Hello everyone I need some help. I suffer from both generalized anxiety and anxiety attacks. I am on session 2 and I have really been trying the six steps. Today I had to use them A LOT! I am not sure if any of you feel the same way but I get really anxious in church. This has gone on for years. Originally I was afraid of passing out in church. Because of that fear I now get anxiety attacks whenever I go to church. I am leaning that I am the one who causes this to happen. I anticipate going to church and I set myself up for failure. I am really struggling with this. Especially because it is church. SO while I am in church freaking out inside I start to use the six steps. But when it comes to step 5 DISTRACT I get stuck. Because there isn't really anything I can to distract myself. My symptoms are so strong. At least I didn't leave. I hope there is someone out there who can relate and help me with this.

Hi Tania, try imagining yourself getting the giggles in Church instead of fainting, or getting the hiccups - something that is more humorous and that you can smile at instead of fearing. Life is full of humor if you take the time to look and listen for it.

- Wireman

HEY TANIA, I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM, EXCEPT IT HAPPENS WHEN I DRIVE OR WHEN I SIT IN CLASS. IN CLASS, OR IF I HAVE TO GO TO A SPECIAL SPEAKER, I CANNOT SEEM TO SIT THERE AND JUST LISTEN. I CAN NEVER CONCENTRATE ON WHAT IS BEING SPOKEN ABOUT, INSTEAD I SIT THERE AND OBSESS OVER NOT PANICKING. I ALWAYS MANAGE THEM IN MY HEAD TO THE POINT THAT I STOP A FULL PANIC ATTACK FROM COMING ON, BUT IT REALLY IS UNCOMFORTABLE. SITUATIONS LIKE CHURCH AND SCHOOL ARE SIMILAR BC ALL YOU CAN DO IS SIT THERE AND THERE IS NOTHING TO DISTRACT YOU EXCEPT YOURSELF. I DO NOTICE THAT WHEN YOU BUILD YOURSELF INTO A PANIC, JUST LET IT RIDE OUT AND SIT THERE. IF YOU DONT FREAK OUT ABOUT IT, AND JUST KIND OF LET IT HAPPEN, IT FEELS A LOT BETTER AND AFTER 10 MINUTES THE SPACEY FEELINGS KIND OF SUBSIDE. I DONT KNOW IM WOKRING ON IT HHHAHA, WELL HELLP EACHOTHER