Is stress induced anxiety a permanent thing or can it be reversed?

Hi All

Just a question for the many if you out there....

How does one tell the severity of anxiety one is suffering from? When doctors told me back in December it was anxiety, I couldn't believe it as always felt comfortable, happy, never shy away from people or places, love trying new things, seeing new things. Yet after my first panic attack I agreeably feel more anxious but can't say prior to it that I ever did. I mean I can tell there is a physical sensation or perhaps an emotional one inside me that has developed but it's not there constantly and I know it wasn't there before the first PA.
Prior to December I was doing a load of overtime at work and it was very erratic hours. I also had two distant family issues that were a cause for some concern. What I'm wondering is if this, as the doctors put it, "stress induced panic attack" which has led me to the anxiety can ever be reversed? I am scheduled for CBT in a few weeks time and have already been seeing a counsellor too which has helped to a certain degree.
Has anyone had something similar as opposed to have been PAD/GAD/OCD all their life?? I think I am asking if this sort of thing can be remedied after some changes in "thinking" via the CBT?

Hi Ryano,

There is a saying that goes something like...

"Anxiety is not a sign of weakness, but rather from trying to be strong for too long."

I completely understand what you mean when you say you were suprised by your anxiety...that you didn't fit the 'profile'. I felt the same way.

I had been a single mom, traveled alone, perfomed in front of large crowds...'handled' stress...

However, the truth is, no one is immune to anxiety and panic. It can happen to any body.

As far as your question regarding recovery. Yes, I believe the CBT is going to help you tremendously.

The long term outcome however remains to be seen,

Anxiety is ususally a chronic condition that needs to be managed. I am so much better after CBT...but I still need to work on watching my stress levels, and using my skills to keep from getting overwhelmed and risking a relapse in panic.

I hope that this makes...yet also remember that everyone is different, and this is only my experience.

For some, once the anxiety trigger has been switched on, it remains...but for others, an isolated panic incident is all they ever have.  I sincerely wish the latter for you!

Please continue to post and let us know how your journey is going!:)

S.C.

While anxiety is much the same for most people, most people are just enough different
to mess up the hard and fast dynamics, give yourself time to get just a little further down
the road, then reassess where your are.

You will get stronger, you will not be what you fear.

Larry ***