Re: nearly lost it!!!
Hi gudheart,
I can totally relate to your post. When I first had anxiety & panic I used to so dread going to the doctor/nurse. I thought that I wouldn't be able to speak I was so nervous. I think sitting in the waiting room leaves you more time to dwell on the anxiety. I used to read the magazines there to try and take my mind off how anxious I was feeling. Somehow I was always able to get through it - and so will you. I know it is so difficult to go anywhere when you feel anxious but I have found that the more times that you do something or go somewhere the easier it gets. You can think 'I've done it before and I can do it again'.
I also have terrible difficulty with eye contact when I'm talking to someone. It makes me feel so uncomfortable. I seem to focus too much on what I'm doing - 'Am I looking down at the ground?' 'Should I be looking more at the person I'm talking to?' etc.. I think with me it could be something to do with being afraid of someone noticing me being anxious & a fear of being judged.
I hope it helps to know that you're not alone in how you're feeling. I hope your appointment goes well on Thursday. You can do it.
Best wishes xx
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'You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the things you think you cannot do'.