Oh, dear M! I completely understand this! And I think this may be the hardest thing about the condition: the terrible imagination--the projection of a fateful doom--and the duration of the height of emotion to which the fear takes us! Talking about it helps, hugs are better, soothing myself with warm blankets out of the dryer, warm socks, a quiet house/place, watching a flame--a candle or a wood fire--all help me. The hug that lets me cry myself out and rest, maybe even doze a little in someone's arms is best. That's why I go for being wrapped in warm blankets, maybe sitting with a desk lamp near my head--shining warmth above me--holding a pillow, or something steady that is like a warm around me. When I am calmer, I am very careful with my mood--I keep things calm and quiet, let myself move a little more slowly, only do pleasant things that tidy my world so that I feel like it is not out of control--like, washing dishes, doing a load of laundry, tidying the living room, letting the answering machine get the phone. Simple food that is good for me. Honoring myself and that I was afraid, but that it is all right now.

Here is a hug: and the love of understanding: