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jenny560
jenny560

Hi, I have been doing really well controlling my anxiety and panic attacks recently. CBT has helped loads and on a day to day basis I'm mostly fine. My issue is with change, when I have to do new things and go out of my comfort zone it often brings back the anxiety and panic attacks. Does anyone have any experience of this?. I know avoidance behaviours are really unhelpful and the CBT has taught me that panic attacks are really just a collection of symptoms I don't need to fear but they still do bother me so that makes me avoid new things because I'm still avoiding having panic attacks. Thanks

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • Guest
    Guest jenny560

    Posted

    I used to have issues like this, and I still do to an extent.

    how comfortable are you outside of your comfort zone?

    • jenny560
      jenny560 Guest

      Posted

      It really depends on the situation. I'm mostly okay going to work, being at home, seeing friends and family. Out of my comfort zone would be things like nights away from home, holidays, travel, being away from my boyfriend. Also I'm having to start a new job role at work which has brought all the anxiety back. So not good out of my comfort zone at all. I know I'm supposed to do things bit by bit but that's not always possible, sometimes things have to happen and I get very anxious.
    • Guest
      Guest jenny560

      Posted

      you seem very similar to me lol.

      Do you have a therapist or a counsellor or someone who is trained to help?

    • jenny560
      jenny560 Guest

      Posted

      Yes I see a really good CBT therapist. She is helping me to see the panic attacks as just symptoms that I don't need to fear and I know she is right it's just when they all come at once the physical symptoms do upset me so that's why I avoid things that trigger them.
    • Guest
      Guest jenny560

      Posted

      perfect, it seems like you have a pretty good handle on it then, right?
  • lisalisa67
    lisalisa67 jenny560

    Posted

    Challenge it everytime. You know by now it will control your life otherwise.
    • jenny560
      jenny560 lisalisa67

      Posted

      I know you are right it really does restrict my life. It's not even the things I'm doing that I'm scared of its the resulting panic attacks even though I know they can't really hurt me.
    • lisalisa67
      lisalisa67 jenny560

      Posted

      The fear of fear. Its crazy isnt it? Has to be challanged and faced head on. You learned cbt you can do this! I went out for a walk a couple of days ago and had a panic attack..went to go home..the longest walk ever haha. When i got home i was angry at myself, grabbed a water and my phone and went back out. It happened again but i didnt go home and it calmed down. Then it started up again..you know how it works. I didnt give in and i have fainted in the past but you know what i dont care anymore i have to live. I kept walking and it calmed down and then i went home. I was happier for it. i dont care if its a mal function or not i can over ride it just have to deal with these mini rushes but stick it out. Its not a secret to anyone anymore. One in every four people have some issue anyway.  Im done being scared into some caged in life. 
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