I was just wondering if anyone else is on Lesson 14 right now... This is one I need some work on---For the most part, when I realize I'm getting stressed, I can cope with it. The trouble I have is TINY little things that build subconsciously, and I don't realize I'm stressed until I'm dealing with full-blown anxiety. At that point, when I think about it, I can list all the things that are bothering me, but I've already let them get to me. Does anyone else identify with this?

I identify completely with what your saying. Just this week I let the TINY little things build subconsciously and now I too have developed full-blown anxiety all weekend. Usually I'm able to catch myself when I feel it building up but I waited too long to create the list you mentioned, and now I've let everything build up and consume me.

I think that this is one of those things that you have to practice until you figure it out.

One thing that I have figured out about my anxiety lately is that if I am not honest with myself about what is going on around me and in my head my emotions will backfire on me. Emotions are there to work for you and if you don't recognize them for what they are --kind of a barometer, they will crop up at the wrong time and you wont understand what is going on.

I will give you an example. One day at work I was speaking with a man who I really did not like. But I was polite and what he was saying was really offensive and I dismissed it because I did not want to appear that I thought he was offensive and plain inappropriate. This was my mistake. Since then I don't bother with people behaving like this. (by the way he was later fired because of his bad behavior)

Anyway, I listened to him walked away and just kind of ignored him the rest of the day. when about 20 minutes later I felt kind of sick and dizzy. That is when I asked myself what has happened recently to make you sick feeling. Then I remembered the conversation. It had upset me but I did not admit it at the time. I talked to myself in my head about this situation making what happened clear to me and then all of a sudden I was fine. It is called managing your emotions and that takes practice and does not happen overnight.
Andi

quote:

Originally posted by Ethrdg:
I was just wondering if anyone else is on Lesson 14 right now... This is one I need some work on---For the most part, when I realize I'm getting stressed, I can cope with it. The trouble I have is TINY little things that build subconsciously, and I don't realize I'm stressed until I'm dealing with full-blown anxiety. At that point, when I think about it, I can list all the things that are bothering me, but I've already let them get to me. Does anyone else identify with this?

Hi Andi,
I'm so glad you mentioned your experience.....especially because I've had that happen to me so many times (feeling sick and dizzy) after uncomfortable interactions with others.

I was so sure things like that only happened me (adding to my belief that I'm crazy and often losing my mind) smile!!

I was especially delighted to hear the way you broke it down about being honest with our own emotions.

It made me think....I'm seldom honest with myself about my true feelings....especially when it comes to people or situations that are unfavourable to me.

Unfortunately, this leads way to my anxiety not expressing how I really feel.....always thinking 'bout others and not wanting to hurt but protect their thoughts & feelings.....so terribly scared they might know I feel indifferent about them.....that's when my fear begins to kick in....my inner conflict....self doubt....wondering why I'm letting this get to me....I WILL win this battle one day!!!

Keigh