UPDATE: Freaked about going to visit friends

Jamika · Post by **Jamika** » Sun Mar 30, 2008 7:48 am

I DID IT!!!!!!! Yayy!!!!

Earlier this week I started a post because some friends invited my hubby and I to their house yesterday for lunch. Well, they live a hour and a half away and I can barely sit in the car for five minutes. Anyway I went and it was wonderful. On the way I was very nervous and we had to stop one time so I could calm down but after that, I put on my shades, drank my water, when I got too hot I rolled the window down and read a book. Sometimes I jus enjoyed the beautiful scenery. When we got there ouur friends had their home decorated in our wedding colors and flowers. We ate salad, pasta, chicken, ham, vegatables. Three different desserts, wine etc. It was absolutely wonderful and I'm glad I didn't bail out. However, on the way back home my stomach was hurting so bad we had to stop at a hotel because I had to use the restroom. LOL!!! But other than that it was great. I spent a total of 3 hours in the car. Thanks everyone for your encouragement, support and suggestions, I couldn't have done it without you. My next obstacle is my new job that I'm starting tomorrow. I would be sooo embarrassed if I had a panic attack at work. Pray for me please!!!

Jamika

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Mar 30, 2008 8:03 am

Jamika:
Congrats!!!! You sound so happy in your post. It is a great thing that you were able to do this and enjoy yourself. Baby steps is all it is. Good luck in your new job. Be thinking of you. You can do it!!!!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Mar 30, 2008 9:03 am

Thanks Peacefulone!!!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Mar 30, 2008 9:21 am

Jamika,

That is so great:)!!!!!! You did so well!!! Savor the success!!!! It sounds like going was a reward in itself, but do something else nice for yourself to reinforce your success!!! You did great, and the things you talked about like pulling over, etc., were just you coping and taking care of yourself:)!

Remember that there will always be something you will have to conquer next so take time to enjoy your success:). With the new job, congrats on getting your new job:)! That's an achievement on its own. For tomorrow, remember that it's a choice, the same as going on the outing to your friends. You have a choice, and try to think of all the reasons you wanted this job, etc. Also, don't be hard on yourself for having anxiety. Saying that you have to go to work on your first day and be perfect and panic free is too much pressure. Anyone even without panic disorder is usually nervous when starting a new job. I'm sure you'll do even better than you realize, but give yourself room to feel anxiety and to cope with it. You're not trapped. If you have a panic attack, use your coping skills, and know that it isn't embarassing. Some people get panic from stress and some people get migraines:)! People who get migraines usually aren't embarrased so why should you be if you get nervous? It looks like you are really taking care of yourself, and that implementing all of these techniques is working for you:)! I know you can do it:). Just remember that you are free to make empowering choices for yourself:), and you are always loved:)!

Take Care,
luvpiggy

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Mar 30, 2008 12:36 pm

Jamika -

That is wonderful! I'm glad you went and had a good time. You did a great thing for yourself and it sounds like you didn't let the anxiety take over - I'm very proud of you!!!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Mar 30, 2008 1:21 pm

AWESOME JOB! Good for you! It sounds like you have some great friends and I am so glad that you were brave enough to face your concerns and as a result had such a great time!

I'll say a prayer for you for tomorrow. Just remember your success today! You CAN do this!

YAY!

Blessings,
Dawn