I have had a great day today. A while ago I was sitting in the living room watching the olympics, when all of the sudden I got "that wave" of panic hit me for no reason. Well, I say no reason...I rememberd the thought I had right before this happened and I was having an anticipatory thought about me and my hubby going somewhere far away for the weekend. I thought it was a good thought, but I guess my "old habit" of me being afraid to travel, just kicked in the adrenalin rush! Argh! I am soo aggravated. Does this happen to anyone else?

Well, I am going to beat this thing called panic attacks and anxiety. I want to punch it's lights out...literally!

Cheri,

This does happen to me and it seems so puzzling as things can be going along so well when BAM! And it usually happens when I have "free" time and am anticipating the future (negatively, of course!) I had an appointment to see a college counselor about going back to college and started feeling anxious. I went to the appointment and it was fine..as so many of these things turn out. I remembered that I had similiar feeling when I returned to school at forty, but was able to talk to myself saying, "you always feel anxious/excited about new things and you will be fine..so stop it." College turned out to be one of the best experiences for me and I met many new people. Try to think on all the fun/positive things you will be doing with the same energy you pour into "what if" thoughts. Hope this helps.

Hi Cheri....it does happen and it's not a setback! When it happens, try turning it into "What if I get to go far away with my husband!" or "How exciting would it be to go on a vacation together!" or "So what if I have to get on a plane!". These are the brand new tools that we've been given and it's time to start opening the package and putting them to use!

Thank you so much for your replies. I am in much better spirits today. I now just have to get out and face my fears!!

Cheri, I had to laugh when I read your post because I always say the same thing during a time like that. LOL It does happen but I remember the tape saying to look at that anxiety as excitment. It's just a rush of excitement coming over you because you are happy to go away. Some of the response posts were really good like the one about you thinking about the fun/positive things you will be doing. Keep your mind in the positive zone. If a bad thought comes up just say "it's only a thought", or put up that imaginary stop sign. Hope I was able to help.

Cheri i definitely know what you are talking about because i remember the other day i was at my moms house with my son having a good time when all of the sudden i started thinking about the drive home with my fiance and scared myself into a full blown panic attack that ruined my "present precious moment" i guess you really have to try to bring yourself back in the moment, good post good luck Donni