[font=Georgia]Congratulations Diva! Never ever diminish the importance of your successes, no matter how small they may seem. I too, have had moments of intense anxiety about taking a bath because I have had a few attacks while in the tub. You see, often I would decide to take a bath when extremely anxious, but unfortunately by that point I often had to go trough the panic attack. Naturally, these attacks made me feel rather reluctant to go back in next time. But because I am such a bath addict, I forced myself to get back in there no matter how hard it was. I wasn't about to let a few panic attacks spoil the one thing I have found to be extremely therapeutic to me throughout this disorder. Funny thing is, I tend to do okay in the bathtub for the most part now, but upon getting out I become fairly anxiety ridden. I find it to be somewhat odd because I usually feel quite relaxed after a nice warm bath, but maybe because I have panicked once or twice about how I will feel upon getting out- it is another anxiety trigger now (habitual behavior.) Anyhow, I wrote all that to assure you that you are NOT alone and there are others who have troubles with bathing, etc, as well. Many of those people find that the hot water or steam contribute to heart palpitations or rapid, shallow breathing, and so it feeds on the panic cycle. Just know that we are all very proud of you and you should most definitely praise yourself for this accomplishment. Keep it up and keep well. ;)[/font]
