There is a good reason I'm short - I DON'T LIKE GROWTH SPURTS! And boy oh boy I'm having a doozie of one right now. I ordered this program about a year ago and began to finally tackle my anxiety and depression. I was doing pretty well, and even thought "maybe I've got this thing beat," and then wham. About a week ago I started to feel really shaky again and to experience a lot of generalized anxiety. I've got that dizzy, light-headed feeling most of the time and am obsessing again about my health and what could possibly be wrong with me. I've started the program again and am really trying to do everything I've learned, but I am struggling!! I feel overwhelmed and have the urge to avoid big time. I'm trying so hard not to get discouraged, but some days I feel like I'm really losing the battle. I find myself really going up and down a lot. I have perfectly fine hours and even days and then I'll get a pain or symptom and the obsessing begins. If anyone has any advice or encouragment I could really use it right now!

Hey I have a big problem with being obssesive also it seems like when one leaves theres always one to replace it. I wish I had the answer sorry I just thought I'd let you know your not the only one.
Good luck!

Thanks Kurstin! It really is helpful just to hear that I'm not the only one. This is the first time I've visited this message board - it's nice to know I can come here and talk with someone who really does know what it's like. Thanks for responding!

Silver Spring,

Are you still afraid of your anxiety symptoms and panic attacks ?

Hi silver spring,

you posted to the right place, a growth spurt. I'm going through one right now also. It does get scary, but we have come out of it before and we will again. It just takes a little time. Perseverance is key.

Sunset, I guess I am. It felt so good to make so much progress, but I suppose that I never really have gotten over the fear of the fear returning. I also seem to keep wondering if "maybe this isn't really anxiety I'm feeling, what if this really is that feared tumor, etc." I know objectively this isn't a realistic thought, but it takes hold and that is when I really get going. I had a really good, anxiety free day yesterday. I did it in part by determining to take it one day (one hour if need be) at a time. And by insisting to myself that any body symptoms were just anxiety and not letting them get me all worked up. So I think you are right, conquering the fear of the fear is key. Thanks.

Don 53, thanks for the words of encouragement. It does get scary to think that maybe you are going backwards, but you are right - we have come out of it before and will again. I know in my heart that I can't possibly go all the way back - I know too much. So I'm trying to be kind to myself and accept that "growth spurts" are natural to the healing process. I've decided to slow down the pace of my activities a bit, recommit to doing the basics, and to work on the real issues that I'm distracting myself from with my fear. Good luck with your own growth spurt!

SilverSpring,

This is the most crucial part of recovery and that is learning not to fear your anxiety or panic feelings; learning that they are normal under certain circumstances and that those feelings ALWAYS pass. There is NOTHING wrong with you! You are just HIGHLY ALERT and AWARE.
Stress can do that to a person. Incredible huh?
I think that's why it's so hard for so many to get over the fact that it's ONLY anxiety and stress...nothing to fear. It's hard to believe that something so minor can feel SO bad! But it's true! Keep telling yourself the truth about your symptoms. "It's only anxiety, It will pass, I have felt this before and nothing serious happened, I ACCEPT HOW I AM FEELING and I will not run from it anymore.

Fear of anxiety symptoms, fear of a panic attack or when it may ever come back and walking around in fear of having it "happen again" is not recovering and it GUARANTEES it to return!!! Everyone MUST accept anxiety as part of life and perhaps a growth spurt with an occassional panic attack. It's all part of growing and learning to be better and wiser. If more people come to terms with this truth, then recovery is not far at all !!

It is most crucial to face your fears/symptoms in order to overcome them. Don't reject them, no matter how uncomfortable they are!

The process of recovery lies in your own skills.
You can recovery as quickly as you want or as slowly as you want. YOU choose just how you want to recover.

The truth is, the sooner you face the fear/symptoms, the sooner you will be over them!
Why prolong it anymore?

Learning the skills is like riding a bike. Once you learn, you never forget!

I wish you the very best SilverSpring!

Dear Sunset, thank you for the very kind and very wise words. I would have responded sooner, but I just only discovered that you can search and pull-up old postings! I'm trying to do as you suggest, and accept the anxiety instead of fearing (or hating) it. Not always easy to do, but it is key I think. So thank you!