Hey I just wanted to share a little triumph for me that happened last night. I went to an 80's club w/ my girlfriend and 2 of her friends. I was skeptical about going. Now out of the blue I started wondering if I will get an anxiety episode at any social event! Uggh!! BUt I said you know what I am not going to let this win! I forced myself to go! Even though I just went to a club with out even one bit of anxiety the week before. It was a little triumph for me. Because Anxiety wanted to hold me back but I refused to let it! Just listened to good music on the way, told myself positive things abnout myself, made sure I was breathing properly. When we arrived I started to get a little nervous. But as soon as we got in it was nothing. Just goes to show how much anticipatory anxiety screws you up. I don't think I would have a problem if it wasn't for the good ol anticipatory anxiety. Seems many don't have problems with the whole social anxiety deal or they don't speak up. It would be nice to hear others going through what I am going through or have gone through. Thanks everyone I made sure I praised myself for that little victory.

Congrats to you Eddie!

Eddie,
that is great!!! I also have a hard time in those situations. I never want to be home, but I also don't want to be out....UGH!!! It's crazy, but I try to force myself also. the anticipatory anxiety is the worse! 95% of the time, I have fun and glad I made myself go. The anticipation is ALWAYS worse than the actual!

Hi Eddie! I think you should be very proud of yourself for handling your night out the way you did. I too fight the urge to anticipate anxiety episodes...I finally figured out after all this time that any situation I find myself is never as bad as what I anticipate it will be and that if I don't anticipate an attack, it won't present itself. Good luck with the program and keep up the good work!
Ellen

Hey Eddie,

I have been going through Panic Attacks, generalized anxiety and depression since the winter...anyhow, I have made major progress and have gotten past the depression and the major panic attacks. I have had mild panic attacks or one really uncomfy one recently but nothing earth shattering since march....

Like you, I go through the anticipation of the worry about social events now. Which is odd because social settings were always MY PLACE TO SHINE. I'm a people person...but ever since this winter I've changed and now when I go out I prefer to go to places that are less crowded ...if that means going to a grocery store at an odd time or going to a local bar that is upscale but quiet to hang with friends rather than the hip hip trendy place....than so be it...I look at it like this...as long as I'm trying it's an accomplishment.

I'm proud of you that you went out and you had fun! Keep on keeping on!

Carey