In1peace - I think that the work you are doing now for the anxiety will help you in the long-run when you are able to work on panic. That's my approach right now as well.
Hello people, I'm still in the hospital with infection. Probably will be for a couple more days too. My mail won't work on their WIFI so I can't let people know. I'm going to have another saline lock put in. Four have blown out now, but they are getting the antibiotic in.
MelJ, I'm pretty much doing the same thing. Using the Panic form to record anxiety, because if I weren't on meds, these situations would cause panic. Helps me understand a bit more. I would like to be working on the Panic right now, but I'm holding off at the suggestion of a therapist because of needing to focus on my daughter right now.
Over the last couple months, I've been experiencing more out of control anxiety than panic attacks (though I've had a couple panic attacks) and I understand & share your confusion. The only difference between us is I'm now taking Lexapro (which seems to be helping ). Right now, I view the panic and anxiety as different, but related. I find the information in the program about negative thoughts to be helpful because I have a tendency to let the negative thinking spiral downward.
I also think it is helpful to use the panic worksheet that can help identify triggers. I am finding I have triggers for panic and anxiety. Some are the same, some are different. I feel more vulnerable and more worried about having a panic attack when I feel anxious.
I have a question. I don't panic per se, but I have high anxiety. The only reason I'm not panicking is because I take clonazepam. If I were to go off this medication (which is eventually the plan) I would be truly fighting a monster sized panic. I remember what it was like and I hate recalling those demons!! Is it ok that I'm labeling my anxiety attacks as panic in my diary, even if they aren't full on panic?