Stress Center Peer Support

It's day two of my temp leave from work and so far the plan of action I have for myself is working.

Day 1: I drove 11 miles around from my house, about 30 min in the car, stopped off to a park, came home and took my dog for a 25 min walk, got a shower, cooked dinner, and worked on my "homework" and relaxed.

Day 2: I was able to go a lot further and drove 20 miles and pushed myself to certain areas I was worried about. I was so motivated after that I stopped and washed my car, came home and went swimming, and now I think I'll watch a movie and then clean for awhile. I also plan on going to the store later around rush hour to pick up a few items.

I hope each day I can push myself a little further. I am scared at first but I know there is nothing really to fear.

Originally posted by GI822:
It's day two of my temp leave from work and so far the plan of action I have for myself is working.

Day 1: I drove 11 miles around from my house, about 30 min in the car, stopped off to a park, came home and took my dog for a 25 min walk, got a shower, cooked dinner, and worked on my "homework" and relaxed.

Day 2: I was able to go a lot further and drove 20 miles and pushed myself to certain areas I was worried about. I was so motivated after that I stopped and washed my car, came home and went swimming, and now I think I'll watch a movie and then clean for awhile. I also plan on going to the store later around rush hour to pick up a few items.

I hope each day I can push myself a little further. I am scared at first but I know there is nothing really to fear.

Well done. Eventually you will get to that point were your anxiety levels will decrease to an extremely low level to the point it no longer affects you on a day to day basis. Just have to stick with the programme and practice what you are learning each and every day. Keep researching as much as possible about the condition and read more books on rational thinking. I have only ever had 1 panic attack which was bought on by a number of extremely stressful circumstances. I went from a state of constant anxiety and devastating negative thoughts, to almost no negative thoughts and on rare occasions experience extremely low level of anxiety. I have been recovered for just over 4 months.

But like Lucinda says - "we never completely rid are selfs of anxiety." As long as we keep the anxiety levels low by accepting the way we feel and get use to the symptoms to the point they no longer scare us, we then know we have reached a point of having normal anxiety levels.

I recommend you read "Telling Yourself The Truth" by William Backus and Marie Chapian. Excellent book.

Remember, 'Watch What You Say To Yourself!' and keep your stress levels low.

Good Luck.