How Long Will A Concern About Returning To Anxiety Disorder Take To Subside?
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Video Transcript
After struggling with anxiety and intense symptoms for 20 years, I’m delighted to say I’m almost recovered. Thanks to your materials and working with a therapist, all my symptoms have subsided except one, which is barely noticeable. I’m also doing things I never thought I’d be able to do again. I’ve returned to loving life!
I’m so thankful for all of the help you provided me over the last couple of years. A simple “thank you” is nowhere near enough. Just know that you are helping many people, including me! THANK YOU so much for that!
My question is, now that I’m feeling really good and returning to the life I once had, how long will it be before the trauma of my struggle with anxiety disorder is no longer lingering in the background?
What I mean is that even though I’m enjoying life again, there is a small part of me that worries about returning to a struggle with anxiety and symptoms. I know cognitively that I won’t go back there again because my therapist says I have good tools now. And I really believe I do.
But in the back of my mind emotionally, I still have a small concern about returning to a struggle with anxiety disorder. Will that concern completely disappear, and if so, how long does it usually take?
First, congratulations on your success, perseverance, and hard work. It’s great to hear you are well on your way to lasting success. Your success is a testimony to your determined effort!
Many people who have recovered have an initial concern about returning to a struggle with anxiety disorder after they’ve overcome it and returned to normal living. I (Jim Folk) had that for a while as I returned to normal life after my 12-year battle with anxiety disorder. I believe most people do for a while until their recovery solidifies.
Yes, you will eliminate that little concern in time as you prove to yourself you are well-equipped with good recovery skills. Your confidence will eventually grow to where you’ll “KNOW” you won’t return to a struggle with anxiety and symptoms. That “knowing confidence” will eliminate the remaining doubt.
As far as how long it will take, there isn’t a standardized time frame since each person is different. Nevertheless, if you remain patient, there will come a time when you’ll know in your heart that your recovery is solid, and there’s no way to return to a struggle with anxiety disorder.
This is not to say you’ll never be anxious again. We’re all anxious from time to time. This is normal.
However, returning to anxiety disorder and chronic symptoms is impossible when you are well-equipped with good skills. These skills will last you a lifetime once attained and practiced.
In the meantime, “looking over your shoulder” for the slightest indication of a setback as you return to your normal life is normal and will cease as your confidence builds. Accept it as part of the recovery process until you “know” you’ll be just fine. This “knowing” eliminates the emotional concern that so often lingers during the final stage of lasting recovery.
Also, you can always “touch base” with your therapist from time to time if you need some extra reassurance. Confidence-building takes time.
Reconnecting with your therapist from time to time can be especially helpful and is normal as you work toward lasting success.
Again, congratulations on your success. It’s great to hear you are well on your way!
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Additional Resources
- For a comprehensive list of Anxiety Disorders Symptoms Signs, Types, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment.
- Anxiety and panic attacks symptoms can be powerful experiences. Find out what they are and how to stop them.
- How to stop an anxiety attack and panic.
- Free online anxiety tests to screen for anxiety. Two minute tests with instant results. Such as:
- Anxiety 101 is a summarized description of anxiety, anxiety disorder, and how to overcome it.
Return to our Anxiety Frequent Questions archive.
anxietycentre.com: Information, support, and therapy for anxiety disorder and its symptoms, including the Frequently Asked Anxiety Question: How Long Will A Concern About Returning To Anxiety Disorder Take To Subside?