Thanks all...
This is going to be a difficult week, as I'm slowly transitioning back to my normal job. I need to make a couple of presentations this week: 5, 20, 30 and 40 minutes long, which are causing me to worry... Though, working through the workbook, and talking to my CBT are helping.
My biggest news today came from a phone call I made to a childhood friend. He and I have known each other since the first grade, and on and on have kept in touch since. He is one of those people that I know I can confide in, and so I told him about what I've been going through, and he talked about how he's been feeling trapped by very similar symptoms. He was the first person I've talked to, in person, who's ever understood exactly what we go through in our minds. I liken myself to Jason Bourne sometimes... when I go into a new place... the first thing I do is look for the exits, the washrooms, etc. He does the same thing. Long car rides, especially as a passenger, and especially with people other than our spouses get us anxious. Everything he said, and everything I said, the other understood and had experienced!
It was incredibly comforting knowing that someone else is experiencing the same thing. I know that this forum is full of such people, and I've read lots of threads with similar stories...but to have someone that you know personally, who you've known for ever.... that's very different.
At the end of our conversation, I told him about this website, and sent him the link... I hope he follows it and maybe we can both work through this together and with everyone here.
Cheers, PTO