I keep marvelling at how much what we tell ourselves in our minds and how the way we percieve our lives changes so much. I really have become a believer in cognitive restructuring (thought challenging). Ok so once in a while (like last night when my cat went missing) I kinda slip lol. But all in all I try to challenge my thoughts often and regurlarly and it has made a big difference in my life. For example, I have noticed I don't use my symptom tracker the same way. Used to be most of my days were 5 and up, now I tend to go under 5. Like my perspective of how bad a really stressful day is has completely changed. Also, I find myself reacting much more calmly to things that would have completely set me off before. Also, when I do let myself get set off, after it is over i tend to brush it off and move on much more easily. Even the people around me have noticed the difference in my thinking. My mom even told me the other day, "wow you have really become good at finding the positive in situations and such and I think it is great". I was a bit surprised when she said that, I haven't exactly been a positive thinker in the past.
I realize though that it is become more and more true. The more I challenge my thoughts, (wether they be negative thoughts about myself, others or my life, or anxious thoughts that make me panic or anxious) the more I find myself in a calmer state, in better dispositions to feel happy, to notice what is good and find the positive even in something less good and the more I find myself managing to deal with stuff that gets thrown my way.
And sure I still have freak outs (like yesterday with my cat, boy last night was a bad night for me) but i find I bounce back from them more easily.
The tools I have learned on this site have just helped me soo much. Learning how to confornt my fears with the exposure and interoceptive exposure work has made me braver and feel much more in control. The thought challenging has made me more capable of thinking positively and talking myself down when need be. And the relaxation and breathing techniwques help me keep my anxiety levels lower or weather panic attacks better if they do come.
And well, I am not saying I am cured or that really sucky days won't come again. But at least I know this site is