Trying a second time

Ciara Mountains · Post by **Ciara Mountains** » Wed Sep 30, 2009 7:59 am

I experienced my first panic attack at 20 in 2005. One night in my insomnia I came across an infomercial for "Attacking Anxiety & Depression." I started the program but never got passed week 2. I felt better and seemed to get control of my life again.

About 2 weeks ago I jumped on the subway, something I've done pretty much all my life. Between the Division stop and Lake St. I had my first panic attack in years. That's when I accepted that my bluesy mood this summer really is the return, or rather resurface of my anxiety and depression.

What to do differently? I feel alone in my struggle.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Sep 30, 2009 8:56 am

Hi fellow Chicagoan!

Just start back doing the program. Everything you need to know is in there. Don't stop when you feel good, because you don't have all of the tools to keep the good feeling going.

Take care!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Oct 01, 2009 10:30 am

Ciara, I also am working on the program for the second time. I started in May of this year, and worked thru about 9 weeks. I was making great progress until my husband went back to work and I was left with no time to myself to do the program (I am a SAHM to an 18-month old very active son). I'm back to square one and trying to start over. I am determined to work the program all the way thru this time. I feel that is the key to learning ALL of the coping tools. Feel free to PM me if you'd like, because I don't see anyone else from May who's having these problems. Good luck to us!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Oct 03, 2009 5:11 am

Even those of us that made it thru the program have gone thru it again. I bought the program in 1999 and FINALLY went thru it in 2008. I finished it the first time in January of this year. Don't give up. Go thru it again. You can do this. I learned so much about myself completing the program. As I moved on in the weeks, it got tough. There were some weeks where the panic was bad. The same may happen to you. Just know that it's normal and as the weeks go on, the attacks will happen less and less until one day they just stop.

By the way...you are FAR from being alone in the anxiety and panic game. There were probably many people on that subway going thru what you are now.

Don't give up on yourself.