I had a panic attack during an exposure and now I feel like I cannot proceed. This setback is devastating and I hate to say things did not work out as far as this goal is concerned. I will try again, but not right now.
Oh, I also want to tell you that having panic during exposure therapy is NORMAL. It should be EXPECTED. Don\'t let it scare you and make you freeze your progress. Just tell yourself. \"It\'s okay. I\'m okay...I\'ve had this before and it\'s only anxiety. It can\'t hurt me. I can just let it wash over me..I am stronger than it is...I can just breathe and let go...whew...just breathe slowly\" Say things like this to comfort yourself and distract the hell out of yourself so you can focus on something other than the fear.
BTW-GOOD JOB!!!!!! You went out there and DID it!!! SO what if you felt scared!! YOU DID IT ANYWAY!! THAT\'s the important thing to remember. With enough practice...you won\'t anymore. Trust me. I used to panic just sitting in my car in the driveway...now I can drive down Interstate 95 (all alone) with the windows down and the music up and it\'s actually FUN now!! You WILL get there!
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Oh, I also want to tell you that having panic during exposure therapy is NORMAL. It should be EXPECTED. Don\'t let it scare you and make you freeze your progress. Just tell yourself. \"It\'s okay. I\'m okay...I\'ve had this before and it\'s only anxiety. It can\'t hurt me. I can just let it wash over me..I am stronger than it is...I can just breathe and let go...whew...just breathe slowly\" Say things like this to comfort yourself and distract the hell out of yourself so you can focus on something other than the fear.
BTW-GOOD JOB!!!!!! You went out there and DID it!!! SO what if you felt scared!! YOU DID IT ANYWAY!! THAT\'s the important thing to remember. With enough practice...you won\'t anymore. Trust me. I used to panic just sitting in my car in the driveway...now I can drive down Interstate 95 (all alone) with the windows down and the music up and it\'s actually FUN now!! You WILL get there!