panic attacks increased when started program

Ben1231 · Post by **Ben1231** » Fri Aug 29, 2008 2:29 pm

Hi,my name is Ben. I have dealt with anxiety and depression my entire life. I am now working in session two of the program and have found my panic attacks to be more severe than before starting the program. Especially, in social settings. Is this natural? Am I trying too hard and therefore worsening my sypmtoms? If you experienced this; any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Aug 29, 2008 2:50 pm

I have just completed session two and it has been a very difficult week. A lot of anger and "stuff" surfaced to the top. I've had anxiety with a family function of my husband's and tomorrow we're leaving on a family trip (his family) and I"m nervous and anxious. The best I can do is work through it and know I'll be fine. I'm hoping it gets better the longer I work the program. Good luck and hang in there.

Boon · Post by **Boon** » Fri Aug 29, 2008 2:53 pm

I found ways to avoid dealing with the anxiety so I could cut down on attacks....but when I got the program and you look it in the eyes and have to deal with it, you do get a little more anxious. You start dealing with emotions we have learned to sweep under the rug to get by.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Sep 20, 2008 10:50 am

I found that anxiety increased as I did the program. Sessions 3 and 4 were particularly hard. The program has helped me so much and I have discovered so much about me. I encourage you not to quit, but to push forward. Feel proud that you made it to session two.

Session 2 is a great session, but session 3 is work. I ask you, "How badly do you want to recover?" Lucinda asks this question many times and everytime my brain answers, "I need to recover. I want this because I can't live this way any more." I'm proud of you for making it to session two.

God Bless your recovery,
Krissy