I have listened to Lesson 1 and can relate to the symtoms. It is some relief to find I am not alone. I find it difficult to discuss my problem with anyone including my wife. Mornings are most difficult for me. I just can't seem to get motivated. I started to take walks. I stopped caffeine. I am very hopeful this program can help me. I am tired of the black cloud hovering over me.

I had a lot of panic in the mornings too. I started waking up. laying in bed for a few moments and doing deep breathing. That helped me. Now I dont wake up with so much anxiety. Try that. If you need someone to talk too, let me know.

Thank you for the reply, I have begun to try the relaxation breathing when I wake up too early in the morning. I have learned from this program that what I experience are panic attacks. I must apply the steps to make them go away.

Man I totally can relate. Mornings are the worst! I am in my third day of the program and keep telling myself I will lay off the caffine starting tomorrow. How did you stop? I cant get going/motivated at all without it. I too do not like to talk about this at all especially with my wife. I know it is healthy to open up but its just not me. Its crazy because we sound like we are dealing with very similar concerns.

I have tried something new. When I get up I force myself to exercise (walking right now) this seems to help me get rid of that anxiety that I start the day with. I have a jogging type CD player and listen to the Lesson. I cut out caffeine. This was hard but after about a week, I found that I slept better and wasn't as tired. I seem to always want something to make me feel better (caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, ect..) I hope the program teaches me to feel better without them.

Hi, I'm also new to the program. In my second week. I have listened to session 1&2 so far. I just have a hard time rembering to journal, and isten to the relaxation tapes several times a day. Anticipating coming home and being the first one home for 1 hr is a very scarry issue for me now. I'm going to start coming in the house before it is dark and see if that is better. I seem to be afraid a being alone. My family has been very understanding but I'm sure they will get tired of this soon.

Hi! I am just done with session 1, and today I started getting really anxious, the what if??? thinking is in my mind,,,, but I believe that the program will help eventually, plus I am exercing and I cut off sugar..... Good luck every one.....

I finshed Session 1 yesterday. Have been listening to the Relaxation 3 times a day and Have been using my iphone as a recording device to do my journaling. I have also put the relaxation session and the first three lessons on my ipohne so that I can listen to them anytime I want. I highly recommend this. I have also started to type in positive encouraging thoughts to replace the negative thoughts on a notepad program on the phone so I always have them with me to learn. I have been throught the program once before so I kind of already know whats coming next. Just stick with your schedule and don't get frustrated. You will start to notice a difference. I am just trying to use technology this go around to improve the result. If cognitive behavioral changes need to be made than there can be nothing better than having my thoughts with me all the time to "study" and remember. Eventually I should be able to recall them instantaneously. I hope. I am kind of excited about starting Week 2 .

Excercise is one of the most important things you can do to overcome the anxiety. I started excercising three years ago, and found the anxiety much easier to control using these skills. I went on to also run in a half marathon so there are secondary benefits such as improved mood, higher endorphin levels in brain, etc... Excercise, Excercise, Excercise

Tony

MX275,

I know how you feel about discussing how you feel. I was the same way. I would just push through the day and night because I was the big man and couldn't show weakness. I teach adults in military education and once I started telling my students I suffered from anxiety I was suprised how many had also experienced attacks.

They always tell you to try and distract yourself when you feel symptoms coming on. Most of the people I work, including my boss, know I have anxiety. Whenever I have an attack, I tell people so they can help me distract myself. It has been awesome.

If you tell someone you trust, you might be suprised at the response.

Chief 133.

Thanks Chief. I am starting to get more comfortable discussing my problem with others. This forum is great for that.