Stress Center Peer Support

Hi,
I have been doing the program for 9 weeks now. I am on session 9 and love everything I am hearing and feeling. I can tell you that I am becoming a different person already. I am more optimistic and get don't get so angry anymore. I think so much now before I think negative. I really do turn it into a positive. My only problem is that I still have panic attacks. I still get bad anxiety. When this happens I go through every step and think of everything that I have learned. Some of it helps, but I still get so scared when I am in the panic mode. I still want to run. It is very difficult to stay in the situation that I am in. I had to twice take my anti anxiety medication. When I have the anxiety or the panic attack I feel like it is such a set back, a major disappointment. I beat myself up over it and tell myself that maybe this program won't work for me, maybe I am different. Then if I have to take I pill, I feel worse. I feel weak. I tell myself it won't work for me. I get so depressed after it and feel like I am back to square one. Any suggestions? I am still so afraid of the feelings or symptoms. I don't feel like I can fight them... Please any advice would be great!
Thanks
Linda

Everyone has setbacks!!! Right now I am having one. Just let it roll. The bigger deal we make out of it the worse it is. I understand how you feel though because I woke up with really bad anxiety cause all this news. Try to keep your chin up and if you need anything just give me an email!!

Natalie

Linda, I think that if you've only been in the program for only 9 weeks you are not really having a set-back, you are simply still working the program. It takes a long time to change ingrained habits, mindsets and ways of doing things. Please be gentle with yourself as you work through the program and consistently practice the skills.

When you put a timeline on yourself ("I should be better by now!") it only serves to make the anxiety hang around longer. The program DOES work and you are not different, that is only your mind trying to scare you because it does not like change. You are being way too hard on yourself. You are not weak, you are only feeling weak, and that is something temporary. Build yourself with positive affirmations every day. As for as the medication, try riding out the panic without reaching for a pill and show yourself you can do it. Anxiety will always pass even if you do nothing. If you use your breath, positive self-talk and distraction it will pass faster. Good luck to you.