Shari and Cleo - Have you had some other physical sensation associated with anxiety and panic that you have trouble shaking even when you're not in an especially anxious situation?
Sunny - I'll definitely put that exercise to the test. I've been trying the other stretch I posted about on this thread but if the feeling is too strong I've found that stretching those muscles can actually make it worse by focusing more of my attention on the sensation.
Davit - I can not gag for quite a long time - I'm usually good at fighting it off if I have to. I started experimenting with letting myself gag because it relieved some of the sensation and it also allowed me to see that nothing too bad would come of it...yes, it is uncomfortable, but I don't stop breathing or I don't throw up or anything like that. So I never know whether to resist the sensation or give into it and see that I survive it!
Thank you all so much for your kind words. I was really frustrated with it last night when I posted it but now I'm feeling more confident that I will find a way through it and eventually that feeling will subside, too.
Red - I like the attitude! I said the same thing last night about today, so I made a list of things I've been putting them off and got them done one by one as the day went by. Mostly just chores around the house and exercises and mediations to help with anxiety, so nothing was too challenging in terms of anxiety but it still felt good to be productive. What did you accomplish?
Congratulations! It's encouraging to hear that you are doing so well. I like how you took 5 minutes out to take a break by yourself and regroup, and then went back to enjoy the rest of the bridal shower. That's something that I should remember - that it's okay to take a break and calm down as long as you go back and face your fear. It sounds like you did a great job!
I have gotten pretty good at distracting myself from it before it gets too out of control, but the repeated positive self-talk is something I could definitely do. Just saying "I'm okay, this will go away, nothing bad will happen" over and over again would probably help, rather than just getting frustrated that I have that sensation. The weird thing is sometimes I'm totally fine and doing something distracting and the feeling starts to bother me - often that's when it's coming on due to allergies or something and then I get into anxious-thought mode. The positive self-talk will help in that case, too.
Thank you for your words of encouragement - they were much needed.
I'm also going to be putting a limit on my online time. If I'm doing something productive like working on my anxiety issues with the panic program or doing something related to my photography I'm okay with it, but it's all the time I waste browsing sites I can definitely cut back on. When I do too much of that I do start to feel frustrated and anxious that I'm not being productive. Good luck with cutting back on your internet time!
Hang in there Faeriequeene - it WILL get better! Do things that relax you and that you enjoy today, like playing with your cat. Give yourself a break. Make a goal to start working through the program on this site, as that in itself is a huge step. Take care and we're here if you need us!
Sunny - I feel much the same way, and I agree that productivity can take different forms. My problem is enjoying the time when you can/should stop and relax. Everyone keeps telling me it's okay to pause and take a break from pushing myself so hard, but that internal drive is so strong sometimes that increases the anxiety. Finding the balance is the key - and in my case maybe adjusting the balance to enjoy more and "work" less.
Driving is not normally a fear of mine, but I have had some anticipatory anxiety over a 5 hour drive I have to do this weekend by myself. I've done this drive many times before (to visit family) but with the hard time I've been going through lately I'm more worried about doing it this time. Even though I don't often have anxiety around driving I keep thinking "What if I have a bad panic attack hours from home and hours from my destination, and I'm all by myself?"
I just wanted to say that you are always welcome to come on here and vent. I don't necessarily have answers for you as I'm working through everything right now, too, but sometimes it helps to just get it all out. I almost feel bad sometimes posting here with all my problems (negative core belief red flag of mine: the feeling I have to hide my anxiety because I'm not allowed to have weaknesses), but then I remember that this is a support group and all of you are so understanding and have been so helpful.
It seems like you are well on your way to making lots of positive changes, and there will definitely be bumps in the road and off days! And in those moments I hope you'll continue to share your frustrations, because we're here for you!
I think that's kind of what I'm doing, but I like the way you put it! My job was something I knew how to fight through regardless of the panic attacks. Now I have put that aside (very hard for me to do) and am focusing on taking care of myself (also very hard for me to do). I'll treat it like a challenge - it is my "job" right now to recover from this panic anxiety!!!
It’s been a while since you were active on this site. Please extend your session below
You have been logged out due to inactivity.
Please sign back in.
We use cookies to help us learn about how our platform is used and how we can improve your experience. To
learn more please see our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
