Steven - Module 2

Wow, what a busy week at work. Had a couple of close calls this week.

So, this first one happened on Monday when I walked into the office building at the same time as my boss. He started talking to me, so I couldn’t just take the stairs like I often do during busy periods in the building, like first thing in the morning, so I had to get on with him. I tried to tell myself that this was an opportunity to get a little face time, which is always good. Sadly, it didn’t go as I wanted.

Trigger – In the packed elevator.
Emotions – Fear, frustrated
Thoughts – Don’t have a panic attack, don’t have a panic attack, I think I’m going to have a panic attack, why are there so many people in here, what did he say? Images of me freaking out in the elevator and my boss looking horrified
Physical – Feeling hot, getting sweaty, a little dizzy
Behaviour – Watch the elevator numbers as we went up, trying to deep breath
Consequence – Ticked off that I wasted a chance to talk to the boss. I hope I don’t get fired for seeming weird.

This next one was bad. Thought I’d go to the movie with a friend who was in town. Thought a movie matinee on a weekend would be OK and not too busy, not like a restaurant or coffee shop. We didn’t even go to a new release -- again, me thinking it wouldn’t be too busy. Stupid panic even ruined that experience because out of the blue, I started to notice it happening. Even there, where there was no danger or threat. I’m really getting sick of these attacks.

Trigger – Being in a dark movie theatre
Emotion – Anxiety, anger
Thoughts – Not again, I can’t freak out here, it’d be too embarrassing, I have to get out of here
Physical – Heart racing, bit of chest pain, getting harder to breath
Behaviour – Told my friend that I need to use the washroom and quickly left the theatre for 10 minutes to calm down
Consequence – Ticked off that this is invading my whole life! Had to reassure my friend that I was OK and wasn’t having “crazy stomach issues.”

Read Module 2 reports from the other learners.

Jenny	Mark	Ann-Marie