Newbie

[olliebear]

Hi Everyone,

This is my first time on the site. I'm in California and really hopefull of curing my panic attacks and associated anxiety and I'm now learning depression. I've only listed to disc 1 so far but am really hopefull. I'm also looking for a shrink who can help me through this. I've actually had this condition for 8 years, it started really bad. I had a panic attack while driving and a bout with agoraphobia for about a month after that. With a very supportive family (mom & brother), 20 mg of lexapro & xanax I was able to get past the agoraphobia, but didn't drive for years. My life has become very small but I managed until now. I got a job opportunity that I've been waiting for for a long time but its 20 miles away (a lifetime for me) my last job was only 2 miles from home which over the years I learned how to manage. This job caused me to realize how I've been limiting myself. How lame that a job opportunity caused me to see this, not the fact that I have no life?! Anyhow I'm taking the job and hoping to get thru this this debilating thing. Anybody out there now a good shrink in the Sacramento, California area? What are your thoughts on the counselors offered through Stress Center-I think they are only available M-F 8-5E? I'm a mixed bag of emotion scared and overjoyed that I can actually live life and be excited by new things instead of terrified by them.

Oh and how'd this all start I'm a complete work-a-holic, and my career is a crazy one that requires long-long-long hours certain time of year (this scares me). I like the work until I can't bear it. I've never been able to tell when I'm tired or even hungry when I'm in the depths of my work (I want to change this don't know how?). I'm afraid I will reverse the tiny progress I've made on my own over the past 8 years.

Is this coming across too negative?

Look forward to "meeting" you all.

OllieBear

[tina martin]

Great intro and not negative at all. In fact, just the opposite. Good for you for taking the job and finding ways to help yourself. There are threads and posts about coaches you may want to explore. Stick with the program, giving it your time and attention. Many people have experienced fine results with time, dedication, and patience.

Happy to meet you, wishing you the best.

[mosaic1989]

Welcome, and it sounds like your definitely on the right track. Sometimes with the coaches if you sign up for the sessions you can arrange for times that work out for you, but it does cost a bit. I think this is a good program don't put the pressure on yourself working it in a particular way, I think there is a way to work it for everybody that works. I personally take a little longer going through the sessions just because I want to get the most out of it. I think some topics we may want to spend more time on and others less. But I think the main thing is work it in a way that works best for you. Life is hectic sometimes so such times we need to give outselves a break and do the best we can. We can always go back and review lessons again and go forward. I do a lot of writing in sort of a computer journal with notes about the program. That may not work for everyone, and some may not even enjoy that, for me it's something accessable so I can look at it on a daily basis. I think everyone learn differently. I think you will do fine, and we are here to support each other and help each other grow and help each other. Take care. Talk to you later.

[Chuck Striler]

Newbie,
Quick note about me. I had anxiety and panic attacks for a very very long time. I now own my own business as a home inspector, have flown many times, speak in public, and do many many things I never thought I'd be able to do. I'm now completely over them. You will be too!

You're already helping yourself by having the courage to start something new and try new things. So many times we stay with what is comfortable and it actually makes our condition worse. Face your fears, ask yourself "what's the worst that could happen", and have a sense of humor about your "condition". Don't be a control freak like I was. Just let things happen, you've probably managed the unexpected before and you will again.

If you're embarrassed about what's going on with you don't be. You'd be surprised at how many people feel the same as you do or worse!

Never fear the adrenaline rushes. They're natural and can't hurt you. Breath deep and know it's just a chemical in your body. That's it. Every time you have an attack and just try to relax thru the adrenaline the attack will become shorter and shorter till eventually you won't get them at all. Even if you do you will know how to deal and they'll be gone in no time.

Good luck to you, if you'd like to ask anything I'd be happy to answer.
Chuck

[LyndaLu]

Welcome olliebear:

I have also suffered from anxious episodes, panic attacks and depression.
The past seven years have been the worst. My dad died, then my mother
was very ill and in the hospital. Later on there was a workforce reduction
at my place of employment and I got layed-off from my job ( more stress ! ).
Even though I am working on the program for the second time now, I feel
that it was worth every penny I spent on it.

I understand what you are going through, I have been unemployed
for almost three years and my world has been getting smaller and smaller....
and smaller. I am now trying to go back through the program and to
be more proactive in how my daily activites are scheduled and structured.

You will be okay and you will do well on the program ! We all know what
you are going through. Keep in touch and hope to hear from you soon.

[olliebear]

Thank you everyone for responding.

I haven't gotten past tape one and am just getting back into starting the program. I took the job and had too many panic attacks while driving and being there and quit. That led to my downward spiral and current state of depression. I'm looking forward to getting back into the swing of the program and have been seen a physchologist an changes from lexapro to zoloft for the first time. I'm at a weird point where I don't know if I'm unhappy with my situation or if I'm just unhappy. Hope to figure things out soon.

Olliebear