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View Full Version : Great things to go over when having anxiety. Excerpt from a great book.



Srm1135
04-27-2014, 10:44 AM
Just wanted to share. Maybe it can help some people.

* Panic is just a feeling. It is unpleasant but not lethal. Remind yourself if this at the first sign of panic. Then practice diaphragmatic breathing.

* Dread is just a feeling that can occur even when nothing is wrong. Reinforce that mental statement. Then distract your attention away from that dread.

* Debunk your panic thoughts with these steps
1. Envision exactly how you see this vision playing out.
2. Find out if this fear has a basis in reality - is it like any other experience you have had? Logically comparing your experience of panic to the feared catastrophe may be enough to end your tendency to catastrophize.
3. Identify the first experience of this fear or idea and determine whether it has roots in an earlier traumatic experience.

* The best way to stop anxious thoughts is to
1. Say to yourself, "Self! Stop it."
2. Replace the negative thought by
- substituting a positive repetitive thought, such as an affirmation, poem, or prayer.
- competing with it by singing out loud or reciting out loud.
- distracting yourself by watching television, playing a video game, or changing locations.
- refocusing on the work or activity you were doing before the anxiety hit.

nikki_marie21
04-27-2014, 10:48 AM
Before going to a doctor and seeking help and actually admitting and learning that yes this is anxiety .. I couldn't imagine the advice being helpful as it is now once I got to a more calm level this type of advice took me very far to over coming some of my fears, panic and worries :)

nikki_marie21
04-27-2014, 10:49 AM
How are you doing.. Are you I. A better place then you were weeks ago? I've read through some of your posts and you seem way more positive now

Srm1135
04-27-2014, 11:04 AM
How are you doing.. Are you I. A better place then you were weeks ago? I've read through some of your posts and you seem way more positive now

I'm doing great. Thank you for asking. I had to hit absolute rock bottom before I realized how to live my life the right way. With my new meds, Effexor and Lamictal I can now function as a normal human being. I am down from 5 mg of Xanax a day to around 1mg and 2mg a day. Hope to be off them completely soon. What worked for me was the change in meds, intensive out patient group therapy and this forum. I take things one day at a time and keep a positive outlook. Now I stop and smell the flowers instead of step on them. Good to be almost completely back, still have the hurdle of returning to work in 4 days.

needtogetwell
04-27-2014, 12:38 PM
Srm,

Your post almost brings tears to my eyes. I was so worried about you in those early days. And now you are on top of the world! YAY!!!

Good luck returning to work, you won't have any problems because of the skills you have in your back pocket and your new perspective on life!

You are a success story my friend! We should have a wall with pics of every one who have successfully navigated this crap.

It can be done and you are the proof!

Cheers
Pam

Srm1135
04-27-2014, 05:28 PM
Srm,

Your post almost brings tears to my eyes. I was so worried about you in those early days. And now you are on top of the world! YAY!!!

Good luck returning to work, you won't have any problems because of the skills you have in your back pocket and your new perspective on life!

You are a success story my friend! We should have a wall with pics of every one who have successfully navigated this crap.

It can be done and you are the proof!

Cheers
Pam

Thank you so much for your kind words and inspiration. If not for wonderful people like you I would still be lost. Thank you for your support.

Jessicaleanne1992
04-28-2014, 02:22 AM
What is your job? I'm really struggling with mine as well right now. I'm looking for another job, but I still worry I'll feel the same way.

Srm1135
04-28-2014, 09:32 AM
What is your job? I'm really struggling with mine as well right now. I'm looking for another job, but I still worry I'll feel the same way.

I'm a dealer at a very popular casino on the Las Vegas strip during the busiest hours. Tables and gaming floor is always packed, people are always complaining, cigarette and cigar smoke plus drunks just makes for a less than suitable experience. Although the money is fantastic I'm going back to school for my masters starting this summer to become a teacher. Definatly worried about going back but I think I can handle it. I just have to take it hour by hour and day by day.