What Sophie Said

I hate the tube. I mean, it’s convenient, it’s efficient (when it’s running on schedule) and it’s really easy to navigate. But sitting underground in a metal tube whizzing through black tunnels just doesn’t sit right with me. Despite the fact my anxiety is at a much more manageable than it used to be (when train and car journeys were close to impossible), the tube conjures up many of those old feelings and I regularly have to employ my various ‘stop panicking’ tactics. Stopping in tunnels in a fun one. Very often, whether it’s because a passenger alarm has been sounded on another train, or one has technical difficulties, or a train has not moved away from the platform in front quickly enough, the tube stops in the middle of a tunnel. Immediately my heart starts racing. I’m trapped. I have no signal so no one knows where I am. Why have we stopped? How long will I sit here? Very often it’s for less than a minute, but every second stretches on and on. It’s especially fu...

Time for my next challenge update! January’s goals were focused on beginning to take control of my panicking, and trying to take positive steps forward, and I’ve had mixed success. Point number one was to go to the doctors, chat about what’s going on, and discuss some kind of talking therapy. I did that, and was lucky to get a great doctor, who immediately made me feel so calm. He referred me to a local place for some CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy). I’ve had one session so far, but may write about it in a little more depth once I’m really starting to learn any techniques, or can see it making a difference. This was definitely a massive step to take, so I’m really pleased about that. Point two was yoga, and that one has just not happened. I do have a tendency, whilst I’m worrying so much, to put off certain things. It’s something I’m trying to sort out, but this was something that fell by the wayside. I got as far as emailing to confirm the times of a local class, but on h...

This month’s challenge relates to one of my 2014 goals and resolutions, and is all about beginning to take control of my panicking. I’m not going to begin a lengthy discussion on it right now, but something needs to change! Therefore, I have a few steps I plan to take during the month of January: Tomorrow I’m going to the doctors to discuss some talking therapy, and any other advice he may have I’m going to decide with my sister where and when we will do yoga, and begin a class once a week I will regularly return to my online CBT modules – 2 modules per week - which really made a difference when I began them in March of last year I will begin to read and try some of the exercises in the Mindfulness book I picked up at the weekend So there we have it. It’s time to start making a difference and getting back in control. January’s challenge is well and truly underway, and I know it is one that is getting me into long-term good habits. I’ll update you in February as to how th...

The first few days of a new year allow time to reflect on the year that has just gone by, and 2013 was certainly a busy one for me. It can be useful to look back at what you’ve achieved in that chunk of time, to put everything in perspective and be proud of yourself for what you’ve accomplished. A huge moment of 2013, for me, was graduating from the University of York. After three years of ups and downs, and a lot of hard work, I got the 2:1 I had been aiming for, and could celebrate with my friends the fact that we had done it: we had our degrees. A few months later, in September, I began my role as marketing executive at my dad’s market research company, where I am preparing to study for my Professional Certificate in Marketing. I feel so fortunate to be in a position where I am in the industry I want to be in, making valuable connections, and earning a real salary so soon after finishing university. With the end of university came the sad day that Andy and...