Encouragement

I thought I would share a story with everyone...not in an attempt to show off, or get pats on the back...simply to encourage anyone who thinks that anxiety has taken control...and that it can't be smacked down!

I had my biggest project of the year this last Saturday...my studio's Spring Recital.  Eleven of my classes performed, with a total of over 100 dancers that I am responsible for and 15 or so routines to remember.

The majority of the show is run by me.  I also have two teachers that I work with who each had 1 or 2 classes performing...but all in all the show is predominitely my responsibility...so good or bad, the buck stops here!

There were maybe 450-500 people attending each show, and although I am introduced, after that, I am also 'M.C-ing' the program throughout the shows.

Performing and public speaking is not an issue for me...it is the huge level or responsibility and the feeling of needing everything to go perfectly for the students and their families/audience.

All during the week leading up to the show I was symptomatic and somewhat anxious.

Then the morning of the show I was relatively calm...but somewhere in the hustle of getting everything all set for 'curtain'...and people asking me  questions, ect...the dizzyness and feeling like I was going to faint hit.  The instant nausea kicked in as well and I knew that I was on the verge of a panic attack.

I used to have these daily, but no longer suffer them, so this was out of left field, and unexpected.

I stopped and took a few deep slow breaths and calmly accepted the symptoms, while simultaneoulsy telling myself that I simply could not panic at that moment.

I was able to get past the feelings and go on with a successful show.

This is not a testament of how strong I am...rather the opposite.  I know that anyone can do the same with some good skills and pratice.

Acceptance and not fearing the fear also play into this...and these skills can be learned.

There is hope, because I was the biggest panic-er by far back in the day!

I hope that this helps to relieve anyone's fears that they will never get past this phase in their lives...you can and will.:)

Hugs and love!

S.C.

That's amazing SC, I'm so glad you made it through so well. Thanks for sharing!

Carol

Dear Scardy Cat, this is Larry ***
I just got home and logged into my PC to get some cojones by reading posts, I was in Harbor Freight about
30 minutes ago, I picked out what I wanted and walked to the checkout, I felt like a warm wet blanket was
draped over my head, back, chest, my legs started shaking and sweat was flowing dowm my back, under
arms, and chest, my hair was even sweaty. My mind said Oh S---, I didn't have my xanax with me, I have
carried it for over 2 years for an emergency and haven't needed one. I paid for my purchases and walked to my car and set down by now I was shaking so bad I could have threaded a sewing machine while it was
running. I started thinking of all the advice I had given since joining HW and felt like a hypocrite, You know I have heart disease and some of the symptoms mimic an attack, but I went through a full work up two
months ago and got a clean report, I remembered you saying that you started trusting your doctors and
quit trying to second guess them. (thanks) I was talking to myself, I said if you are successful in scaring
me to death then You Die too! "Still very shaky, bp and pulse are normal and I still haven't taken the xanax. I don't intend to, I'm going to ride this darn horse until it drops! After all I have recommended this
to others and we are all together. Actually I'm starting to calm down, total time in hell was about 20 minutes. "Love You All"

Larry ***

pillcase keychain..

Aww L!

I am sorry to hear of your anxiety attack...but you got through it and are stronger than you have ever been at this point now!!

How is that for putting a positive spin on things? ;p

While it would have been nice to have your Xanax with you, I think that you proved to yourself that you can get through the really tough attacks without it...not that you want to all the time, but that you can if need be.

My oldest daughter had an interview today. She takes Lorazepam as needed, but I dispense them to her even though she is an adult. (she made some unwise decisions in the past...'nuff said)

She asked for a pill since she was nervous. I told her 'No, you need to feel those feelings and use your tools to get through this.' I explained that if she was having an attack she would certainly get one with no questions asked...

So I am all for using the appropriate treatments for the situation...but it is cool to see what we can stand against when life throws us a curveball like it did to you today!

Well done my friend.:)

S.C.

S.C. thanks for sharing. Glad your made it true. Congrats!

Larry, sorry about the attack you had. Glad you're okay.

UA