Irrational thoughts

Linda519 · Post by **Linda519** » Mon Mar 09, 2009 7:43 am

The program states in this session that you should accept and float and give yourself permission to have the panic attack. Thinking that the body symptoms are ok and nothing to be afraid of. I get myself into a position that if I have a panic attack I get to the point of total irrational thoughts. I cannot even think straight yet along try and follow these steps. Does anyone else feel this way?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Mar 09, 2009 8:34 am

Linda519,
Yes, I do that. I find it very difficult to feel that it is ok and not be afraid. I get nervous just to put the cd in and attempt to listen. Who else has this problem?
jcat

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Mar 09, 2009 3:39 pm

I'm with you two on this one! Also in the session 2 tape they mention that u have to face ur panic attacks by just going out and doing whatever it is u want to do even if u know ur going to have a panic attack. the whole face the fear head on so u can use the steps to overcome it. I'm afraid i'm going to try it and it won't work! it's like ur damned if u do and damned if u don't:-(

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Mar 10, 2009 5:45 am

Well I am glad I am not the only one. Facing the fear and doing it anyway I think is easy for someone to say when they are healed. The last two times I tried to fly I had to run off the plane just before the door closed. I was in such a panic and the fear was so overwhelming no matter what I would have tried to do think or say to myself there was no way in hell I was getting on that plane. Grant it listening to this program is comforting but it certainly won't make me go on a plane, and face my panic as they shut the door. That is just an example of many things I can't do. When I am in this state of utter fear and panic, and terror, the last thing on my mind is trying to think rational or to try and talk to myself. I hope I can somehow get over this, so I can travel, but I don't see how I can do this by facing my fears. Besides sometimes I can do certain things and sometimes I can't. So people who say once you do it once you can do it again, doesn't help in my situation. I have been on planes before, with help of pills, but other times I have to run off like I said. So I can't see how this segment will work... Any ideas???

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 8:16 am

Expose a little at a time. No one expects you to go out and jump right into something full boar. It works much better if you expose a little at a time.

Airplanes - Could you call a local airplane/ freight company and ask if you can go up for a few minutes a week. Yes, you'll have to pay for this but you do whatever is necessary to heal. Check your yellow pages for flight lessons even. There may be a pilot willing to take you up for five minutes at a time, then ten, etc. (The five minute one would be a "touch and go" obviously.) Start small and work up to your desired goal. Perhaps take a half hour or 45 minute flight to another town nearby. Research.

If you want to to expose, make a heirarchial list. #1 at the bottom. That's the thing you know you can do right now. Then #2 (what are you willing to do next) #3 etc until you reach #10. #10 is the ultimate scary thing that you have been avoiding. By the time you reach that number, tho, you are so seasoned and ready to go through it because of the small steps you took to get there. Always reward yourself for each step you take, no matter how small. Use your tools while you are exposing. Use your breath work and always, always soothe, comfort and encourage yourself along the way.

No, the anxiety doesn't feel "ok" but it really will not hurt you. Instead of saying It's OK - say instead, "yes, I feel this anxiety. While it is uncomfortable I know it is expected when I'm exposing, and I can handle it."

Carolyn Dickman · Post by **Carolyn Dickman** » Thu Apr 02, 2009 7:02 am

I know exactly what you are going through with the irrational thoughts. I keep analyzing and re-analyzing everything to the point where I dont even know what I am thinking about. The worst is the thought that "this can't just be anxiety, it has to be something more" once my anxiety settles down I realize that I am ok, and that a lot of people are going through the same thing I am (maybe with worse symptoms than me)but during the actual attack I cant think of anything worse in the world...

Let's all stay strong, because we will all become better people because of this.