Welcome to the program and support group..It sounds like you've got a good headstart on cbt..I am glad to see you have joined us in the group here. This is a great program. I look forward to hearing more from you soon...
Welcome to our support community and thank you for introducing yourself. There is an extreme amount of assistance and guidance here, so take the time to look around. The program, tips and tools are very beneficial, designed by doctors, and very supportive.
just more thinking.....usually when i go out i always have a contingency plan. for example...i am in a setting like a party, i think if I have an issue, i can step outside for a moment, let it pass and then come back to the party. If I am driving, I can pull over and wait, call my wife etc. I try to remind myself that I have options because anxiety and panic tricks you into thinking I have no options. Another thing that helps is "so what?"...I spent alot of time in "what if"? but move towards so what....
Back in 2010, I missed out on alot of great things like weddings, parties etc because of panic. I couldn't even go to the grocery store with my wife or out to eat in a restaurant with the family. It was a huge issue, I went out on disability for a time and eventually lost my job while on disability which was very difficult for my family as I was the only one working (my wife is stay at home mom). Recovery has taken longer than I thought and I am grateful for my wife who is very patient!
I am a new member to this site as of about 10 minutes ago. My wife found this site tonight and I thought it looked helpful. I was diagnosed in the summer of 2010 as having panic disorder with agoraphobia. I have made alot of progress over the past year and half through CBT, exposure therapy and seeing a Psych. I also have done extensive reading on the subject which has helped as well. I was basically housebound for about a month and over time began to be able to go out again though at times it was hard.
I do recognize that I still need a bit more work just on being alone by myself, driving alone and getting back to work (unemployed). I know that putting a time frame on complete recovery isn't a good idea and that one day at a time is best. I am not sure what else to say. I hope this site is helpful and I can help others. Thanks,
