Can't open my email

[madcatladyforever]

I've had an awful few years, death, loss, destruction, very poor health. I've finally got settled and am slowly getting back to normal.
I've recently had an insurance claim in and whilst I don't want to go into details it's all got nasty and threats flying about everywhere.
The point is I just cannot open their latest email, everytime I even try I get a massive panic attack.
It's been sitting in my inbox for over a week and I can't read it.
I HAVE to read it, but I can't. I know once I do I will feel better and need to take several breaths before replying so as not to freak out.
I've just been through so much and got nasty divorce letters from solicitors a few years ago threatening to take me for everything I've got and since then am having a massive problem at work dealing with difficult emails and now this insurance thing which is nothing like as nasty as my divorce but still pretty awful.
If I don't sort it out I won't get my money for the claim but I've been sitting here for three hours unable to open the damned thing my hearts pounding, adrenaline is rushing round my system I just don't know what to do.
90% of the time I am fine but I've all gone to hell over this.
Any tips?

Maybe remind yourself you’re right, and you’re going to continue to fight this until it is resolved, then take a look?

Can you forward it and ask someone else to read it for you then tell you about it? Open it when you are in a safe or public place, or somewhere you can get support/will be limited in how you are able to react?

It's not unreasonable to be extremely stressed- you're allowed!

How about breaking it into stages- could you open it enough to print it out, and save reading it for a different day?

I have to open lots of emails that contain results so I often take a deep breath and say something positive to myself beforehand

Could you ask a trusted friend to open it with you?

Thanks guys. I put a relaxation tape on YouTube and took the plunge. They have paid out the full amount and closed the file in my favour so its all sorted thank God!!! Sometimes its good news.

That's good to hear!
I was going to empathise as I am in a similar kind of situation at present and when I see certain senders' names in my inbox I feel physically sick and don't want to look. So I know how you feel!
Well done, both on being brave enough to open the email and on sticking to your guns and getting the right result.

That's great, well done! I'm very happy for you.

Hopefully a good experience like that will top you up a bit, making other things easier to face!

Well done!
And congratulations!