Depression & Anxiety Triggers

What is it that “sets you off?”

It has been said, “If someone talked to you the way you talk to yourself, you would have gotten rid of them long ago”.  These thoughts can act to make you depressed and/or anxious.  We mental health professionals term them, “triggers”.  Triggers are not to be discounted as merely mental weaknesses.  They can result from very trying circumstances- a traumatic event; loss of a loved one, a tragic accident, a war experience.  Even a joyful event can act as a trigger- a new birth (How can I be a good parent?) may evoke anxiety.

Describing other triggers Margarita Tatarorsky, M.S. of St. John Providence quotes William R. Marchand MD, Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry; University of Utah School of Medicine:

Ruminating “Individuals with depression tend to dwell on their (supposed) flaws and failures. They also may view neutral events with a negative lens. That’s why it’s important to develop a strategy for managing these thinking patterns. Cognitive therapy or mindfulness-based interventions (CBT) are particularly useful in this regard.”

 Not Knowing Your Personal Vulnerabilities “Triggers may be very specific to each individual’s situation, since all of our emotional responses are unique to some extent. To identify your triggers, “learn how to recognize the who, what, whys and whens of your emotional and physical life,”

“Look at your calendar for potentially difficult periods. For instance, this might be an anniversary of a divorce or death or anxiety about a mammogram. Highlighting these days “allows you to anticipate and plan for threats to depression recovery.” (Deborah Serani Psy.D, Clinical Psychologist and author).

Allowing these triggers to continue can only exacerbate your depression or anxiety; that is, triggers can become dominant over time– even to the extent that they become invisible; leaving you in a constant depressive or anxious state.

And

“The risk of recurrence for a person who’s had one episode of depression is 50 percent. For a person with two episodes, the risk is about 70 percent. For someone with three episodes or more, the risk rises to around 90 percent.

When suffering from moderate to severe symptoms of depression or anxiety, it is critical to have a working relationship with a provider, or team of providers, who can help you choose your treatment approach and evaluate its effectiveness. The providers may include a primary care physician, nurse practitioner, psychotherapist”. (Karen Lawson MD. Sue Towey, RN, CNS, MS, LP)

This is where Counseling on Demand comes in. Our therapists have helped countless others deal with their depression and anxiety. We specialize in this.  We are well versed and experienced in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).  For example, at our first session, we will help you recognize your personal triggers and launch a treatment plan.  We may help you set up a diary of situations which trigger (set off) your depression/anxiety.  At our next session, we will go over your diary together to get a handle on these situations as, or before, they occur.  As therapy progresses, we can help you develop a prevention plan for those days after symptoms are in remission to prevent recurrence.  From time to time, you may email us for a “tune up” when you need that extra lift.  You may also set up an individual session as needed.  So you see, you need not go through this alone.  With our support, you can get through these times and achieve remission.

We can help. You needn’t leave your favorite/private place- at home, at work; another state, country- anywhere.  Nor must you wait for an appointment.  We are there 24/7. You can begin in 24 hours or less.

You may contact us now. Your first consultation is free.

We await your call, email or text directly. If you want a face-to-face, we can Skype you on your computer, cell phone or tablet.