Hey Jo!
For me, I don't have a choice. I have to work. Just about every single day I go to work and as soon as I walk in the door, the symptoms start to come on. I get dizzy, weak, buzzy, tired, etc.... etc.... Sometimes it really wears me down! It's like I have to struggle to just stay there every day. Some days are harder than others. On those days, I tell myself, one more hour, and then when that hour is passed, I tell myself, ok, now one more hour. You have to take it slowly and just one moment at a time. It is hard. But, I guarantee that the only way you're going to defeat that fear is by just doing it. I know it's horrifying! But, you will survive. You will not pass out and with time, it will get easier. Even though I still have panic at work, it's nowhere near as bad as it used to be. I even have days without panic. Not a lot, but they do occur. Yesterday, I was at work and I sat up and realized that I hadn't panicked all day! It was so strange! It was like a "what the heck?!" kind of moment. ;p Silly, I know!
Just do what you can. Take it slow. But start all the same. By doing it, you will prove to yourself that there is nothing to fear. The more you avoid, the harder it will be to get started. Remember - even a thousand mile journey begins with a single step.
I know you can do it!! I promise you are stronger than you feel!!
