thank you Pamela....
I come on here too when anxious.
I am dealing with alot rightnow. Friends moving, hubby going out to sea, myself having flu, kids having it, PMS, holiday you name it....
I won't give up.
Thank you for your support and kind words. =0)
Merry Christmas
Shellie
shedav6, try writing down everything your thinking when you are feeling anxious and on edge. There is some underlying fear there and something that is triggering it. If you start keeping track of all your thoughts, feelings and what you are doing at the time of the panic and maybe you will begin to see a pattern. I've noticed that as long as I am trying something to fight the anxious feelings like writing in a journal or coming on here and going through the program or even just reading through the posts it makes me feel better because I feel like I'm taking an active role in this stupid panic cycle and fighting it. Just hang in there and never give up.
Last night I faced the fear of the panic attack. I self talked myself through it saying it would get over.
Today however I am back on edge, anxious expecting another one.
I have a hard time challenging the fear when I don't know exactly what it is. I know I hate being sick and its grays the area between what is actually anxiety and what is sickness
The "short" answer is "no" it doesn't matter. Distraction will sort of work for unexpected attacks but eventually you want to "accept" them as well. It is a tough thing to think about but something to work your way towards.
All the best.
Hi Bernard
Its a good question. In general, both techniques work. However, while distraction works in the short-term, distraction alone will not work in the long-run. In the long-run gradually facing your fears and experiencing your anxiety ("going with it") is what works best (exposure work). Distraction (including breathing techniques) can be a good way to start to feel some control over your symptoms and "surf" your panic attacks, especially when they take you by surprise. However, eventually your goal should be to do exposure work without distraction or safety behaviors. Hope this helps.
ive read alot of messages some where people say challenge ur anxiety by going with it and face it and gradually u will overcome it.
also ive read distract yourself by reading, going for a walk etc..
what is the right way to do this so relieving the anxiety and gradually decreasing it.
seem to be be getting mixed messsages
thanks
bernard
