Theme Park Rides?

EileenV · Post by **EileenV** » Wed Jul 09, 2008 4:29 pm

Hello,

I am feeling really good. I am only on session 4 and this program has given me skills that have been long overdue and I am so very grateful for them. I am going to continue to finish all of the sessions. And I have also been able to get the right care for my physical symptoms as well.

I have had a few moments of being suddenly frightened and knew my adrenaline went up, but I did not have a panic attack. So I feel like maybe things are in check, even though I'm going to continue the program and the work.

I'm wondering if anyone has returned to some of the activities that they did prior to their anxiety/panic becoming a life dysfuncting issue. We (my family and I) are talking about visiting a theme park and some of the rides have one or two very short drops in them (not anything serious like a big roller coaster), but enough to raise ones adrenaline. I'm trying to decide if I should stay away from them or if I am ok enough to go on them. Has anyone else done this since they have successfully overcome their anxiety/panic? Any thoughts/suggestions?

Thank you, Eileen

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Jul 09, 2008 4:41 pm

Just try your best to be excited and not scared. You may get symptoms like elevated heart rates, but try not to fear them. Embrace it:)The only way you will know for sure if you will be anxiety free is if you try the rides. Im sure the more you go on, the less frightening it will seem. Line-ups definitely suck tho. Thats the only thing I would be worried about. Good luck!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Jul 09, 2008 6:11 pm

I went to Sea World in May and my husband talked me into going on the log ride. It had a seriouly high drop. I had a panic attack in the line and closed my eyes for the whole ride. But I'm glad I did it and survived it. I knew it was just anxiety and just knowing that allowed me to do it. After I felt so proud of myself.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Jul 09, 2008 6:40 pm

I say GO FOR IT!!!!

I had extreme anxiety over the first theme park I went to after my panic and anxiety. The ride there, hrs from home, staying over...all the above put me on high alert. Once I was there I just went for it. No matter how shaky I felt, no matter how many what if thoughts flooded my mind, I continued to force myself PASS my comfort zone. I did have uneasy moments once I was strapped in, knowing there was no turning back now, that made me wanna scream STOP the ride please and exit off

, ha, but I did it anyways.

After that first ride, I felt so empowered! I made a b-line for the next biggest ride I could find and kicked it's butt too. :p I remember that day and being the beginning of a new me. One that was telling anxiety and fear..step aside cause I am taking back control and I will never allow my fear to hold me back again. Trust yourself. You will do so well and I guarantee you, you will walk away from that park with a feeling of empowerment. I hope you go for it!!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Jul 10, 2008 4:05 am

Thank you everyone for your positive encouragement. You are a terrific support and I think I will go on the rides. I'm looking forward to a really fun day. Thank you, thank you!

Eileen

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Jul 10, 2008 3:22 pm

I had one of those triumph moments today myself! I went to the spring fed pool with my kids and usually I have this thing about water that I can't see to the bottom of, and swimming long distances in deep water. Plus I wasn't very fond of all the fish swimming around in the water with us(I have been bitten by fish before and it didn't feel very good!) Anyway, not only did I get in and swim all the way across the pool, I swam to the diving platform. Once I was on that diving platform and realized there was only one way off, I got really panicky. I did it though!! I not only dove off, I went back and did it two more times!! My husband and my oldest daughter were with me and I think they were really impressed too! I felt so empowered!!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Jul 11, 2008 10:48 am

Eileen, I'm going to Universal Studios in one week. When my adrenaline starts raising I will remind myself what it is and choose to look at it as excitment and not fear,

let's go have fun!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Jul 11, 2008 4:53 pm

Thank you Beckyl and Pinkeetoz,

I'm really looking forward to our trip. We're going in a couple of weeks and I'm really motivated. Thank you so much for your enthusiasm and support for me.

Eileen

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Jul 17, 2008 3:04 am

Roller Coasters for me was great for my anxiety. I went to cedar point. It takes your fear and focuses it on something else. And the best part is once you get off that ride..youve conquered your fear.