I am onto session 3 but am still struggling with panic attacks. I now rate them and I can say I have not gotten to a 10 so maybe this is progress. Can anyone who has had panic attacks tell me if after session 2 they learned how to turn them off. How long did it take? What advise can you offer?

I just finished session two..i have noticed some change in my thinking...I have been able to contraol my panic attacks alittle more..but not turned them off..I find that in just a week..i was unable to be put in enough situations to be able to use my newly aquired skills

Hey! I'm from Michigan too!! Panic attacks are devastating, I know. They can easily control your life. I have been diagnosed w/ Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Waking up in the middle of the night w/cold sweats, heart palpitations, no peace. Exercise, jog, burn off the adrenelin. The condtion is devavasting. I worked for the state for many years, have been shot at, gas bombed that threw me 20 feet, horrible childhood memories. Distraction is key. I can't emphasize enough how much the importance of hard physical execise. This condition totally is immobolizing. Get the program and concentrate on the Panic Attack chapter. You are OK!!! Self induced thinking patterns need to be changed. I know your pain. It's unbearable. Need to chat, I'm Ron, southbound_xs@yahoo.com. God Bless.......you'll be ok.

DIAA,
I finished the program a few weeks ago, and can HONESTLY say I am MUCH better than when I was just starting out in the program.
DONT GIVE UP! They will stop! I promise you. Work the program, EXERCISE EVERY DAY! I ride my bike (stationary bike) for about 80 minutes every day, watching what I eat, exercising, and staying busy have helped TREMENDOUSLY!
I got the progam in 2005, did to about lesson 5 and stopped. This past summer I sank into a deep depression and anxiety. I couldnt eat, couldnt sleep, every waking moment was uncomfortable for me. So, I pulled my CD's out and started over with the goal of NO quitting early!. I did the whole progam and did it whole heartedly.
I am a whole different person than who I was 15+ weeks ago!
Stick with it, find inspirational books to read, work the program, and pray!
Take care
Barbara

diaa,i just started 2nd week,try the relaxation tape as much as you can.and for me when i get that feeling i do the breathing and it's really helping me.keep at it...peace

I take the things that cause me to panic (standing in a long line, driving a long distance, going to the grocery store on a Saturday, etc etc etc) and I force myself to do it. The grocery store thing I do on a Sunday....not so busy......but I go out and make myself do it. The more I did it, the easier it got. Last week, I had to go for blood tests. I HATE needles. I forced myself to go. I decided to go on a Sunday (1 lab is open on Sundays) and I just did it. I went in, had a 1 hour wait. I had a few attacks, but I dealt with it. Now, the next time I have to go, it'll be easier. For me, practice and repetition is key.

Thank God, I thought it was just me. The anxiety is so strong right now, I wonder if I'm crazy to be putting myself through this. I'm only in my second week and was doing pretty good before I started the program. But, wanted soooo badly to get off the drugs for the anxiety and meds to go to sleep at night. Is anyone else feeling the surge in their attacks since starting the program? I'm not enjoying this rollercoaster ride I'm on. CJA

For me, my anxiety got worse during the first 2 to 2 1/2 weeks. I'm on week 4 now and the attacks come on less frequently and when they come on they aren't nearly as intense as they were before. Just hang in there.

Hi DIAA!

I think for a lot of folks it does take longer than the two week point to start feeling better...and I think this is because we're hearing a lot of experiences from others on those audio sessions yet haven't yet had enough time to really work on practicing how to deal with the anxiety and panic at that point yet. And, another big thing in my opinion, is that a lot of us start the program expecting instant gratification and relief - a huge expectation we put on ourselves and on the program - and then just have that backfire when we're not where we wanted to be so quickly.

The key, as hard as it is to swallow, is to understand that our goal with the program (at least in the first few weeks) isn't to STOP the panic and anxiety...it's to learn the coping skills to begin to deal with it and thus lessen it until it's no longer there (or at least no longer devastating to us).

For me, I started feeling much better during the very first week. Just to know I wasn't alone, I wasn't crazy, I wasn't going to GO crazy, and that people who are just like me (some much worse, some much better) were able to heal themselves and lead normal lives. That alone was absolutely invaluable to me.

It's also important to keep in mind that all of us have good days and bad days. On your good days, remind yourself how good you feel and really bask in the feeling of feeling GOOD! On your bad days, remind yourself that we ALL have them, see them as an opportunity to practice what you're learning, and try as best as you can not to dwell on not feeling so great that day. Another good day is just around the corner!

One thing that really, really helped me with the program was the phrase, "float don't fight." I say that to myself constantly, even if I'm only feeling a teeny bit anxious, because it instantly gives me relief. Not struggling and fighting against your anxiety and panic is where you start to find the relief.

Hang in there and don't give up on the program!

my anxiety hasnt stop either although i use the cds and all the stuff i still have probs but is it that were not usining it the rite way or that were not ready anyone know?