Before health forced me to leave my government career I was involved in a long international project, often finding myself overseas at short notice*, working long hours or even extra days. It was a successful project, delivered on time, but the stress was huge.
I effectively had a breakdown and that led to a neuro issue which ultimately ended by career.
I knew very quickly that I needed to reduce my anxiety and not to put myself into stressful situations. I eventually started writing, which distracted me, but I did my best to stay calm regardless.
One thing that I noticed was that when I was wearing feminine clothing I wasn’t stressed, that alone didn’t change my attitude, any issues arose from others. By now my trigger point, when I would react, was already fairly high.
When I started taking a testosterone reducing drug, Spirolactone, that further reduced my likelihood of reacting, which is just as well considering the last six months! I’ve managed to keep my stress at a very manageable level.
So, if someone really tries to provoke me …. I’m not likely to respond …. but that doesn’t mean I won’t!