Just when you thought it was safe.......... Went to see an old friend today at a pub I'd last met up with him when I was previously ill (4 years ago), been feeling on top of my anxiety. Pulled on yo car park and remembered a few things and that last time there was ill, no probs, walked in saw somewhere where I'd had an anxiety attack, met friend who had a glass of wine (I've been on the wagon 4 weeks), alcohol been a contributory factor this time and had an anxious day yesterday over it..... Then bam anxiety attack and at that point I'd not put two and two together so my head goes spinning thinking I was now experiencing anxiety attacks whilst out and about...managed to compose myself and it clicked why but by then the old head had put the notion in my head that I was going to become agoraphobic . Been in a mess for rest of afternoon and needed a diazepam to calm down after a few hours.
Trying to remind myself that I've not gone back to square one as been doing so well this week and getting confidence back.
Still going to do my Friday eve volunteering at local youth club but was papping myself over it both anticipatory anxiety, anxiety over what happened.
Will see how I get on.
So sorry it has been difficult. Yes we go along doing quite well, then bam!! You are doing well. Put that episode behind you.
I have recently volunteered to do a voluntary job and start at a school on Monday and I am getting in a right old state about it. Wonder if I am doing the right thing, but do so want to feel useful and try and conquer my anxiety by doing normal things. Yesterday I went out on a bus trip with a friend and the whole day I fetl anxious, and yet another time I manage OK. Just the ups and downs of anxiety I guess.
Hope things improve for you
Your totally right Anne, I've never been one to avoid anything where I feel acute anticipatory anxiety instead I set myself a realistic expectation ie I am going yo feel anxious I just need to manage it.
Occasionally I do get "caught out when I least expect it" but liken it to having a broken leg which is in plaster and healing, you are careful not to bang it or trip so become vigilant yet every so often you trip over something you didn't see and it hurts for a bit but doesn't re break the leg... Just hurts for a bit. Good metaphor for me to bear in mind, I may have set backs but it don't stop the forward motion, as long as I get up I will move on.
Well today I am at a low. Yes we have ups and downs. I give you encouragement and then I am in a bad place today. So difficult. I did do the voluntary job at the school and managed fine, and I got so very anxious about it. Then I got upset about missing a relatives party because I got the date wrong, and down, down I went. Cant seem to pick myself up. I stopped medication last year and really don't want to go back on, but should I? Are you on medication?