First Open Door Anxiety And Panic Support Group

[AqueousAndroid]

I went to my first NAMI Open Door Anxiety Panic Support Group tonight. When it was coming to my introduction, I panicked.

I'm laughing about it now just because of how silly it seemed that I was panicking at a panic group. I felt really silly crying in front of everyone. I kept my introduction short, "My name is Jess, I was diagnosed with PTSD and depression. I am at a 7 right now with anxiety and the way I've started dealing with the anxiety is communicating [I start crying] that I'm having a hard time.... which [I point to myself] then I start crying. That's all."

And left it at that. It was good to see that other people have come such a long way...but disheartening that I was the only one there that started crying. One of the things that was discussed tonight was "riding the wave," which basically means allow yourself to feel the panic and let the panic attack happen. That gives it less power and makes it easier on you. I have to put that into practice. I'm excited and nervous at the same time.

 

[silkleaves]

Ooh my...kudos to you! I'm an avoider, I would have likely stood up there, took a deep breath, then ran out of the room. Not an exaggeration, I ran out of the room during group a few times. So I think its very awesome that you were able to speak. Dont' be disheartened that you cried...you let go and felt something, and in a way, kinda shows (to me anyway) that you felt safe enough in that room to do that. And that is huge I tell you, huge!

 

[marylouise]

That's amazing!!! You are a role model!

 

[shimmerz]

I'm laughing about it now just because of how silly it seemed that I was panicking at a panic group

Laughter is such a good thing. Yes you cried (which is not bad) but you also laughed. Good for you!

I am at a 7 right now

Great that you are using the SUDS level method and actually able to identify how high you are on the stress level! Sounds like you are very self aware! Good luck to you with your work in a group! I hope you find them to be supportive and a key part of your healing.

 

[JEKBreatheandBelieve]

Congratulations on being able to speak and introduce yourself to your group. I went to my first group session that my therapist if running yesterday. I couldn't introduce myself- she had to say mine for me. Good luck with your group work.

 

[AqueousAndroid]

@JEKBreatheandBelieve , Oh, I felt like I was gonna throw up if I didn't say anything! I went second to last just because I had to work out what all i was feeling at the time.

 

[KwanYingirl]

I was wondering how you feel about EMDR. Have you had positive results?

 

[AqueousAndroid]

Sorry, EMDR?

 

[KwanYingirl]

@AqueousAndroid
I notice you use the SUDS scale I thought this is part of having EMDR, a treatment to stimulate both sides of the brain while you process something you're distressed about or is unresolved. I guess I just assumed you are familiar with EMDR.some people do really well with it but others say they get flooded by memories.

 

[AqueousAndroid]

I don't believe they ever labeled the scale method during this particular support group. In this support group, it doesn't seem like anyone really goes into depth regarding their trauma, rather they go over ways to deal with panic.

I was given a book called "Embracing the Fear: Learning to Manage Anxiety & Panic Attacks," so this group primarily deals with that sort of thing. I could be completely wrong, there could be a chance for all of us to really open up about our trauma or panic, but I guess to me it doesn't even really matter, I just want to learn to manage when the panic and anxiety comes up.

 

[KwanYingirl]

Agreed!

 

[Deleted member 12723]

I remember when I first began therapy, I went to a support group and sobbed and sobbed. I do not usually cry. I kept on going and it really helped me so much. Good for you.