Ah Coach...how nice to see you. As I read that back, I realize I did not state how strong my reaction was to the information in the phone call, from S16's therapist. I really freaked out, and spent a good 5 minutes working myself into a frenzy. Then I called a fellow 12-stepper and left him a message. While I waited, I was able to calm down, and he called back within an hour or so. But here's what he taught me to do. I don't remember the name of the technique: Recognize the 'flight or flight' response, and redirect my attention on something else. For me, I'm visual, and since I always have my right pinky with me, I actually held my hand in front of my face and stared at that pinky. Breathe. Breathe again. The person I was talking to had not heard of ABCDE, but I did remember it, and tried it, too. Little hard when you're having full blown panic. This might sound wierd, but I also press on the back of my neck (near the area of the brain that has been triggered, I think) and give a little massage. Works for me. To improve, just practice until it becomes a regular behavior. And avoid the trigger...the man I married. Just the mention of his name irritates me. This too shall pass.
