Stress Center Peer Support

I had a pretty severe panic attack yesterday, the first one in a few months. Just when I think I'm getting better, something happens and I go back to square one. My biggest problem is the day(s) after the "episode"- I don't feel well, I can't eat and I feel helpless against this disorder. I know we all have good days and bad ones, but I just can't seem to find a positive light.

I have had this disorder for over ten years now. The only thought that keeps playing through my head is "one decade gone, how many more to go?". It makes me sad to think that this has ruled my life for ten years, all of which my son has had to see me go through. Does this ever end?

Any words of encouragement are very much appreciated... need a positive boost!

Beth

I understand you totally right now!! I feel like blowing up!!

I PROMISE you'll be ok!!! BE POSITIVE!!!!

Beth, you said you haven't had a panic attack in a few months. That is a great thing remember baby steps. Now just shake this one off don't let it be a set back. Look at it as a time to grow and use your skills from the program.(do you have the program?) Keep your thoughts positive, think of how good it felt when you weren't having attacks. I find it helpful to think about what brought it on, something some one said did, or you did or said, some change in your life even the smallest thing could have triggered it. When i figure out what brought it on I feel more in control and know this to will pass. I don't always figure it out and that can be a pain. When that happens I just tell myself it was some thing I may not know but just let it go. Hang in there you will get better. God Bless

i have just started the programme again., i got it last year and went through it but because i started feeling better i never finished it. so this time i am going to finish the whole programme. i have just moved house and am starting a new job so am completely out of my comfort zone. please give me some words to help me through my bad time. take care all and hope to hear from someone.

Hi Beth,
Believe me when I say I know exactly what u r going through. I started this program a few years ago and still have ups and downs. But you know what, the change comes in tiny spurts, you don't even realize it until either someone says you've changed or you start noticing changes no matter how small. There are days when I feel so good, and then, all of a sudden I'll wake up one morning and feel sad, depressed, or scared to death, sometimes not even knowing why. But we have to just hang in there and keep practicing, because I just know we'll get there! Take care, Suzzie

the biggest thing I've learned is to quit beating myself up. We - with anxiety - I'm convinced have pretty long arms because we beat ourselves up ALL the time. Don't let a bad day scare you....I remember those encouraging words from Lucinda. Pick yourself up and move on. We ALL have bad days here and there. Maybe it's someone that confronts you and I hate confrontation...and you get frazzled. WELL anyone would!! Maybe the grocery store is particularly busy and the cashier has a problem with her register....or someone takes forever checking out and has price checks. Lots of things can occur and we need to realize 'these things happen.' I've had so many good days I can't count them now....but I remember counting one at a time and having a bunch of bad ones in a row. NOW the good days out number the bad. When I'm hormonal I do realize that I'll get more frazzled because that is in the mix. What I would ask is - what was going on that caused this?? What were you anxious about?? Did you get to bed really late and were tired....had you had a bunch of caffeine....were you on your monthly.....do you have some new circumstance that has you frazzled....I'm certain you can pin point it and let ourself off YOUR hook. I sing on our Praise Team at church and have been into music for years, but this 'change of life' anxiety has been very challenging for me. I've overcome SO much it's thrilling - but I still do have my moments up on that platform at Church and tell myself "Gosh there aren't many people who would get up in front of 250+ people and sing PLUS have an anxiety problem to boot. Heck my MIL is petrified to speak in front of a group...even a small group of 10 women. So my advise to you is to identify what got you frazzled, forgive yourself and move on. Hope I've helped!!!!

Beth did you finish this program? If so you need to understand that when you got a little better you changed your ways right? So what worked for you? I am also learning some of my trigger points right now cuz I am very upset and anxious right now (after getting better). But I will say that if I look at this in a positive way, I will use these tough times as a way to make me stronger not weaker. It is so hard but I WANT to work at it and not let it get to me and weaken me once again. SMILE