sorry, I feel as though I am a bad influence!

I can so relate, though, to what you have written because I struggle with many of the same things you write of.

I was out of work, as well, and it was awful. The A/P became worse while I was at home, and the thought of interviewing gave me so much anxiety I can't describe it.

I suffered/struggled so much with that type of thing, I had to take an Rx to calm down. Once I was able to be calm(er), I practice deep breathing and positive affirmations from my T.

Since I've been practicing the deep breathing and affirmations, as well as excusing myself from large groups or uncomfortable situations, (I am gentle with myself. I am working on no judgment, beating myself up about it, as well. If something/someone is triggering me, I separate myself from the trigger).

I have had to take less anxiety-reducing meds with these tools. I am hoping to gain more so I can reduce my Rx even more. Gradually.

Please keep sharing and posting. We are with you.

Oh, btw, I just starting working again about a year ago after being OOW for 2 1/2 years. I have been working HARD with my T on the social anx / panic. I've come a way in the past 4 months; however, just today, I was in the elevator with 5 other people, and I thought I was going to freak-out (all I could think was deep breathing, meditation and telling myself over and over "don't panic. don't panic. you are safe. you are ok. you are almost there").

I literally wanted to tell everyone in the elevator, though, "I have such and such and such please stop breathing so I can have more oxygen!"