TassieMatt: I read your first post in this thread, then I continued to read all the updates and I have to say it made me smile. It's just so COOL to see how you started off and now just a few days later you seem so much more positive. It's awesome to say the least, and it definitely gives inspiration to others, like myself, who are going through the same battle with anxiety and panic. Keep it up! We'll be here rooting for you :D
Hey Matt: Way to go! so happy for you, you are on your way to healing. Those positive thoughts helped, didn't they? What Davit says is true though. Sometimes when things aren't going as smoothly, we may start to doubt that it is going to work. Or especially if it doesn't work right away, we get scared again. Keep up the good work. Only two wks. into the program - imagine what you'll feel after you've finished the program. You'll feel awesome.
Is it not hard to believe it is this simple. Well yes it is this simple, but now comes the real challenge. Now comes doubt. Just so you know ahead of time. I think most if not all of us went through this stage. Doubt. This is where you get to say, what if it doesn't work. What if it is just my imagination. You got this far believing in yourself, so when and if doubt hits, believe in yourself. Truly believe that all you have done and will do works because it does and those of us that are Free are proof that it does. Think of us when you start to doubt. As I have no doubt that you will. It is just another stage to pass and you will, you just have to believe.
I'm actually only less than two weeks into this program and things are looking much better. I've only read about challenging anxious thoughts - not even filled out a form yet - and am benefiting from it. There were times last night when I felt uneasy. Most people here would know the feeling - "I'm feeling anxious. Am I about to have an attack??" But before they could develop into even the smallest start of a panic I was able to question their validity and they faded.
It's early days but I'm becoming more confident in the program - and my ability to tackle this crappy, debilitating problem.
Hi TassieMatt: Sounds like a great time. Suggestion: try a muscle relaxation before going over. Another tip, if you feel a little anxious don't forget you can excuse yourself and go to the bathroom, take some deep breaths, some box breathing, if your heart is racing run some cold water on the inside of your wrists, challenge those negative thoughts, replace with happy positive ones, smile in the mirror, tell yourself you are ok, that this feeling will pass anyway, get grounded again.
Just some ideas to share - have a great dinner. Let us know how it goes.
Actually I'm very lucky in that I have quite a few close friends who invite me over for dinner. Tonight's an example - I'm a HOPELESS cook and tonight I'm being fed by my mate the chef.
Two days ago I was so stressed and panicky that the thought of going out was just too much. Yesterday i was preparing some lame excuse to get out of it. Today's been much better. I spent much of last night on this website going through the week three "Challenging Negativity" stuff. This afternoon (at work :) I've been re-reading the 10 questions stuff.
I'm feeling quite relaxed about tonight. Not 100% confident but better than I was yesterday. Let's see how it goes!
Hi TassieMatt: Wondering if you have anything special planned for yourself this month. It could help take your mind off being alone. Do you have a hobby? or is there something you always wanted to try. Have some friends over for dinner maybe, or visit them. Rent and watch all the movies you wanted to see that your wife didn't want to see - lol. Just throwing out some ideas to keep you busy. Hopefully you can call each other on a regular basis, or e-mail to stay in touch. We are here for you, so you are not alone. I know we aren't the same thing - haha - but we do care about you.
I did jump ahead to next week's topic "Challenging Thoughts" and it looks realy helpful in my situation. So I'll do a sort of week 2 & 3 hybrid for a while.
Today wasn't great. I had waves of anxiety at work and took one of my emergency xanax that I keep in my wallet. I don't do that often so I feel a bit deflated tonight. let's see how tomorrow goes!
I suffered from separation anxiety as a child, and still have a really hard time parting from and being apart from people that I love. Will you be talking to your wife while she's away? I've found that planning phone conversations, etc. gives me something to look forward to and takes my mind have the length of the separation.
Even though you're still doing the homework for week 2 you may want to read ahead to week 3, about challenging negativity. It includes the 10 questions you can use to help fight your anxious thoughts, and I think it might be helpful for you with all those "what ifs". In fact, I think I'm going to re-read that session myself!!
