Sounds like you've got a lot going on many of them positive so congrats to you. As for the dentist, I totally know where you are coming from. The dentist can be scary and full of anxiety for the "everyday" person so for those of us with anxiety issues it can be very overwhelming. After the birth of my second baby I had to have a ton of work done..and was TERRIFIED. I put off going for as long as possible but then decided to bite the bullet and told my dentist my fears. She was amazing. Although there are options such as being put to sleep, laughing gas, or even an antianxiety pill before hand I found that booking my work in shorter increments worked best. She talked to me the whole time checking if I was ok etc. The worst part was my own fear. Now my teeth are back to tip top shape and I'm so proud of myself for perservering.
You could try talking to your dentist, taking someone with you or ask about being put to sleep and having all your work done at once. An option my mother-in-law chose - worked wonderfully for her.
You can do this darkblue!! The dentist fear is so normal. It is important though to find a solution as an abscess tooth is much more unpleasant experience to think about.
Your days will get better and it sounds as if you're already having some better ones.
Remember this too shall pass... My great days far outnumber my bad days now. Just be patient with yourself. We are definately our own worst critic.
I've had a really good few weeks, barely any panic attacks whatsoever - however the anxiety has gotten worse.
Of course I would prefer anxiety to panic attacks; and am glad that I am seeing a drop in the number of panic attacks I'm suffering.
However I really will be put to my tests tomorrow when I have to go see a dentist. It's got to the point that I can no longer put off going - If I don't go I'm going to end up with an abcess.
I've rationalised the situation as best as I can. I know I will have control over when I can stop whatever's going on, but it is still quite nervewracking.
I haven't been to a dentist in about 5 years, and I know that I need quite a lot of work done. At least 2 teeth pulling out.
I've had all sorts of horrible thoughts about it already - from allergic reactions to the pain relief to choking, etc etc etc.
On top of which, I've now been taken off full sick pay and on to SSP, which I just don't know how I'm going to manage on.
My partner is going through Uni exams so I don't want to put any stress on her - I feel I am already a burden. She's sitting her driving tests at the same time, so she must being going through a lot of stress on top of what I give her.
I just really miss the days I could say "I'm going to go to the doctor's/dentists/shops/on holiday/to work" and not have any secondary thoughts about it.
I can now go to supermarkets, shops, etc, but I still struggle with doctor's and especially my work.
I suppose this is more of a rant than anything else.
