I [...] this list of coping self-talk will help lessen your anxiety. If you want to print it and keep it with you to refer to it.. maybe put it in your purse. This has helped me a great deal. I [...] it helps some of you as well.
Coping Self-talk
The worst thing that can happen is that I’ll panic (and that hasn’t hurt me yet).
Stay with the feeling—don’t fight it.
Just float through it.
The worst thing that could happen is discomfort.
I’ve lived through this before and I’ll make it this time too.
It only feels threatening.
It will pass.
The best thing that can happen is when it’s over I won’t be as afraid of it next time.
I only feel out of control—I’m driving OK, I’m walking OK.
By letting go I am in control.
I may feel out of control, but I’m actually in control.
The way to get out of this is to go through it.
I am not going to die.
I have done this before and I’m going to do it again and nothing bad will happen.
The best thing that can happen is that I’ll be one step closer to recovery.