Usually, I'd spiral into a panic attack and then probably another and another until I just end up closing down and flaking out of everything. I'm recording all the times I make a little win against anxiety, so that I can give myself some recognition and sour myself on to keep going.
I did that for a bit, too!
for me, being able to realize I could make it stop, usually, made it easier to make attacks shorter.
What I find now, is that I can get a better idea of what the real reason for my anxiety is, which helps me figure out triggers.
Just remember that sooner or later, something big will knock you off balance. Don't get frustrated if you feel like your skills are useless because they don't always work. It just means there are things you can still learn.
I figured that out a few years ago. I was doing really well, and then an important friendship went badly sideways. Months of anxiety, but also anger, in part because my coping skills weren't working. Went to a crisis centre, got some help, learned some new skills and insights.
I guess my point is that from here, it should get gradually easier to handle things.
