I have started to make friends with my anxiey. I tell myself that it's ok. I know this is scary, and that is ok. It is normal to feel scared when one is diagnosed with MI. Or any other serious illness for that matter. My anxiety is part of my illness as well. I have found that having a "conversation" with myself helps. This "conversation" is much like the one I would have with a frigthened child. It does not always work, but it is something I try to practice at least. My biggest fear is that my illness gets worse. But I try to focus on knowing that if that happens, I will get through that as well. I know that a lot of people have walked down that path and gotten through it. And a part of my illness to have bad periodes. It has taken me four years to get to this point, through cognitive theraphy, educating myself about anxiety, BP and depression. I know how hard this is to go through for you, because I have been there myself. I try to use my good periodes to think about these things, and it might take time away from other things, but it is worth it if it will help me get through the bad times better.