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A realisation I'd like to share with you

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Posted 8/5/2015 4:50 PM (GMT 0)
As I have been much better generally over the past week (overall anxiety is down, detachment/depersonalisation is more or less gone and panic flare ups don't last very long and aren't as intense, even if I don't take a valium for it), I've reached a point where I've noticed something.

When my anxiety was at its worst, it was all I could think about. "When will this end", "How can I get better", all those kinds of thoughts. I've noticed that I tend to get most anxious when I start engaging with thoughts about if it gets worse again, kind of bringing it on myself.

When panic/anxiety does flare up, I try to embrace it rather than run away. For one, I know I'm alive and my body is working. And I know it cannot hurt me beyond a headache and some nausea. That helps me get back to being calm.

I hope this little ramble is helpful for anyone.
Posted 8/5/2015 5:11 PM (GMT 0)
NC,

Those are great thoughts...and very helpful advice for many reading I am sure!

There is something to be said about the balance of managing anxiety...and letting go of control...

We can't truly control many aspects of our lives...and accepting this is key. The more we try to hold onto the illusion that we are able to fully dictate our fate...the bigger our anxiety grows.

That is not to say that we simply resign ourselves to the anxiety...certainly not! There are many coping skills and tools for treatment and management, and we should explore and use all that apply!

....but that balance of acceptance and action is key!

Great post!

S.C.
Posted 8/5/2015 8:24 PM (GMT 0)
I'm very happy you are now in this place. You've worked hard to get to it.
Posted 8/5/2015 10:42 PM (GMT 0)
Very wise words NC65!
Posted 8/6/2015 8:51 AM (GMT 0)
Hi NC

Sounds like you have a good understanding of what is causing your anxiety.

I am pleased things are getting better for you keep up the good work and keep us posted on your progress.

Hibee
Posted 8/6/2015 10:33 AM (GMT 0)
I actually came across a term that helped me get through a great deal. Similiar to what you say. I was
spending a great deal of my time in "anticipatory panic" always just waiting for the next one to come, keeping me in that fear mode all the time.

Once I read about this, I realized this is exacctly what I was doing. I was then able to shift myself
out of this state realizing how bad it was for me. I don't know why, but this really clicked for me
and it has helped me tremendously.

Now, when panic does come, I embrace it and let it happen. Then I'm done with it and can move on instead of constantly waiting for one to come and feeling like ***t. This has been life changing for me.

At least for now I can do this-who knows about next week.????
Hope I can keep this going.,
Linda
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