Another Panic Attack after skills

[panicsux]

Hello Everyone,

I started this program in Jan. after having a lot of life changing events.
I just started session 5 on Sunday. Since I started the program there had
been about 5 or more times that I had the onset of a panic attack (even
the adrenaline rush) and scary thoughts. I used my skills and it went away.
I was so happy!!! It is really working!!!

Then Sunday while at a friends house for lunch the fear set in and I tried
my skills but it didn't work. I left to go home. Has this happened to anyone
who has finally gotten over these panic attacks? I know I need to stick it out
but the fear and body symptoms are so horrible!!! This whole thing is
horrible. I did have a panic attack there once before so maybe this is why it happened
again? I've been there since the first one. How do you get these obessesive thoughts
of fear out of your head???

panicsux

[Iwillbebetter]

I am in session 7 and would not say I'm "over" anything yet. I have had good experiences, but am still learning. Don't be to down on yourself because you had 1 bad moment. As you said you had 5 or more good ones that you were able to send the anxiety away. This is a process of changing the way you look at things, feel about things and re-act to things. Maybe you want to review session 3 again. That helped me the most in getting rid of the scary/obsessive thoughts. Although I still have them at times, they are not nearly as dominant as they once were. I am learning to not let them scare me as much when they do come.
Just stick with it keep doing your work. When you feel you need them go back and review session already completed. I keep all the session in my car (I made copies) I do go back to session 3 often it's nice to have that reminder when needed.
Good luck to you

[katie1]

I felt like I was progressing too but that's certainly not true!!!!! It seems like my panic attacks are soooo much worse now. I can't even work anymore without taking xanax. What the hell???? I've always been a worker and it had made me happy. Now, I don't even have that!
Honestly, I'm beginning to think this program is bull shit. I paid for the coaching too and don't think my coach can relate to my particular issues.
I'm a prisoner trapped in my own body. Life sucks!

[Iwillbebetter]

I'm sorry you are feeling that way Katie. It sounds like you were making progress!?!?! I hope this doesn't come out wrong, as I don't really know your situation or whatnot, but could it be maybe you were expecting "more". I don't know if I'm saying it right even. I think this program can help, if you take the time, put in the work, have patience with yourself, and allow time. This is certianly not going to be a quick fix, we didn't get like this overnight and sure aren't going to be able to change it that quickly either. This program has helped so many. Maybe if you start over?? Again I'm sorry you are feeling the way you do!! I hope you can turn things around for yourself!!

[panicsux]

Thanks for the uplift!! I actually had on symptoms of one coming on at work the other day. I used my skills.
I never thought belly breathing would help, but let me tell you it is a must for me!! It really does work. I also say to myself that I am my own bully. No one or nothing out there is threating me..It's me threating me. I got through it!!!
Katie, the program does work. The only thing is it does not happen overnight. It is a struggle, it is hard, and it is miserable. You just have to keep fighting. Take back control. It is in your hands to fix yourself. I know you can do it. Really, just float with those horrible scary feelings saying to yourself it is only uncomfortable, its not going to hurt me, and they always end!! Before freaking out just remember....this is about your life, not the next 15minutes. Stick it out don't run.
I am also reading a work book that is really helping me.
Panic Attack Workbook. A guided Program for Beating the Trick....I needed more to go along with the program. Between this book and the program I am getting there.

[Iwillbebetter]

panicsux - I'm so glad to hear you found what works for you!! And not only did you get threw it, but you are okay!! I bet you even felt better, just knowing you got yourself threw it!! YOU did it!!
I completely agree with you the program does and can work, but ONLY if we do the work. It is like a guide, it provides the instructions and tools, but we have to learn to use them and if we follow the instructions we just might be amazed at what we have built!!!
I have found it easier this time, using other tools also. I may check out the workbook you mentioned. Right now I am reading a book that has been VERY helpful and given me a bit of insight!
I think the more we work at it and keep it in our daily lives, the better it will get. I know I am finding the days I don't seem to "get to it" are the harder days for me. When I keep it fresh in my head I just feel better all around threwout the day.
Just as the negativity has become so much of our daily lives, we weren't born feeling/thinking that way, we can unlearn it and learn to let the positivity take over!!

[dwhess504]

I have been having Tons more panic since I am doing the program. But I think it will be good in the long run as it is more Practice....

Thats the positive thought.


The bad thought is dammit I am having more panic everyday now doing this program...

Still I am generally a positive person and truly believe I can beat this with the programs help.

[annief]

I think that you are being too hard on yourself. I myself have setbacks. What has really helped me the most is realizing that panic attacks are not dangerous and they will not kill me. I also think that you should try to distract yourself when you feel an attack coming on. I'm usually very reserved, but I am extremely friendly when I am anxious. Try talking to people about something that interests you. This all may sound stupid, but it can't hurt to try some of these things.

At the moment I feel very alone so I am very relieved to learn that other people have the same anxieties as I do.