Feeling overwhelmed

[Ashquaffle]

Today I was scheduled for my first counselling session, but, due to miscommunication I had to reschedule to another day. I feel really horrible because I had just managed to prepare myself for it and was feeling like I wouldn't be panicking. My brother drove me so that I wouldn't have to be surrounded by people on public transport so that made it easier. Even though I didn't have the counselling session today, I managed to leave the car to go into the shops for some essentials. It was unplanned and I could feel my heart racing from being around so many people and I felt like everyone was watching me but having my brother there made it a little bit easier.

I'm trying to expose myself in short bursts starting with evening walks and cinema trips so there's limited contact with others. Just feeling overwhelmed and needed to get this off my chest.

[Smokes67]

Hi my name is Carmine new to this. Sorry that you missed your consulting session.But it seems like you made other strides. Which is definitely a positive you should be proud of yourself. Seems like your headed in the the right direction.Keep doing what your doing with little steps and it should all come around. I wish you luck. Have a great day hang in there.

[Agora1]

Ashquaffle, you did good today. Despite the disappointment in scheduling, you did get outand do other things. Whenever we go forward, it is always a success no matter how small

the steps.

To calm down that racing heart,try using Breathing Techniques found on YouTube.

Breathing and lowering anxious thoughts can help immensely and put you back in control

of the situation whenever out and about. Wishing you well xx

[Ashquaffle in reply to Agora1]

Thank you. I'll definitely look into those breathing techniques x

[katielou11 in reply to Ashquaffle]

Breathing Techniques worked wonders for me, thought it was a loud of uno what but I use them a lot now when anxiety shows it’s ugly head xxx

[Agora1 in reply to katielou11]

I'm glad to hear that breathing exercises have helped you katielou.It was the start of my breaking through Agoraphobia. Couldn't believe

something so simple was a key in allowing me to go forward.

Continued success xx

[katielou11 in reply to Agora1]

Yes, I had tried it years ago, and don’t remember getting the same results as this time round. Sometimes your resistance is high and your not even giving it a really good go I think xx

[Kat_21]

Baby steps! I used to be unable to go out in public as well. I was put in situations where I needed to be in public, when I was sick I had people constantly in my hospital room. Doing sanitary things for me such as hand towel baths etc, it gets easier. I can go to a crowded space and even though I get paranoid and anxiety, I can overcome it. Keep accomplishing the small things, because they are much bigger than you realize! Congrats and I hope you continue to progress, even little by little. I'm here if you wish to vent.

[Ashquaffle in reply to Kat_21]

That's so great! I'm glad you can overcome it 😀. The baby steps are slow and steady it's just been hell on my nerves. Would you mind if I sent you a message?

[Kat_21 in reply to Ashquaffle]

Of course not. I'm always here. Go ahead. ❤

[Joeyman]

You are going through the first steps of exposure and response prevention. Let me explain. You did some shopping in a public space and that way you challenged yourself to face your fears. It was not a day wasted, don't worry. Once you go to the counselling, things will get better.