THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!! Thanks everyone for all your well wishes and comforting words. I did it!!! I drove my dog to her vet appointment today. Was a little anxious about the trip and during the drive, but never had an "attack". Just kept thinking about my breathing and how I've done this drive a million times and never had a problem. And it worked. Of course the trip how was fine. Never seem to have a problem once the initial fear has passed.
You all are great!!!! It's so comforting to know there's someone else out there that knows exactly what I'm feeling and that I can talk to any time I need to.
I like to make a trip like that as positive as I can like, go with the attitude of I can do this!!! Listen to your favorite cd, possibly a relaxing one.
Stop for a treat on the way or treat your dog and yourself some how when you get home...Maybe put a note to yourself on the dash board
like I won't believe the lie anxiety is trying to tell me. I literally try to stop myself now when I start the days ahead thinking cause it ruins what
could have been a good day. I also think about all the times I have driven without anxiety and remember I can do this and that it is definitely
worth doing. If I panic I do, this too will pass and I will be ok. I still have succeeded in some way by just facing it! I also like to notice my
surroundings and if it is a beautiful day enjoy that!
Jaci this is a hard one to answer . I usually torture myself with those immortal words till the event i have to do happens . I went to a hospital appointment for myself a few weeks ago . It was one i had been dreading for a few weeks prior . It was an hours drive there plus the time in hospital and back . I was terrifyed of the procedure i was having done . But i did it , still dont know how !!
Now i tell myself if i did that that then i can make the supermarket etc . There are days when i dont want to do that , but as long as i plan what i buying before it gives me alot of comfort .
yes, does anyone else having coping methods they use? I'm having a bad day again today. Managed to check off another exposure plan on my list. I moved back to my own house last night after work.
It was nice to sleep in my own bed, and I felt great today. But now I'm starting the "what if's". I have to take my dog to the vet on Monday. And today is only Saturday and already I'm worried about the drive there.
It's only an hour away, and all I can think about is a panic attack hitting while I'm on the road. My nerves affect my dog, just like they affect a person's children or spouse. And I hate making her anxious. Especially when she has to go in for her annual shots.
I can't seem to get past the "what if's". I know that I will probably have no trouble at all on Monday, but right now I can't seem to get past that.
