Coping Tools
Ever since I had my meltdown at the dentist, I have been vulnerable to anxiety attacks, especially in tight situations.
Today, I made the mistake of zoning out on the subway and missing my stop. That meant I was stuck for the next five minutes as the train was entering express service. For a moment, I wasn't sure what the hell to do and was afraid I’d flip out. (Sure, it's an irrational fear since nothing was going to happen.) Instead, I whipped out a bottle of water that I now carry with me regularly and started sipping from it. (Water helps in case my mouth becomes dry or I find it tough to swallow, both symptoms of anxiety). Amazingly, the water proved to be a great coping tool, helping me stay calm and focused.
All in all, the mistake added about 10 minutes to my trip, and thankfully, that inconvenience was the worst that happened.