Jane's Example

Almost immediately I felt flushed confused and panicky. My heart was pounding, everything seemed unreal and I felt like I might collapse. I wanted to rush out of the restaurant. 

I knew of course, that I was beginning to have a panic attack. Because of my Recovery training, I was able to spot that this was distressing, but not dangerous (my doctor said I had no physical problems), that I could have the will to bear the discomfort of the panic and control my muscles and not run out of the restaurant. I spotted that I was not transparent, and even if my friends did notice something there would be no danger to that either. I just kept thinking to myself, "this is distressing but not dangerous" and kept endorsing myself for staying put. I remembered that if I did not work this up that it would run its course. I spotted this was a harmless outpouring of a nervous imbalance. 

Before Recovery, I would have run out of the restaurant and would have been hysterical. I was sure I was going to collapse and have a heart attack. I also would blame myself for being this way. I had a lot of panic attacks and free floating anxiety. In fact, I got to the point where I was not very comfortable anywhere, and I avoided some places completely. 

Elaine -- I liked the way she used her will to bear the discomfort of the panic. This shows that Janet is being self led, instead of symptom led. 

Bonnie -- Janet is demonstrating that her mental health is her supreme goal and that comfort is a want and not a need. 

Don -- I spot that Janet's panic spoke to her like any nervous symptom speaks to us, and that is that it told her she was in danger--what we call the symptomatic idiom. She spotted that though what she was experiencing was very distressing, she was in no danger. 

endorsing -- giving herself credit. 

symptomatic idiom -- In Recovery the symptomatic idiom is one word--danger. It is discussed in the beginning of the text Mental Health Trough Will Training, which can be ordered from Recovery, Inc.  Look for the order form or call/fax Recovery with your request for literature.