Tips for overcoming anticipatory anxiety

[Iminpatchinghell]

So I’ve just found out it’s a thing and it’s answered so many questions, I finally feel more normal.
I have a long history of anxiety, my whole adult life, and I’ve overcome so many things. I manage the actual situations very well, but the anxiety beforehand is crippling. I’ve been given some tips which feel more for long term, relaxation and mindfulness which I’m trying to do, but if I’d been doing them for a few months I feel they’d work better.
My event is next Wednesday so I need some ideas or tips that could help me manage until then. I’m not on any meds, but I have some diazepam which I have but would rather not take. Thanks x

Hi, bless you, this is exactly me and it drives me insane. I have this fear of losing control in situations in front of people and maybe shaking or my voice crumbling etc but every single time I am okay once the situation arrives. I had an interview last week, from the moment I got the date and time I was almost frozen in fear, what if this or what if that. In the car outside just before I went in I could have been sick. In I go, do a brilliant job and they said I was great and offer me the job. I wish I could stop this but I'll just move straight into the next pre event anxiety. It's ruining my life to be honest.

I find it more draining than just dealing with a panic attack to be honest. I had a good day yesterday, I woke up feeling anxious, talked myself down and wrote down what I’d used to talk myself down. So I can find it easily next time. I’ve also not allowed myself to plan at all. I like to be organised so I think about what I’m doing a lot and plan everything. I don’t usually feel anxious while I’m planning but it’s making me think about it a lot which is clearly triggering anxiety. So every time I thought about it, I forced myself to think of something else. Let’s hope it buys me a few days of peace.

Can relate, I get major driving anxiety as I've had a licence 15 years but almost never use it so very out of practice. Partner has a hospital appt next Fri and won't be allowed to drive afterwards, so it'll be down to me. It keeps me up at night with worry despite knowing the exact route and checking google maps multiple times to be sure. I've got the money for taxis instead but he'll be so disappointed in me if I insist on that 😞