getting out the 1st time

Nanaof4 · Post by **Nanaof4** » Sat Jul 18, 2009 10:03 am

Thank you for the praise. I am so glad to be able to help others why I recover. Today I went to a bike show, not to far 30 miles each way. We also had a bite to eat at a restaurant. I did well with almost no anxiety until it was time to head home. We chose a different way than we came to go home and it triggered the panic. It was not extreme but enough that I had to work hard to let it go. About 2/3 the way home I recovered but was a little shaken and started negative talking myself. I put on the brakes and praised myself for a good job on getting through it. Now I have even stronger conviction that I am safe anywhere. When it happens I can sooth myself and relax. I know it will happen again but so what, I made it through and I will again. We all can. We deserve happy relaxed lives full of joy!
Nana

forever young 06 · Post by **forever young 06** » Sun Jul 19, 2009 1:00 am

you are doing great,that is what it takes keep facing the only way to recover is through the panic.you describe me to a T when I go on unfamilar roads I will have bad anxiety.when we sucessfuly go through each fear it makes you stronger.does your husband farm for a living we have a farm but do it for a hobby.I still work but sometimes it is hard always looking over my shoulder afraid I will have to go to a siminair for work since I am area bound don't get too far what would I say afraid of embressing myself keep posting your acomplishments and failures let us see ourselves in you I am expecting my first grandbaby in sept very nervous she wants me to quit work and baby set don"t change is scarey I lost a dear friend to cancer this week could't go to her funeral too far away 50 miles hadn't been there in 30 yrs I can't believe I am still avoiding this is getting old wish I could have been there again keep up the good work

Nanaof4 · Post by **Nanaof4** » Sun Jul 19, 2009 2:56 am

Hi Forever, Being area bound is very hard to overcome. Over the years during the times when I was getting out on my own I still was restricted to a boundry but I did go other places when I had someone with me. Can you go other places when you have someone with you? Maybe you could start that way and when you feel comfortable you could try on your own. The trick is baby steps. When I woke up this morning I thought about what we were going to do today and instead of getting anxious because I had panic yesterday I felt strong. I got through it yesterday and I will if it happens today. I want to live. I want to be free. The only way any of us are going to achieve that is to be safe in our bodies no matter where we are.
I kept saying that to myself yesterday and it worked. Keep trying, I know you can do it!
The only thing to be afraid of is fear and it cant hurt you. The physical symptoms are a manifestation of the fear, if you face the fear the symptoms will go away.
Nana

Nanaof4 · Post by **Nanaof4** » Sun Jul 19, 2009 3:53 am

One thing that I like to say to myself often during the day. "How important is the fear?"
Its not more important than me, my well being and happiness. Its not more important than my family or friends. Its not more important than my life! The only power it has over us is what we give it. We can choose to give it no power at all, and we can do it with the power of our minds, hearts, and souls.

forever young 06 · Post by **forever young 06** » Sun Jul 19, 2009 8:34 am

thanks for your encouragement,it is so simple fear of the fear so true about nothing to fear but fear itself thats all but deep down I think I am still believing there is some truth to it something out there I will get lost on that country road without the close houses and to think years ago back in the early 70s I loved long rides places I hadn't been to.

yes you are right baby steps I will start little and grow on that.how far do you live from town I am 7 miles but I do drive there by myself there was a time I couldn't need to work on other areas though hope you have a good day

Nanaof4 · Post by **Nanaof4** » Mon Jul 20, 2009 2:43 am

I am 17 miles from town. What would happen to us if we got stranded on a country road? Nothing! We would hitch a ride or walk to a house and use the phone. We wouldnt go crazy or have a heart attack. I know that I would get scared at 1st, racing heart and all but I would do my breathing and tell myself comforting things and I would be fine. We can be free again. I know I will, I am already on my way.
My husband is going on a trip for 3 months in Sept. When I 1st heard that I went into a complete anxiety fit. I did all the "what ifs". I asked myself, "how am I going to survive without him?". I will survive just fine. I am going to do more than survive. I am going to enjoy some "me" time. I am going to work on my art and photography and sleep, sleep ,sleep! He is a big time snorer and he wakes me up often.

When I have a moment of self doubt, I think back when I was really young. My panic started when I was 22 so I have to think bacm a longggg way. I did not have a good life. My mother threw me out of the house when I was 13. But I remember times that I was free. I didnt even know what a panic attack was. I want to be that way again. I am going to live my life without a single thought of anxiety or panic. And I know I can.

Nana

Nanaof4 · Post by **Nanaof4** » Mon Jul 20, 2009 3:32 am

Ok heres an update from the weekend: After saturdays anxiety I spent the evening relaxing and working on my self talk. Sunday we got up to go riding and I felt great! We went to the next town over to have lunch at my favorite seafood restaurant and I didnt have a bit of trouble. I had a great time. I felt happy and relaxed. The day was beautiful and I really felt it because I was not full of nerves and anxiety. WHen I got home I was so happy I cried.
It feels good to know that I have the tools to deal with whatever comes my way. Im sure I will have bad days but so what.

Nana

Nanaof4 · Post by **Nanaof4** » Tue Jul 21, 2009 7:24 am

About session 6

This I think is harder for me than getting through the panic attacks. I have always had a short fuse and bad temper. Im sure it will help with the stress to manage the anger better but the situation here is so crazy right now. Evryday with my daughter living here gets harder and harder. She refuses to show anyone respect and consideration and she is very lazy about caring for her babies and picking up after them. I wish there was an easy solution. I know that if she didnt have the kids she would not be living here.
Nana

Nanaof4 · Post by **Nanaof4** » Sat Jul 25, 2009 1:57 am

Hello Again!
Things are going great for me. I have been really busy. I forgot how busy you can be when you can leave your house.

I have been out a couple of times by myself and been out a lot with hubby. I drove on the highway! I am still having anxiety at night, waking up with panic. I have been trying to give myself good direction before I go to sleep like "I will have a peaceful nights rest" and so on but I am still having it. Wondering if that is an effect of financial stress and the problems with my daughter. Still working on session 6. I am going on a trip on the 6th, I am very excited!
Advice on the sleep thing would be greatly appreciated.
Nana

Nanaof4 · Post by **Nanaof4** » Mon Jul 27, 2009 2:14 am

Hi There,
I hope everyone is well. Had a rough weekend, didnt feel well so I stayed home. I didnt want to risk a panic attack but I felt like a coward.
Got very upset over an OCD post about child molestation. It came very close to home for me and really struck a nerve. I am working through it and am determined not to let it affect my week. I am going to go back over session 3 just to reinforce my positive thinking.
I am very sad that I am out of control with my eating but I have not been doing the relaxation for a while so I am back to that today.
Have a good week.
Nana