What If I Never Get Better? Answering the Hardest Questions About Anxiety Recovery

Anxiety recovery is hard. And if you’ve ever thought “What if I never get better?” or “Why does it feel like I’m getting worse?”—you’re not alone.

I recently sat down with Annie for a heartfelt Q&A episode where we tackled the toughest questions people ask during recovery from panic disorder and agoraphobia. These aren’t easy questions. But they’re real, and they deserve honest, compassionate answers.

Whether you’re just starting your recovery journey or feeling stuck halfway through, I hope this post reminds you that healing is absolutely possible—even when it doesn’t feel like it.

1. What if I never get better?

This is such a common fear, and one I personally had for years. When you're in the thick of it, it’s hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. But getting better doesn’t mean never feeling anxious again—it means building a life where anxiety isn’t calling the shots.

Healing happens when we stop measuring progress by how little anxiety we feel, and instead start focusing on how willing we are to face the fear and move forward anyway.

2. What if I’m doing all the right things and still not seeing progress?

You can be doing everything “right”—going to therapy, practicing exposures, dropping your resistance to anxiety—and still feel stuck. That doesn’t mean you’re failing. Sometimes the biggest healing happens under the surface, even when it feels like nothing’s changing.

And sometimes, you might actually be doing too much. Anxiety recovery isn’t about controlling every detail. It’s about allowing, not forcing. Often, less doing and more being is where the biggest shifts happen.

3. Is it normal to feel worse before you feel better?

YES. One thousand times, yes.

Recovery stirs up the very things you’ve been trying to avoid—especially your feelings. Feeling worse doesn’t mean you’re getting worse. It means you’re finally facing what’s been holding you back. That discomfort? It’s a sign of progress.

4. Should I just accept that this is my life now?

No. Acceptance is a part of recovery, but not this kind of acceptance. You can accept where you are right now without believing this is where you’ll always be.

Surrender to the process—not to the idea that you’ll always struggle. Better days are coming, even if you can’t see them yet.

5. How do I stop comparing myself to others?

Comparison is sneaky. You might look at someone else and think, “Why are they further along than me?” But everyone’s journey is different. Different histories, different fears, different levels of support.

Instead of letting comparison steal your peace, try seeing others’ success as proof that healing is possible for you, too.

6. How long does recovery take?

I wish I could give you a clear timeline. But recovery doesn’t follow a set schedule. I struggled for 15 years, and when I finally stopped resisting and started doing the real work (allowing myself to feel, building self-trust, getting support), it took months, not years.

Throw away the timeline. Focus on what you’re doing today. That’s what creates real change.

7. What were the signs that you were getting better?

I stopped trying so hard.

I wasn’t constantly monitoring my symptoms. I had more willingness to feel discomfort and do things anyway. I was more focused on living—not managing anxiety. That shift in focus is powerful.

8. Did you ever want to give up?

Yes. Many times.

There were moments where I said, “I can’t do this anymore.” But what kept me going was reconnecting with my why—my values, my dreams, the life I wanted to live. And leaning on support. I didn’t do it alone, and you don’t have to either. If you're looking for an amazing support system to help guide and encourage you, check out my private AHP community!

9. What helped you believe recovery was possible?

To be honest? I didn’t fully believe it.

But I didn’t need to. I just needed to keep showing up. One step at a time. Healing proves itself through action, not belief. Keep going—even when it’s hard. Even when you doubt. That’s when real change happens.

10. Is full recovery really possible?

Yes. Absolutely.

You will still experience anxiety—because anxiety is a normal emotion. But panic attacks, avoidance, and the constant fear of fear? Those don’t have to be part of your everyday life anymore. You can build a life where anxiety takes a backseat. And when you least expect it, you’ll realize it’s no longer driving the car!

Final Thoughts

Anxiety recovery is not linear. It’s messy, hard, and often feels hopeless. But healing is happening—even when you can’t feel it. Stay focused on the small steps. Celebrate the little wins. Lean into support. And don’t forget: You are not broken. You are healing.

You’ve got this!

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