Travelling in an hour or so I feel so panicked

[BitOfACyclePath]

Long term sufferer of panic disorder and agoraphobia. Currently under going CBT and we are at the 'exposure' part.

I'm meant to be driving to Edinburgh (approx 50 minute drive) to meet my husband who's waiting for me at a designated point that I felt I could cope with.

I'm shaking, crying have an upset stomach (diarrhoea) and just want to curl up and go to sleep.

I have to do this as its a massive step towards recovery but I feel so shit. I don't want to go :-(

I keep telling myself what a massive achievement it will be for me but its not making the panic any better :-(

Good luck!

I'm going to need it :-(

You are probably focusing too much on it. Try to distract yourself - put the radio on and make a cup of tea. Sit down on the sofa, take some deep breaths in through your nose and then slowly out through your mouth, then tell yourself you will go in 5 minutes.

The worst thing is the anticipation. Nothing will go wrong. You will be fine, and you will feel so proud of yourself when you have done it.

All the best

How did you get on Bit? Hope you are OK... I'm doing CBT too, know how hard it is.

I realise I am too late, but I hope you went and are now rightfully chuffed to pieces with yourself!!
As a fellow anxiety sufferer/agoraphobic I can really feel for you. Remember, anxiety REALLY IS just feelings, even when it doesn't feel like it. Put the radio on and sing at the top of your voice!! Breath slowly and deeply.

You will be (were??) fine.

Good luck x

Good luck/ hope it went well. I agree with the other posters who suggested radio etc. I find the best thing to do in situations where I have to do something I'm dreading... is to get on and do it. So rather than panicking that I'm going to miss a flight or appointment I just get on and get there. I waste time sitting in coffee shops, but it's te is have wasted fretting at home anyway.

Thanks all. I'm home and so bloody pleased with myself. Didn't buy anything for myself my DS decided that spending my money in H&M was much preferred lol.

I hate getting this anxious but hopefully the more I do it the better it gets.

Well done bit!! It feels good when you've done it, doesn't it!! It will get better the more you do it and it sounds like you're doing great!!

Thank you Wish I could bottle this ecstatic feeling!

You can bottle it! Print out this thread along with any momentos of your day out- (H&M receipt?) put it in an envelope with a smiley face on it. When you're faced with another trial you can remember how insurmountable yesterday's drive seemed and how great you felt after!

Well done!!! It'll be easier the next time! Well done indeed!

Good idea helpyourself!! Have done that

Thank you stargirl.