Last night I went to a small party at an acquaintance's house. I was so nervous about going, because I just am. But I also was totally aware that if I didn't go, the next event would just seem even scarier.
In the end I had a good time. BUT, when I went to leave, I didn't realize that coats were in the back room, instead of the closet. So, oops, I rummaged around in her coat closet. I convinced myself that somehow I'd knocked something over in there, and something terrible would happen as a result.
I came home and worried for a bit. Then I wrote my worry on a 3x5 card, downward arrow all the way down to the part where she hated me, and I didn't have any friends ever again. And I stuck it next to my computer where it was right in my face. Seriously, after about 10 minutes, my anxiety was nearly gone. I know from past experience that normally that anxiety would have stayed with me at least overnight.
I should no longer be so surprised when cognitive therapy and exposure therapy work really really well, but apparently I am. Here's to more and more happy surprises.
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You are stronger than you think!
1 year ago
Good for you for getting up and going to the party!! I LOVE the idea of writing down what your anxious about on a card to look at along with all the million things you KNOW are going to happen because of one thing. I started taking pics on my phone of certain things that will drive me batty with anxiety all day like knobs on stove to show they are in fact off or unplugged blow dryer, so I can look at them during the day. Way to go!
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