Doing the work, Attacking and beating anxiety and panic attack disorder

It's as simple as that. You need to do the work.

I remember my first appointment. If you have this disease, and/or a little agoraphobia, you can imagine how hard it was to go through it. Of course I had to have someone take me, and even that only made it possible, not any more comfortable.

But I had a short ecstatic feeling afterwards. An "I did it" moment. And it actually feels good to get these problems out in the open to people who want to help you. But I'll be honest... the moment was brief... the first time. But each time it gets easier and easier, and the success feelings last longer and longer. I actually went to my last appointment ALONE.. and afterwards stopped by the drugstore for some supplies.. And I felt pretty good about it.

But other than that, I'm not doing the work. And the reverse is happening to me. I"m actually frustrated, anxious, and depressed because I'm not doing the work. And its just that first bump in the road.... like the first Dr. appt that I felt I could hardly get through. But just like finally going on my own, this is exactly what work I need to get done. Get through these things that cause fear. One 'appointment' at a time until each place is comfortable.

If you're agoraphobic then hopefully you have safe people like me that are willing to help. If not, then just do a little bit. Don't set yourself up to fail.. but just go out and feel some pressure. Like a work out. Feel the burn. Examine it, feel it, but don't push it. And that's your work for the day. And do it again tomorrow!

Do the work... even if you have to put everything else out of your mind. I'm having trouble with that one too. I have so much to do, need to make money, need have things done to my car, etc etc etc.. But I need to get better or none of those things will matter.

That seems kind of like a dire thing to say, but I'm starting to think that's the way you need to look at it. I hung on to the last rung of the ladder, just above dire, for so many years.. and it kept me from getting help. Not until I felt like I had no other choice did I do what I had to do. Make it dire that you do a little work today.. and every day. Its not easy, but the funny thing is, it does get easier. And if you've been stuck for a long time like me.. it gets easier in SMALL increments. But don't let it get you down. After awhile it actually gets hard to NOT do something every day.

This is where I feel myself.. the frustration has changed to where if I don't do some work, I'll be down on myself..so today I'm going to do a little work.