When life is running normally, by this I mean the regular everyday stresses, ups, downs, etc..I seem to do okay. But when something totally unexpected and stressful comes up..I seem to go from 0-10 on the panic scale immediately...and I mean IMMEDIATELY..like before I have time to even have a "what if" or scary thought.

A few monthes ago when my daughter was missing for a few hours..was one example..even when she was at safe at home and the incident was over..my anxiety clung on for days..I just couldn't talk, relax or pray my way down. This one is understandable..any parent suffers a panic episode when a child is missing,,,, but they rarely have such a slow recovery time.

My latest incident happened yesterday at work. A man that I deal with often for our business called and had to change an order. The truck I had sent in was unable to handle the extra weight since it changed from the original one that he could. I told him this and he just went ape poopie on me out of nowhere. As soon as his tone changed, I was on a 10! This was 100% his fault and yet he wouldn't let me get a word in edgewise. Since we rely on him for the biggest part of our business, it would have been unwise to blast him (The customer is always right theory..lol), so my instinct to do so had to be tamed. He carried on for about 5 or 6 minutes and then hung up..said if I couldn't handle it, he would find someone else that could. In the end, we took care of it, but I was anxious after this incident to the point of near insanity! I am still anxious today and I am pretty good at calming myself, but when it is something like this..it seems I get into the derealization mode and feel freaky, then depressed and anxious all at the same time.

I wonder how those that are further along deal with this sort of thing and if you relate to the 0-10 in about 2 seconds? How do you counteract something that hits before you can blink. I gave myself permission to be uptight about it, but it is the next day and I am still uptight! Thanks in advance for any input.

Hi MaggieMay,

Whenever I�d experience the kind of circumstances you�ve described, I found one specific exercise suggested in lesson five offers immediate help. I recall you already know about this exercise, but it may still be found on the Forum by clicking onto Get Into the Water and Out of Anxiety-Panic-Depression! If water is truly unavailable, then you may want to consider some other forms of exercise you're capable of doing.

In addition, I�d find it helpful to journal out thoughts and feelings as the Program encourages. You may find more thoughts about this journaling elsewhere on the Forum by clicking onto Bassett vs. Goldman/Babior.

As always, let in your own compassion, love, patience and acceptance for your self no matter where you may find your self in the journey.



[This message has been edited by Dolphin (edited 12-11-2001).]

Maggie,

I would suggest when times like this occur....immediately tell yourself that this is a good opportunity for "practice".
Remember your coping skills and put them to use. Also remember YOU have the choice to be LESS affected.