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Trying to avoid avoidance :)


21 years ago 0 293 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hello LauraH, Congratulations on coming so far. If some situations still make you anxious (e.g, movie theatres) you could do more exposure work. The idea is that you continue the exposure work until there are no more anxious thoughts at all. Also, you could try Interoceptive exposure work, where you expose yourself to the panic symptoms themselves. Interoceptive exposure is explained further along in the Panic Program. Susanne
21 years ago 0 5 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hi! Gosh, I've had a lot of practice coping with panic. I have a few tricks - like stick my head in a freezer or blast the air conditioning in my face if I'm in a car. Since so much of panic is caused by overbreathing, it seems the cold air prevents me from breathing too much. Also, I do measured breathing exercises. My Ativan is there as a last resort. I don't usually need any of these things anymore. I'm not fully recovered by any means, but I have never allowed myself to become agoraphobic. I realized early on, when I was starting to avoid caffeine, sugar, spicy foods, warm places... etc etc, that eventually I wouldn't be able to do, eat, watch or see anything! However, I still have panic. I'm very good at dissociating it from my surroundings or current events and seeing it for what it is. My problem is that the rest of this program is exposure therapy, I think, and I just don't seem to need that. Any mods have any ideas? thanks Laura
21 years ago 0 131 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hi Laura, Well done to you. How do you cope with the overwhelming feelings of panic whilst out and about?
21 years ago 0 217 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Sounds like you are doing great Laura. Not sure what you should do at this point. I think Melanie or Susanne will have to advise you on this one. Congrats on doing so well though. I envy you!
21 years ago 0 5 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hey folks, I've reached the part of the therapy program where I should start my exposure work. I have a problem. Well, an un-problem, really. I don't avoid anything any more. When I was first diagnosed about 8 years ago, I was doing the avoidance dance. But I've been through CBT since then, and I'm really much better but am currently in a panic relapse. I am not sure what to do now, because I don't really have anything to expose myself to (ahem). I don't avoid movie theaters even though they make me nervous. I go anyway. I can drive anywhere, be alone, fly in a plane, catch a strange animal, talk to strangers, give a speech, eat anything I want, drink coffee even! This is good. But I want to continue working the program, and it seems the rest of it is concerned with exposure work, which apparently I don't need to do. Does anyone have any advice? Thanks! Laura

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