do it Good Luck

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Aug 17, 2009 4:02 am

Thank you so much for the positive response. Unfortunately, when we are more vulnerable (like at this time in my life), we need more reassurance, so thank you again. But you are right, we cannot know what will happen in the future and there is no sense worrying about it now. I have decided to just focus on getting better and getting my life back and will deal with (like you said- probably much better) whatever comes my way when the time comes. Take care, Maria

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Aug 17, 2009 4:35 am

I have decided to live one day at a time I always worried about past mistakes and about what may happen tomorrow I cannot change past and I have no control of future. I am trying to think postive things and not let my mind wander.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Aug 18, 2009 1:54 pm

I too am re-working the program (started in 2001~ I think) and agree that one cannot stop using the techniques or our "symptoms" can return.
This is what I am going through now with negative self-talk and assertive behavior. Just as you said, this is part of our healthy lifestyle which includes not only the program but exercise, good nutrition, and balance between our work and free time. It is very encouraging to share with all of you. We can do this!!!