Stress Center Peer Support

Hi everyone! I am trying to make this the year that I take control of my anxiety. To do that, I figured I might benefit from the support of people doing the same thing.

I'm 27, almost 28, married to a wonderful wife, no kids. I've always been a worrier, but about three years ago my panics started to get very specific. After a few frightening experiences, I started to wonder: Gee, maybe my anxiety will get so bad I'll be scared to drive far away from home.

Well, guess what happened? I haven't been more than an hour away from my house for the past 2 or 3 years.

This is obviously very troubling, as I used to want to travel. Just 6 years ago, my wife and I (before we were married) actually went on a 3-month trip to England (we live in Maine, USA) and had a great time. It's so frustrating to me that I don't feel like I can even drive an hour from home now.

I guess I need some encouragement from people who have been through this all. I tried a few months of some therapy but it didn't seem to work - at least it wasn't a total solution. I'm hesitant to try medication for fear of side effects or addiction.

I don't want to be like this any more. When we have kids, I want to be able to take them to visit their grandparents or go on trips.

Despite the frustration, I really don't think I struggle with depression per se - I feel positive the majority of the time. But I want to know it's possible to get better.

Can I get better? Have you gotten better? How? I need some success stories here!

All the best,
Paul

Paul,
Yes you can get better!! Once you have panic attacks, many people including myself started avoiding whatever you did when you had panic attacks. Mine was driving to. I had three panic attacks while driving , so i just stopped driving! Then I had one in a store, my husband was driving, so guess what? I stopped going to the stores even if my husband drove!
The more you avoid, the less you will do! Before you know it, your HOUSEBOUND!
I was! and I hated it!! So, you have to begin taking baby steps to overcome your fear!
It cant be done in one day! But, if you practice the skills of the program, get out a little each, even if you can only sit in your car at first, its worth every step you can take.
I drive now, anywhere i want to go and thats after years of years of living in fear!!! So, I know you can do this! Take control of your life back! And begin your journey to a NEW, BETTER , YOU,, and you can travel wherever and whenever you want to!!! Take care, and great luck! Nelly:)

Wow, that's great to hear! I sometimes feel like I've let the anxiety go on for too long, like I can never get back. But it helps to know some people have had it even longer and can get through it.

Is the attacking anxiety program what "cured" you, do you think? I don't have the program right now, but I'm going to try to do what I can to get better this year. If the program will help, then that's what I'll do.

Paul,
I finished the program in 2005. I was still having anxiety when i bought it, over the years i had tried on my own without any skills to get better, so when i heard about this program, i really felt it could help me. It took me months to go through it and honestly my desire to overcome it was so great, I put everything i had into doing the program. Yes, had it not been for the program and God leading me to it. I would still be stuck! So, im very glad and thankful for having the program.... Nelly:)

<IMG ALIGN="left" SRC="http://img295.imageshack.us/my.php?image=mewe7.png"> Hello,
Getting the program is the biggest step. Just do it. Some times you feel this surge of growth then comes the time areas of improvement will surface. Go with the flow. I am still learning positive dialogue and unconditional love on week 6. I am one that holds way to much in and is too demanding on myself. I try to become an observer when my mind tries to overwhelm me.

Paul I don't suffer from the driveing thing but thankfully I think I caught myself early enough because I would have. I had started only driving when I absolutly had to. I am also only 27 and married to a wonderful husband. We have no children. How far are you in the program? There is actually a lady on I think week 3 that was not able to drive and now drives everywhere. You'll get there!! I have faith in you and so does everyone else.