HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Tough weekend

Support Forums
>
Anxiety & Panic Disorders
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 10/19/2015 11:35 AM (GMT 0)
Good morning, All,

This last 2 days have been really tough not due to anxiety but due to the effects anxiety have. I feel since I have had anxiety my drinking ha gone up and Terrance down. I went to a work event and got completely intoxicated and am now very anxious to face my co-workers today. I am not a big drinker but the environment and people at my work are and can handle a lot more than I and honestly don't remember anything from the night outside of when my wife met me and explained how akward a female co-worker acted when I introduced her. I honestly don't know what to do as I feel awful and anxious all at the same time I kind of want to roll into a shell and not come up.
Posted 10/19/2015 1:51 PM (GMT 0)
You have good insight into what is going on. A visit to an AA meeting can help a lot --- they know just what you are talking about.

For your anxiety, do this:
Your own AUTHENTIC self loves you, cares for you, and trusts you implicitly.

This other, false, anxiety-producing, irritating, obnoxious voice does not arise from your authentic self. It arises from repetition and small fears, exaggerated to look large and important.

It is not real.

Your real voice gives you good guidance and true direction.

Your "anxiety" voice just repeats useless thoughts that have no purpose.

And it's OK to turn off that "anxiety" voice! As a matter of fact, it is essential!

So, beginning today, when you hear that "anxiety" voice, do this:

1.) Say "I recognize that voice. I have heard it before." Accept that it is happening. Don’t fight it.

2.) Breathe deeply four times, from the abdomen --- pushing the tummy out on the inhale --- and letting everything relax on the exhale.

3.) Say "I know this voice means nothing. It's not me. It's just my anxiety, trying to get a work-out. This voice has nothing to offer me. It is pointless. I hereby choose to release it. I choose to receive guidance only from my authentic self."

4.) And then turn your attention to a WORTHY thought and action, immersing yourself completely in that new thought.

Practice this. And free yourself of your own "anxiety" voice.
Posted 10/19/2015 3:08 PM (GMT 0)
Hi JG,

Sorry to hear about this situation you are currently facing...but face it you must, and with some finess and planning...you can not only get through it...but avoid future mishaps.

Medication and imbibing can cause a double whammy. The effects of the alcohol are amplified by many A/D's...

...and the anxiety after effects are exacerbated as well.

You are not the first person to overindulge at an office party, so going in today with some damage control steps will ensure that this episode is quickly forgiven and forgotten.

Apologizing to your co-workers right up front is essential. It is up to you whether you want to divulge that a medication you are currently on had a part in making things worse. Keep your apology quick, but sincere and then move on.

As far as not repeating the behavior of having one too many...look into replacing the unhealthy habit with beneficial ones. Daily meditation, stress relieving coping skills, exercise, ect. can help to offset the need to self soothe with alcohol.

If you find that you need more help, talking with your doctor or therapist...or reaching out to a program such as Sunrise suggested above would be a good step.

Going in today will be rough, but you can do it...and then find this a distant memory. You are not the first to make this mistake at an office party...so give yourself some slack, face the music and apologize, then move forward wiser! :)

S.C.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply