Stress Center Peer Support

I'm only my 3rd week of the program. I just started session 3 and I've been trying really hard to think positively about myself and everything around me.
My mom told me the other day that I have a dentist appointment next week and ever since the thought has been racing through my mind. It's only 15 minutes away. Doesn't seem like a big deal huh? I don't know why I'm freaking out about this. Ever since I started having an anixety attack while being in that town, I haven't gone back. My friend said she'd go with me, but I'm still really nervous. Please help!

You will be fine...It is best not to begin practicing "avoidance behaviors"...These behaviors will make your world become smaller and smaller, until, you are totally housebound, and I know you don't want to go there..

I was agoraphobic and totally housebound for 21 years of my life.

This comes when you begin associating a place where you had that bad panic attack with having another panic attack, if you return to that same place.

Believe me...That town had nothing at all to do with you having that panic attack. You would have had it, regardless of where you were at the time...

You need to realize that places where you have the panic attacks, and the panic attacks do NOT in any way, have any thing at all to do with each other!!!

Practice thinking positive self talk before the appointment. Say things like....I am safe, secure, and calm...

Imagine yourself being soooo calm driving to the appointment. Imagine yourself being soooo calm at the place where you had the attack...

As you get further along in this program, all of this will come second nature to you!!!

You will be fine...A panic attack in Not dangerous and it is impossible for one to hurt you. You are safe, secure, and healthy....

Call that panic attack "Donald Duck"...Imagine Donald Duck with the big feet trying to play mind games with you!!! Remember, panic attacks are just an illusion of the imagination...nothing more...

Never run from your fears...Face them head on....Embrace them, as you would someone you love dearly!!!

I know the symptoms make you feel like you are going crazy, having a heart attack, or even worse, dying...

These are just symptoms, and they cannot harm you in any way!!!!

You only add fuel to them when you run from them...Learn to starve them by facing them head on....

You will get better and better at this one, as time goes on...

You are going to be fine...I promise...

Ashelina08xx, I to have been fightened to drive, and I would take a trusted friend with me if possible for the first time out. You can do it, I did. I haven't been at this near as long as Ms.T Bones but we can all be overcommers. Sometimes the support of a friend helps, but don't constantly rely on that. I pray alot and that really helps, but I know that I still have to be willing to step up to the plate so to speak.
Best to you,
Mary

Thank you both for your kind words. I really appreciate your support. I'll try to keep in mind all of these things while I'm practicing my skills.

Ashelina08xx - I was afraid to drive also! This was a few years ago when I first started having anxiety and panic. I was in my 30's and my parents were driving me to work! You can do it and the dentist is the best trip to start with because it's only 15 minutes. It's a great idea to bring a friend as a distraction. I would always practice the breating techniques while I was driving as well, that really calms you. I promise nothing will happen, you will be fine! I used to get dizzy and feel like I was going to pass out as soon as I started down the road and guess what? I never did!

Good luck to you!