That make so much sense learning to not "label" yourself by your anxiety. In our family my sister and I were labeled, me the independent one and her the dependent one. Because I have the label of being independent I stress out over anyone knowing that I get anxious, because that means I am not perfect....I am trying so hard to not label myself and in return do my kids the favour of not labeling them. Very good insight Darkblue, thanks!
I completely agree with what Darkblue is saying. If I start to have a physical symptom and then start to think oh no that is going to turn into panic, it inevitably does. However when I choose to ignore it and focus on something else it goes away by itself. I still mentally "check" myself often, through thinking how am I feeling right now but I try not to dwell on it if I can. Often it's easier said than done though....we are so used to thinking a certain way that the thoughts automatically come up after the physical symptoms, so I am working on the reaction to my thoughts. Sometimes I think if someone could read my mind they would be really scared(i.e. I think my body is just going to stop working, I always feel that when I start feeling panicky)...but then I wonder what do other people think about all the time anyway...maybe the same sort of stuff???
I definitely find a difference between anxiety and stress. If I am stressed, I am usually focused on something and the stress gives me the adrenaline to get it done. I do not find stress overwhelming and I have always worked better under pressure. I am anxious or panicky when I am not focused on anything and really it's more often when I am alone with my thoughts. Yesterday I had a super busy day and was great all day. Today I am not so busy and feel like I am teetering on the edge of Panic (which I am trying to ignore), so I went for a walk, got a little panicky half way through but walked through it. Now I feel super tired, I find working through it tires me out.
