Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Support Group
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This isn't a very deep topic. It's just that I'm always amazed at how I forget everything I've learned about coping for a moment when I have an anxiety attack. I forget, just for a terrified moment, that I've survived thousands upon thousands of these over the years. The frightened thought flashes through my brain: "is this the one anxiety attack I won't get over?"
I don't know why I would think that against all the evidence. It's just that it's not a thought, really. It's a feeling, a reaction. It's as if I superstitiously believe there's the one fate-driven anxiety attack out there somewhere with my name on it. Hurtling on its coordinates toward me like a comet through outer space barreling toward planet earth.
I feel silly admitting it. Because as soon as I shake it off enough to log on here, I'm reminded of reality. There's no reason ("reason" being the operative word) to believe I can't handle these anxiety attacks one at a time. Just the fact that you friends are here again, keeping on trucking, every time I log on is proof enough. The bogey man isn't real.
Thanks for reminding me of that by your example. Does anybody have these "slips" in self-confidence, too? If so, how do you talk yourself back to self-confidence?
I don't know why I would think that against all the evidence. It's just that it's not a thought, really. It's a feeling, a reaction. It's as if I superstitiously believe there's the one fate-driven anxiety attack out there somewhere with my name on it. Hurtling on its coordinates toward me like a comet through outer space barreling toward planet earth.
I feel silly admitting it. Because as soon as I shake it off enough to log on here, I'm reminded of reality. There's no reason ("reason" being the operative word) to believe I can't handle these anxiety attacks one at a time. Just the fact that you friends are here again, keeping on trucking, every time I log on is proof enough. The bogey man isn't real.
Thanks for reminding me of that by your example. Does anybody have these "slips" in self-confidence, too? If so, how do you talk yourself back to self-confidence?
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I haven't written in my diary on my computer since May because I thought that my computer was dying. I got away from writing but my computer is hanging in there. I think that I will start writing in it again. It's so therapeutic.
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First, I hope everyone is doing well, and continuing to fight that good fight! Keep up the great work on yourselves; I'm rooting for all of you!So, I started doing therapy at the beginning of the year, when I was in my most depressed state, but with my therapist, I made big changes and steps in the right direction. But, over a month ago, she couldn't take my insurance anymore, and I had to stop...
The more often I have panic attacks, the better I seem to get at dealing with them. I suppose it's like playing the piano...after a while it sort of gets into your fingers and you just play. You don't have to think of what to do next anymore.
Maybe "play" is the wrong word to use when talking about panic attacks...as horrible as they are.
I don't have them near as much anymore, but oh my goodness, when I did, I felt every - single - time that THIS was the one I wouldn't survive!
I'll bet we are not the only ones feeling like this either.
I made a list of things I could do when I felt one coming on that would refocus my attention during the height of the attack. You can only do this once you've tried a few different things to see what works. It's a lot like going into battle. You lay down the plan, have everything ready to go and then when the dreaded feelings come, you have to get up and put it into action.
Even still, I have had that moment where I thought I would not survive this one. But, they have eased up so much and are so far apart now, that I feel more power over myself then I did before.
Hope this helps a little!
Hugs
To me the problem isn't the triggers, it's our responses. We maybe can't stop the adrenaline surge, but we can continuing training ourselves to know how to compassionately deal with ourselves without self blame when it is occurring.
If logging in to DS was enough to help ground you, I think you are already on the right track mujic!
I put those little panic attacks in the same league as those near collisions. I take back my confidence in pretty much the same way with both sets of surprises.
it happens. I don't think I really want to damage the reflexive instinct. Despite its inconvenient moments, I believe it serves a purpose.
I realized coping with panic attacks takes a lot of skill, or "just anybody could do it" someone said. That made me realize we're not just anybody here. We're pretty special.