My name is Amy and I live in Ohio. I am married to a wonderful man, and have four beautiful children. Looking back, I had my first panic attack approximately 8 years ago. I am an attorney and at the time, I worked in a large law firm. I thought I was having a heart attack and was taken to the hospital. Later, I found out that I had a panic attack, but frankly, I dismissed it as just high stress at work

Since that time, I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOS) and I have been able to blame my depression on that as it is one of the symptoms. However, even after medication for the PCOS and for depression & anxiety, I can't seem to shake it. I have tried therapy and after 1 year, it isn't helping either.

I tend to get focused on something and can't let go. Once I get the obsessive thought in my head, I revisit it very often to the point of sending myself into a panic attack. Most of the time, it has to do with my job - me losing it, how are we going to make ends meet, we will be on the street, we will lose our house, etc. It can totally take over my entire day. Most recently, it has been waking me up at night or in the morning when I awake, I am already in a full blown attack.

I feel like the joy has been sucked out of my life. I know my kids and co-workers notice it. I just need to learn to move on to enjoy my life and my children. That is when I ordered the program.

Welcome Amy!

Congratulations on starting the program! I can only speak from about a month's experience, but it really does work if you give it time and follow the program as outlined. I can certainly relate to your "what if" type thinking. I too have asked myself over and over those exact same questions. This will be heavily addressed in session #3, so be patient and you will get there. I wish you the best of luck and encourage you to use this forum often. It works from both the giving and receiving side. Take care, Ken

Hi Amy, welcome!

I got this program when I was sitting at home one day, depressed and not wanting to go to work. I was surfing channels and the commercial for the program was on. The timing was perfect.

I too am an obsessive thinker, focusing on my failures and mistakes. It really can work up anxiety. Now, when I feel a bad thought begin to recur, I stop myself from finishing that thought and say to myself, "let it go, it happened weeks ago. You messed up, but who doesn't? It's OKAY." I really do say this and start on an activity to distract myself. You have valid worries concerning family and financial issues. But tell yourself this: Whatever happens, it will be okay. You and your family will work together to make ends meet and if you lose your job you will find another one.

You will learn breathing exercises and techniques on handling panic attacks in later sessions.
Good luck to you and don't give up!

Hi Amy

I also have thoughts that I just can't turn loose they just play over and over in my head. Then I start focusing on how I could have done something different.

All my life people have said don't be so sensitive, don't take things so personal, you make life too hard. Until I found this program no one would say how I could change. Finding this program has shown me I am not the only one with these feelings, that there are people in this world like me and I am not alone wondering why I am so different.

I believe everything I am hearing on the tapes will help me be more comfortable with myself. Stay with the program and you will start to feel better about yourself.

This is my first post so I might be rambling.

Edythe

Hi Amy! I too live in Ohio..welcome! I know what you're going through. Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night in a full blown attack as well--very scary. I'm going through the program again. Lucinda is very inspiring and helpful. I wish you luck with the program and hang in there it does get better!

Hi Amy, welcome. You will find help and support here. I understand how you feel. I have been dealing with anxiety/panic/OST for the last 20 years. In November 2007 I decided to devote my time to counseling. It got worse when I started focusing attention on it, but it did get better. My counselor suggested that I get this program in conjunction with therapy. It has worked wonders for me. I still have a fear or two to confront, but I have a whole new outlook. Hang in there, it will definitely get better.

Lisa