anxiety returns after progress because healing isn't linear. that unprocessed trauma lives in your body and nervous system, and it can be retriggered by situations, memories, or stress. that setbacks are a normal part of the healing process, not a sign that you've failed or that your progress wasn't real.
how creates deep patterns in your nervous system that take time to change. Even when you make progress, old triggers can still activate anxiety responses. that each time anxiety returns, it's an opportunity to practice new ways of responding and to continue healing the underlying wounds. The key is not to see it as failure, but as part of the ongoing journey.