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Edited on Sat Feb-25-06 05:25 AM by DemExpat
of reactions of a sensitive nervous system.
I reached a rock-bottom low point at one time when I could have full blown panic attacks at ANY situation/thought/imagining, and then I knew I had to approach it from this angle.
The biggest help for me in learning to condition myself to be relaxed (relatively :evilgrin:)instead of anxious was indeed to expose myself to all of these situations - first with just carrying a tranquilizer with me in my pocket (and a little bottle of water!) to take "just in case", which I never did, as it was just for the utmost extreme fear of dying and I had the presence of mind to realize that I was NOT going to die....and learning to focus on my breathing calmly, taking a sip or two or water, inviting the panic in and not trying to wildly escape/deny it....etc. Standing up to panic by actually inviting it in is an incredibly strong tool and worked like "magic" when I practiced it to the point where I really meant it! :-) This state to me feels like a state of calm, strong surrender.....!
Also taking smaller steps at first - like going into large stores, busses, etc. in times when they are not so crowded - not throwing yourself into a packed area or vehicle - makes good conditioning sense IMO. It also used to be helpful with me when I entered a busy shopping center or store to see where the exits were, where perhaps the restrooms were, and would have that in my head as a map for in case I needed escape - just knowing the route like a map helped me in the very early stages of practice.
I also take water with me to stressful situations now, and just a few sips is enough to help me stay calm and to counteract any beginning dry mouth sensations if I get them.
As soon as you experience how it feels to calm yourself down - again and again - this ushers in more scope to handle anxiety in more situations, in my experience, as it teaches you that you DO have the power to deal with it and to keep yourself "safe" from terror.....
This is all I can think of at this moment, Nikia, and wish you strength and calm during this period in your life.
One more aspect - do you like your job? Your social network? With me, anxiety was much more a problem when I was "stuck" in life situations that were not agreeable to me, and when I made more positive changes, anxiety lessened.
:hug: :hug: :hug:
DemEx
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