Finally Gave Myself Permission To Need Help

[Inspired 2 B Free]

I am V-E-R-Y uncomfortable with needles. Shots are Ok, but IV needles....yuck! I get very nauseated and high anxiety. I've always told myself I had to suck it up and deal with it.

Recently, I had to have a few days of IV treatment and I decided to try xanax instead of sucking it up. It nearly knocked me out I'm such a wimp but my anxiety sure went down.

Now, I am giving myself permission to need help to make it through medical procedures that send my anxiety through the roof.

This is big progress for me since I've never taken meds. Two addict parents and I've been terrified of becoming addicted to anything. Now, I realize millions of people use xanax just to get through each day and surely I can use it now and again for specific events.

I told my dr I'm afraid of getting addicted and asked her to pay close attention if I start asking for more pills.

 

[Philippa]

I'm sure you will monitor it all closely, and with help now it doesn't seem likely you will go down the same path as your parents...if you consciously don't choose to.

ENjoy the benefits of xanax. I don't take it, but I have once or twice in the past, and they can make things VERY relaxing.

 

[Ted Moen]

In developing sets of behaviors needed to survive in hostile (traumatic) environments we develop strict rules of behavior for ourselves. In the hostile environment the penalty for violating a rule is death or torture. Once we are out of the hostile environment it is very hard (and very anxiety producing) to modify those rules as appropriate in our current situation. Giving yourself permission to modify rules as appropriate in your current situation is a huge step in learning to live better with PTSD. Way to go!

Ted