I wonder if anyone else experiences this. A lot of my panic centers around my career. If I read or hear about someone else losing their job (whether I know them or not), I get the tightness in my chest and the inability to breathe. That's when I start the "what if" questions with myself. It usually starts out wondering what they will do and will they be okay, etc. By the time I am done, I am convinced I am next, I won't be okay, and find myself in a full blown attack.

Has anyone else experienced this?

Worrying about my job, and losing my job is one of my biggest problems. I'm not satisfied with my job, but am unsure of what else to do. And, even though I am not crazy about it, I still fear losing it and worry who's going to be next. So, yes, I completely understand your concerns. I guess that we just need to focus on what we can control - and that is doing our job well. Easier said than done, I know, but there isn't anything we can do about someone else losing their job, except to be empathetic to them if we know them. Breathe deeply when those feelings come on, and maybe "what if" about them finding a better job! There are other jobs out there, and most peopple end up on their feet. I know I need to do those things too, so thanks for making me think of them! And, let's just try to be thankful for our jobs that we do have.

I am the empathetic queen! In many ways, I think it's a good characteristic to have, yet I too have obsessed with others problems and concerns. The program helped me to put that in a good perspective. While I'm very concerned about others, I realize I don't have control and try to focus on the control I have of myself. Finding the balance of being empathetic and supportive then letting it go is the key. (I still look for that balance at times too) ;-)

Thank you both for your posts. It does help to know there are others out there who experience this.