returning user

[Dragonskin1]

Hello. About 18 years ago i went through some medical problems which resulted in my moderate anxiety becoming EXTREME anxiety, with weekly Panic attacks. Thankfully i found out about the program and i purchased the cassette tapes (remember this was a LONG time ago) and began to go through the weekly lessons. After about the first couple of lessons when i found out about panic attacks, i experienced quite a bit of relief, knowing that i was not going crazy, that i did not have a mental problem or terminal disease! Nonetheless, panic attacks continued for some time until i began to accept that they would not hurt, me, that i could "float" (Lucinda's words) through a panic episode and eventually mostly eliminated panic attacks. Not that i did not have subsequent anxiety attacks, but at least i knew what i had and the road to recovery i was to follow.
After the 8th or 9th lesson, because i felt better, i got lazy and stopped the program. I wish i continued, because, although i was considerably better, i had not learned all the skills that i needed to successfully conquer this problem. So, on and off for the past few years, i would have bouts of mild anxiety, that i could live with. A few months ago i once again began to experience more severe episodes of anxiety because my tinnitus began to get worse (coincidental with my beginning to take Bupropin for my anxiety). At times, the ringing in my ears becomes so aggravating that i develop panic-like symptoms, wishing to run away from the noise, which, of course, for those who suffer from this condition, know is impossible. I began to obsess about the ringing in my ears, began to look for it when i was distracted and not really noticing it, just to see if it had gone away. Needless to say, the tinnitus became louder as i looked for and began to focus on it more. I now am almost obsessed with this condition, knowing that i probably will have it for life, being both scared that it may get worse and totally helpless to do anything about out. Some relief is obtained by breathing exercises to try to take my mind somewhere else, or soft music, (especially at night at bedtime) to mask the noise. I know that this tinnitus is not a fatal or even serious condition, however i obsess about it, which has affected my work and my family life. I currently am waiting for an appointment with (ANOTHER) hearing specialist, to see if there are any other techniques or gimmicks that might help. This obsession with a medical condition is probably very common to people with an actual or perceived medical condition, and i would welcome any comments about how they cope with this obsession about a life-long medical condition.

[LovinLife]

Hello Dragonskin, Just read your post and wondering how you're getting along.I too am a returning user. So happy this program is out here. I started week 5 yesterday and am feeling a bit dumpy. Can't pin point it exactly. Not sure if you would have any advice. Thanks for reading.

[Primrose]

Hi There,

I’m back too! Let’s do this!

Mindy