A good thread subject.

I have always been wary of special places, as I am afraid that if I rely on a special place it will fail, which is in itself a typical panic thought.

I have strategies. My best strategy is breathing to the numbers, whilst thinking of myself as a survivor. I think that I am not hoping or wishing to feel better, I am a strong person who is not afraid of feeling bad. I say to myself that I will go through what I need to go through.

I find that working on the fear helps to stop panicky feelings of avoidance and calms down the panic. Once I had done this quite a few times I got better at it, and nowadays I can go through the anxiety reasonable well.

One thing that surprises me is that I can go into the exercise feeling like I am just about to die, and then 20 minutes later I feel OK again. This shows just how fickle the mind is, but also that we can control it and that the exercise is effective.

Good thoughts, M