Stress Center Peer Support

I just dont know if I can do it. I have not been out of my house without my husband for over a year and for the last 3 months not even with him. I know I am supposed to follow the 6 steps and I am doing the relaxation but I cant seem to stop myself from projectiong.

Hello Nanaof4,

Be strong and have faith in yourself. Remember the positive self dialog and the importance of distraction. I know it seems easier said than done, but it can be done and it has worked for many people out there. I feel the same way where I'd rather stay in than go out to take my lil girl out for a stroll. I do it anyway. In the end, it is us who makes the situation worse than they are. We create the panic attacks and allow our body symptoms to get the best of us. Hang in there Nanaof4, you can do it!

Thank you for the reply. I am going for a walk right now. Im terrified just thinking about it!I have to do this, I am a prisoner in my own home.

Nana good for you!

How far have you gotten on your own? To the mailbox? The corner? Just take it slow, but also challenge yourself. See if you can ride out the fear before going back.

Keep us posted!

I did it! I walked a 1/2 mile by myself! I had an attack and stopped walking and faced it. It went away! I actually feel hopeful for the 1st time in a year. I still had anxiety in my chest walking backed but I breathed through it. I talk to the people in chat before I left and they really helped. you all did, thanks!
I cant wait to try again tomorrow.

Yahoo, yippee, way to go....the fact that you had some anxiety is actually a good thing because you got to practice facing it and you found out that it didn't hurt you, I'm so happy for you..........)))))

Congrats, Nana! That was awesome the way you faced your fear.

Thank you for your support guy/gals. Its so nice to have people who understand. My husband is supportive but he does not know what a panic attack feels like so its hard for him to understand. I am going to try to walk today while he(hubby) is not home. He has always been my safe person and even though my chest is tight and i feel really scared I have to leave here on my own. Its hard, I have so many more memories of the panic than I do of a normal life that I cant help but project about panic. I hate the fear. I feel so bad that I am not brave. I have had panic since I was 22yrs old, I am now 47. What if I cant beat it, I dont want to live this way for the rest of my life.

Hi Nanaof4,
You should be so very proud of yourself. It takes great courage to walk into your fears. Not brave? For most people it is easy to walk out the front door....to do it when it is terrifying....that is bravery. My most powerful, life changing step was when I began telling everyone about the anxiety and panic. I just explained that sometimes I got anxius for no apparent reason and might seem spacey or get dizzy or need to go for a walk suddenly...everyone was so great. And, I opened a door for others with my honesty...I found out sooo many people I know are dealing with the same thing, but were too afraid to say it, or didn't really know what it was. Now we are all so open with eachother....powerful stuff. Keep at it, you are amazing! Aloha, Laurena

Thanks for the reply Laurena. I didnt make it out today. I feel very tired. I am going to go tomorrow. I have been on the chat and that has helped. You are right there are alot of others like us.