Hi everyone. I live in New York City and all I can tell you is that I HATE the subway! Anyone else deal with this? I take the bus whenever possible, but even so, if we're stopped behind a garbage truck I really want to freak out. Sometimes I do! The subway is another animal altogether. You go through these dark tunnels. You're not driving, you have no control at all-well, except over your own feelings. The doors to the train are locked. So many people are on it with you and you worry about them hurting you or judging you. It's really a challenging environment for a person who has anxiety. The funny thing is, right after 9/11 my subway got stuck in a tunnel for over an hour. Can you believe I didn't panic? I actually felt calm. I had no choice. It was a very real situation. We were not going to be moving anytime soon, according to the person on the PA system. Ironically, I panic more on an uneventful subway ride, when all is going well, due to my "what if" thinking. For anyone else out there who has to take the subway but doesn't like it, I understand what you're going through.
PS: A few weeks ago, I was in the middle of a level 10 panic attack on the subway when I looked down and saw that the bottle of water that was in my purse was leaking all over my shoes. I forgot all about the panic and started dealing with the water that was everywhere, ruining my suede boots! It's amazing how something "real" can put things into perspective.
Subway Anxiety
I can totally relate. I never had a problem with subways until I started having panic attacks. Then it became a major problem. Many time I would end up spending a small fortune on cabs. The only thing that really helped me was the program. I listen to my tapes on the subway(especially tape 8), and I write my neg. thoughts and replace them with positive ones. Also, I make sure I have some money on me, and I tell myself that if the worst thing happens, I can get off the subway and take a cab home. Lucinda talks about giving ourselves a "way out." I've never actually had to do that, but the thought alone is comforting.
Good luck. I know how challenging subways can be, but the program really helped with that.
Good luck. I know how challenging subways can be, but the program really helped with that.
I've never been on the subway, but I can understand exactly what you're talking about when you describe it. My husband and I just went to Islands of Adventure and even though I love rollercoasters, there was this one ride where the line took you through this dark, winding castle. It went on forever! Thank God there were barely any people there at the time because I think I would have flipped being trapped in between people and in this 'dungeon.' I actually ended up sprinting through it to get to the ride because I couldn't take the feeling anymore. Of course, that actually helped I think because I got to burn off some anxiety.
I don't know what to tell you really other than I think you will be able to handle it better as you go through the program. The good thing is that you are exposed to it everyday (I'm assuming) so at least you have plenty of opportunities to practice!
I don't know what to tell you really other than I think you will be able to handle it better as you go through the program. The good thing is that you are exposed to it everyday (I'm assuming) so at least you have plenty of opportunities to practice!
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Paisleegreen
- Posts: 1778
- Joined: Mon Oct 25, 2010 5:27 pm
Thanks, KKrOSS. I can't wait to get to session 8. Last night I was having some anxiety on the train and I took out my flash cards. I'm up to lesson 4, so the mantras and points on the cards were very helpful and I did calm down. I know it will only get better as the weeks go on. "A small fortune on cabs." Been there!Originally posted by KKross:
I can totally relate. I never had a problem with subways until I started having panic attacks. Then it became a major problem. Many time I would end up spending a small fortune on cabs. The only thing that really helped me was the program. I listen to my tapes on the subway(especially tape 8), and I write my neg. thoughts and replace them with positive ones. Also, I make sure I have some money on me, and I tell myself that if the worst thing happens, I can get off the subway and take a cab home. Lucinda talks about giving ourselves a "way out." I've never actually had to do that, but the thought alone is comforting.
Good luck. I know how challenging subways can be, but the program really helped with that.
Good point! I do have many opportunities to practice. I liked your story about the amusement park. You were smart to run! Thanks for your input, Karmatism.Originally posted by karmatism:
I've never been on the subway, but I can understand exactly what you're talking about when you describe it. My husband and I just went to Islands of Adventure and even though I love rollercoasters, there was this one ride where the line took you through this dark, winding castle. It went on forever! Thank God there were barely any people there at the time because I think I would have flipped being trapped in between people and in this 'dungeon.' I actually ended up sprinting through it to get to the ride because I couldn't take the feeling anymore. Of course, that actually helped I think because I got to burn off some anxiety.
I don't know what to tell you really other than I think you will be able to handle it better as you go through the program. The good thing is that you are exposed to it everyday (I'm assuming) so at least you have plenty of opportunities to practice!
Sorry to hear that. How did you deal with those anxious feelings, and were you able to enjoy your trip in spite of them?Originally posted by Paisleegreen:
Boy, I can understand that feeling completely. I was having anxiety just when I visited SF, CA and would be lost in the city that I use to know when growing up. As years go by the city and landscape changes along with roads, etc. It was quite anxiety producing and a new feeling to me.