In this dialogue Julie was experiencing ‘anticipatory anxiety’. It was also quite late at night which was exaggerating her sense of isolation and vulnerability.
J – i am feeling on the edge.. as if i will feel panic anytime.
R – and so what – if u DID panic
“It’s just adrenaline”
J – exactly. .. yes.. lol
R – it is perfectly ok to panic
it feels HORRIBLE
but cant harm u
in fact it would be good practice
so go for it
lol
J – but i hate to think about it at 1 .. at night.. so waiting for morning. . … yes.
R – lol
i know the feeling trust me
J – 🙂
R – but let go
J – yes
R – and shrug your shoulders
and say – if i panic i panic
so what
just adrenaline
no big deal
J – usually …. first of all i would never take medicine.. and if i did i would call Susan or someone .. to stay .. or would go to Mothers.. now .. i decided not to do that.
R – FANTASTIC
J – yes
R – u are doing great
J – and now cursing myself.. why did i not stay at Mother’s . .. lol
R – this will pass
J – yes
R – don’t look back – stick with it
J – was wondering if i should tell you this or not.
R – all is ok
J – yes
R – don’t hold back when it comes to this
i will just try to keep you on course
J – ok.. in the morning.. i felt same uneasy.. but later as i participated in the days activities.. it disappeared… till again tonight.
R – yes – it’s just your mind stirring it up
J – yes
R – it takes work to go over the truth
its OK to panic
J – yes
R – stop trying to NOT panic
lol
J – lol
R – that will stir u up
J – yes
i think these dialogues should be added in the book. i am feeling so guilty to panic after going bravely to dentist.
R – in fact it would be good for you if you DID panic
J – 🙂
R – lol
this is very subtle
you will KNOW u are ‘cured’ when u know u will be ok if u panic
its a matter of degree
no one likes it
but how MUCH do u totally not want it
J – and i am feeling that i should have left some room for me to panic .. to be on the safer side.. if i am so brave suddenly.. then how will i be able to panic. when i will need to.. as if its an addiction.
R – lol
yes – that rings a bell from my past
J – lol
R – just go over and over the practice
its adrenaline
its just anxiety – stop stirring
J – ok
R – “i am in no danger whatsoever even if i have a whopper”
J – and i am unnecessarily seeing that stupid feeling caused by the meds in the stomach as panic. ..
yes
R – yes
and THAT IS OK
J – after saying all this .. i am feeling a bit better.
R – panic is not dangerous
J – yes
R – its OK to panic
J – no. panic is not dangerous. ..
its ok to panic
R – yes
perfectly
ok
just feels scary
but for no reason
just sensations
J – yes
R – let go towards it
be prepared to LET panic happen
J – so then i started thinking about Melanie’s school.. that can take all my mind. so i feel safe to think about that subject. .. yes
R – lol yes
mental avoidance
J – yes
R – that’s ok too
its ALL ok
even if u avoid
lol
J – wow.. lol
R – let it ALL happen
J – thank you so much
R – because if u panic u will be ok
J – lol.. i was feeling so guilty for not being able to face it too.
yes
R – hey – this is all good stuff
lol