I recently have been doing pretty well controlling my panic attacks. But, I have to say the weird thing is that now, I am just not sure what to do with my thoughts. It is ridiculous and frustrating. I am so use to worrying, obsessing, and having negative thoughts, that I do not know what to think about anymore. This mainly happens when I am driving in the car. I can be at total peace, happy, but in my subconscious, the anxiety is rearing it's ugly head. I am so scared to feel good and relaxed, thinking in the back of my mind, Whoa! Wait! You must have your guard up and expect the worse to happen. I then start to have those panicky feelings.

Other than this disorder, my life is wonderful! I could just kick myself. I tell myself daily, that I am strong, that I am only doing this to myself for no reason at all. I think of how ridiculous the suffering I bring upon myself. Blah!!!!! So, if I could just reach a "quiet mind" AND KEEP IT! I would be the happiest person in the world. I try to think about what I use to do before all of this anxiety struck me. Honestly, I cannot remember. So sad.

Wow Cheri I know exactly what you mean. I feel that same way RIGHT NOW too! I feel like I can never truly relax and be content and have peace of mind because If i let my guard down the anxiety will creep back in. I wrote a post called Battling with my obsessive thinking and I was kind of talking about the same issues also, a while ago I wrote a post about how I make my good moments bad because I over think. He is the link. It may be helpful for yo. I had good replies!
http://bbs.stresscenter.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/152105472/m/6471034064

Thank you very much. I did go and read posts from your previous blog. I am truly going to work on this!! Take care.

I can certainly relate to both of you. Sometimes my thinking goes off in different directions and I have been catching myself doing it. I can see the pattern I get myself on.
I'm negative one moment then try to come up with positive thoughts. When I started this program I also started back at the gym. It was very difficult but I was determined to go by myself. I'm glad I did. Once I was there and in it I was more comfortable. Getting the exercise is helping me focus on my health. Eating good food. Hanging around good friends and good people. I already feel better. I'm not saying it's been easy. But I do see the positive side of this program and I see the habits of what if thinking. Get into a good exercise program.Just do it. Keep in there . We all can do it.
Pauroa58

I am new and I dont do chat rooms very well is this were new people come or start?

Pauroa,
I took a brisk walk todsay myself. I also went 4-wheeling with mu hubby and a friend. We had a lot of fun. I am now cooking dinner and some friends are coming over to eat. I have been kind of depressed today with the negative thinking "am I ever going to get over this". I am trying really hard to beat this "thing". I would have never in a million years thought that I (mrs. Personality, go-getter, not afraid of anything) would end up like this. But with everything bad, something good usually comes out of it. That is my positive side to all of this.

Doingmybest,
You have come to the right place to start. So, just pour your heart out, no matter what your situation or thought might be. We are not here to judge you, we are only here to help you. So, don't be afraid to talk to us.

Hello doingmybest,
You are at the right place. When I started this program I had even more anxiety. I'ts tapered off and I can see for me that there is light at the end of the tunnel now that I'm learning new ways to get back to me.Lets keep at it and im sure we will reach the end of our tunnel into sunnydays Pauroa58

I've just started the program this weekend. Like so many others, I have developed a habit of negative or what if thinking...trying to avoid imagined bad outcomes or prepare/control for them in advance. This started when both my sons were in a combat zone, so I reasoned it was logical to worry. At times, I use self talk--after all having a great imagination if you can learn to imagine good outcomes instead of negative ones you can encourage yourself and as you build on every little victory you will feel more confident. Any bad habit takes at least thirty days to change. Be patient with yourself and try to encourage yourself like you would a good friend who was temporarily having problems.

Changing my thought pattern is the most difficult but I like what you said ....if I can learn to imagine a good outcome that would be great......I need to work on that.

cheri31 thank you very much. and I will. I read your last posting and I am the same way. was always on the go always try to help others out, going here and going there. but now not so much. it is very hard to do things outside of work issues.

Cheri, I too know what you are talking about...I think that I probably had some sort of depression and aniety all my life, but very minimal. Before and after my divorce is when it kicked in full force and still going strong, that is until I started this program about 2 weeks ago! Although I know I have a lot more to learn and practice, I think that this program has been a answer to more than one of my prayers! I think that in overcoming this, it will open the doors to helping me with losing the weight that I have gained, using alcohol to mask it and getting to know new people. But like you, I don't remember what I occupied my mind with before the negative.

Doingmybest,
Welcome!! I am pretty new to this, but I tell you I am putting my best into it cause I am so encouraged just by what I hve heard and learned so far! I have already noticed a difference and am looking forward to how great all of our futures are going to be!!!

Shar