Pete vs Anxiety: When Triggers Take Over (with Pete)
In this episode, Pete opens up about the physical and emotional toll of severe anxiety and PTSD. He explains how certain triggers—like court dates, holidays, or unexpected reminders—can cause days of nausea, exhaustion, and shutdown. Drawing from lived experience, Pete shares how counseling, grounding techniques, trusted support people, and knowing when to seek emergency care helped him survive moments that felt unsafe.
The conversation also addresses how misunderstood anxiety is, why people who haven’t experienced it often minimize it, and how grounding tools like the 5-4-3-2-1 method help bring the nervous system back to the present. The episode highlights the real impact of crisis resources like the 988 Lifeline and reinforces one core message: you are not weak for needing help—you are human.
What happens when anxiety doesn’t just live in your head—but takes over your body? In this raw conversation, Pete shares what it’s like to live with PTSD-driven anxiety, how triggers can shut everything down, and why having a plan can save your life.
- Anxiety can be physically debilitating, not just mental
- PTSD triggers may appear suddenly and drain the body for days
- Having a crisis plan and trusted contacts is critical
- Grounding techniques like 5-4-3-2-1 can interrupt panic cycles
- Knowing when to seek emergency help is a form of strength
- Support is about listening and presence, not fixing
- Crisis resources like 988 have proven, life-saving impact
- Sharing stories helps others feel less alone “I knew I wasn’t in a safe place anymore—and I had to reach out.”
Connect with Peter: https://www.instagram.com/pete_vs_annxietypodcast?igsh=MTA1bjczZTFodDY2cg==
