Stress Center Peer Support

Feeling like I will never get over this condition. Been trying to finish the program for 3 years now and just can't do it. I only get anxiety attcks when I am in front of people like public speaking and social events...I am extremely social but when it comes to speaking in front of people I freak out. The program has helped me to see that the reason I freak out and have an anxiety attack is because Im scared Im going to have one in front of several people. On Lucinda';s tape, she keeps saying to accept the anxiety and the attack will go away. My sister got married last weekend and I was her maid of honor and I kept telling myself to aaccept it but the attack never went away durng the ceremnony. How can I get rid of these attacks?? She says you must experience them for them to go away but I am too scared to have them in front of so many people!
Also, does anyone constantly second guess themselves? I am always doing it and I hate it. Ugh....Just want to be normal

Jules, I want to be normal, too. My mama used to tell me, Margaret Anne, you are not normal and you never will be. I used to hate her for that until a very nice man who happens to be my doctor, said to me. No Margaret, you are different, but a nice different. You are one of the most interesting people I have ever met and I enjoy our visits. I found I liked myself a bit more after that. Embrace your uniqueness. The anxiety attacks go away in their own good time, not when we want them to. So you were very brave doing the wedding, staying there, even though you wanted to run like crazy. And you did calm down, didn't you. It took a while, but you did. Good for you. You made it and you will again. Be proud of yourself. Second guess myself? All the time when I'm with other people, mostly. When I'm alone, I have all this confidence, but put another person in the mix and I'm retarded. Not really, but I think I am. I go from Einstein to Goofy. You did good. Don't you forget that. You did real good.

Thanks Huggermag- I already feel better after reading your post. Just feel really scared right now. Constantly imagine myself as a secure, confident, happy young woman and then think that will never be me. Looking into finding a good therapist to help me. Thansk again and good luck.