Should I avoid my triggers for panic attacks?
Barush
on
Sep 11, 2014
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Yes, trying to avoid one's triggers is essential in my experience. It won't always be possible, of course, but making a conscious effort to avoid triggers can really improve one's quality of life. If you know beforehand something might be triggering for you, there is nothing wrong with putting yourself first and doing everything in your power to avoid the potentially triggering situation.
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AdriannaBanana27
on
Oct 27, 2014
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Yes and no. Approach them in moderation. It might help you get over them slowly, like introducing a new pet to a household.
HelloThereWonderful97
on
Apr 3, 2015
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Panic attacks are very hard to deal with. The trouble with avoidance though is that one never learns how to deal with the situations that cause you to panic, and that isn't helpful in the long run. Speaking from experience, it's better to face your fears, unless you really cannot bring yourself to do so. If you panic, that's okay, and if you don't, then you are proving to yourself that the situation is not always a trigger and that's brilliant progress. Coping with crippling anxiety is very difficult, I completely understand the attraction of avoiding triggers of panic attacks. Don't allow your anxiety to control your life by avoiding the things that make you anxious - remember that YOU are I control, not the anxiety and panic!
QuickJazz
on
Sep 11, 2014
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It depends, but one is never obliged to put their [mental or physical] health and/or safety at risk.
chewy18
on
Nov 24, 2015
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It depends. I suffer from panic attacks, and my triggers include alcohol and social situations in general. I try to avoid alcohol, as it is something that is easily avoidable and would not affect my quality of life if I didn't have it. However, I try not to avoid social situations just because it has the potential to trigger a panic attack, as it is important to maintain social interactions. Instead, I try to make it as comfortable an environment for myself as possible - for example, bring a friend - to prevent triggering a panic attack (and if it does trigger one, they'll be there to help).
Angelynn
on
May 23, 2016
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It's best to avoid triggers whenever you can. Some people tell you to learn to manage them which is great, but it can cause unneeded stress in your life.
Trugem
on
Sep 12, 2014
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If you are in a fragile state or without available support then it may be wise to avoid your triggers. But, when you are feeling more confident in yourself and your abilities to handle stress I think it is healthy to expose yourself to them. Continued exposure makes your triggers less scary and they will have less power over you. (think of jumping into a cold swimming pool - yes, it's jarring, but you get used to it). I try and be mindful that 'distressing does not equal dangerous.' Just because it feels bad/scary/uncomfortable doesn't mean you are in danger. You are truly having those feelings and your feelings are real, but they are not hard facts. It is very difficult to separate the two and having the support of someone you trust to help you through it is really helpful.
TaraJean
on
Sep 25, 2014
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I think it depends on the trigger and sometimes the length of time since the trigger event happened. If it's a recent traumatic event, such as the death of a young child - avoiding birthday parties is completely understandable. And for some people, it may always be a trigger. For others, they may be able to be present at such events after a length of time has passed (and that time frame differs for everyone). I think it all depends on the individual person. I also believe, though, that if a trigger is still as fresh several years from the date of the event, that a person should consider seeking support from a professional to work through these feelings and let the trigger emotions evolve into something more manageable. No one should have to live with that heavy of an emotional burden for so long. Especially if the trigger is interfering with your ability to live a normal day to day life.
honiss123
on
Nov 2, 2014
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No. Avoiding the triggers can cause a bigger problem you're already in. It is better to face them and deal with them in the correct manner.
Dailydaydreama
on
Nov 17, 2014
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Panic attacks can be overwhelming ! I personal avoid triggers until I'm well enough to manage the situation and myself !
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.