Ripple Effect

Today I had one of those “ah-ha” moments in therapy. I think the little pieces of the puzzle were starting to come together for some time, but today it all clicked. Immediately I felt accomplished: I had put something together, how amazing [pat myself on the back]. However, the reality of my discovery sunk in and took me aback. New questions flooded my head, and my over-thinking nature began its devious role.

My current anxiety state keeps me out of most public places when I am not accompanied by someone I know. For example, going to the grocery store alone would result in the wave of anxiety and possibly a panic attack. If I am accompanied by a friend, then the anxiety is significantly decreased, if even a thought at all. This is my hang up; I have owned it for the past 6 years. Prior to this, my anxiety…