Hello all! I just wanted to share two minor triumphs, that are actually major triumphs for me in these last months. First, I went on a 28-block walk this morning alone with just my walkman and a bottle of water. I have been going on walks with my roommates every weekend, but have avoided going alone because my irrational brain tells me I might die on the sidewalk or something. I also was avoiding it when my roommates were not home. I would think to myself, "if they are not at home, they can't come rescue me if I panic and pass out while walking." Well, I am on Lesson 6 and have really internalized Lesson 5 regarding just getting up, putting on your shoes, and doing it. Today was the beginning of that! Second, I came home from the walk and took a shower without anyone home. I have been scheduling my showers for when my roommates are home because of the same fear of "what if I pass out in the shower and no one can help me get to a hospital?" I had a great shower and am now ready to start some work. Just thought I'd share the joy! It's the little things in life for people with anxiety, isn't it?? I never appreciated the little things so much as I do now.
Posts: 234 | Location: California | Registered: February 20, 2004
peacewithin: way to go!!!I have a similar problem one time while walking my son to school I panicked and got so dizzy I thought I was going to pass out on the hard concrete this was enough for me to never walk him to school again. just yesterday I walked him to school just to prove to myself it was no big deal !! and I handled till I got back home and started to think of all the other things I was avoiding and then I got depressed and anxious all over again but oh well one small step for mankind!! next time the moon!!! actually it is the stupid atm machine that has got me stumped I have a panic attack evertime I have to use it! that mind is a tricky thing! what is next for you?
Posts: 194 | Location: CALIFORNIA | Registered: December 03, 2002
Hi Sunset! Thanks for your encouragement and support! It makes me want to see what other things I can tackle with ease
Hi Trixie! Congrats on walking your son to school!!! The fact you got depressed afterwards doesn't negate the fact you did something you hadn't done in a long time because of anxiety. Next time, it will be the moon! I understand what you mean about being stumped over the ATM machine. The funny thing about my anxiety is that most of the things I'm avoiding stump me. Many of them are short endeavors (like getting money from an ATM) that don't require me to do anything or be locked in for very long. But, anxiety takes adults who can walk and makes them crawl again. The thing about it though is that you'll be up on your feet and moving in no time. And the small steps that will get you there...... I don't know what's next for me.....maybe a bike ride this weekend. I used to bike all the time and have given that up at the hands of my condition. I dream of riding......we'll see. What's next for you?
Posts: 234 | Location: California | Registered: February 20, 2004
Stress Center Community 
I also was avoiding it when my roommates were not home. I would think to myself, "if they are not at home, they can't come rescue me if I panic and pass out while walking." Well, I am on Lesson 6 and have really internalized Lesson 5 regarding just getting up, putting on your shoes, and doing it. Today was the beginning of that! Second, I came home from the walk and took a shower without anyone home. I have been scheduling my showers for when my roommates are home because of the same fear of "what if I pass out in the shower and no one can help me get to a hospital?" I had a great shower and am now ready to start some work. Just thought I'd share the joy! It's the little things in life for people with anxiety, isn't it?? I never appreciated the little things so much as I do now.
