Stress Center Peer Support

Every time I hit cd # 3 my panic/anxiety goes through the roof. I guess that is why I stop and don't go any further in the program. I am familiar with the tools up to this point but it seems my attacks are coming every day and as many as 3 times a day. Work is becoming impossible to do as I work in a very busy environment and working through the attacks can be at times challenging. Home is hard as well with 4 teenagers but I'm trying to work through that. My newest problem is chest tightness, dizzyness and feeling of fear overwhelming me when i'm driving or anywhere which means I have to stop what I'm doing to take my ativan or "TRY" to work through this again. How do you work through the dizzyness and chest discomfort? These episodes limit me from doing what I want to do including with my children. I just started an exercise routine and yoga but I guess this will take some time. Just need reassurance that this will pass as my patience is wearing out. Every morning I wake up with an attack. I'm on lexapro and ativan and one day I want to stop taking meds completely. Has anyone tried taking B supplements? I tried them but they seem to make me feel jittery? I feel hopeless and alone.

Mag-persevere...I believe in you...someone believed in me and that helped. I always say, if I can do it after almost 30 years of panic etc., anyone can.

But, you must get through lesson 3-it is vital. it is really not complicated-learning how to get in the habit of speaking the truth in kindness and being supportive toward yourself may take some time but sooo worth it.

When a panic begins IMMEDIATELY begin the breathing-sustain the 2-4 breathing and counting for AT LEAST 60 seconds, if that requires that you pull over, breathe while doing so. If that requires you to excuse yourself and go into the bathroom or outside...Do it. [ I realize that may not be always possible-but you can say something that requires the other people present to interact among themselves while you breathe. [with practice you can breathe anywhere, any time and no one will notice.]

If you eventually want to get off the benzo, do the six steps before you take the med. Let it sink in for a few minutes. You can Always take it, but if that is your first step it will be your habit to do that first. Make sense?

There is always a way to look at things with hope. Carolyn

Mag 1207- Please try to work through Session 3. Dealing with and overcoming my anxiety was one of the hardest and proudest moments of my life. I hid behind it since I was 25, I started this program at the age of 45. I decided I wasn't going to run from it anymore. When I started to deal with it, my anxiety magnified, but you are finally looking at it and dealing with it instead of running and hiding from it. Trust me, it will get better. Session 3 is so important about positive self-talk. Please try to get through it. I can tell you that my last panic attack, after dealing with them for 20 years, was July 4, 2008 - a true Independence Day for me.

Lisa

Originally posted by LisaLisa:
Mag 1207- Please try to work through Session 3. Dealing with and overcoming my anxiety was one of the hardest and proudest moments of my life. I hid behind it since I was 25, I started this program at the age of 45. I decided I wasn't going to run from it anymore. When I started to deal with it, my anxiety magnified, but you are finally looking at it and dealing with it instead of running and hiding from it. Trust me, it will get better. Session 3 is so important about positive self-talk. Please try to get through it. I can tell you that my last panic attack, after dealing with them for 20 years, was July 4, 2008 - a true Independence Day for me.

Lisa

Fear knocked at my door, and faith answered!!!!