I have gone through the program twice. Once by myself and the second time with a coach. I started feeling seperated from the world and my surroundings 5 yrs. ago and still do not feel like myself. I think I am afraid to change because I am afraid that I will have a (as Ken said) full blown panic attack like I did 6 yrs. ago. Do any of you have any suggestions as to what I can do? In the world that I am living in now I feel nothing and don't feel any emotions. My daughters are concerned about me and I have started seeing a therapist upon their request because they said "Mom, we know that you are not happy." I have read Lucinda's book from Panic to Power plus the book about Self-talk. I feel good when I am reading them and then I go back to my old rut. Any suggestions? I want to be in control but it is like a black cloud hanging over me that I can't get rid of. Thanks for any comments you may have or any help you can give me.

Geri, Nothing is easy I remember going months with that black cloud with no smile in site. Its takes a lot of concentrated breathing to help relieve the stress. Dont forget your relaxation tape that is key, if you feel uneasy after the first time you listen listen again, whisper to your self IT IS JUST A ATTACK IT WILL PASS. and it WILL....I know how you feel make your self be around at least one person, I know its hard but thats easier than a group of people.BAKE BAKE BAKE,that smell is so pleasing. or Just email me. I am more than willing to give you GOOD CONVERSATION.Ariza0710@aol.com

Geri

I am sorry you aren't feeling up to par. Seems like you are depressed. Has your therapist suggested an anti-depressant? This may help clear your mind so that you get to the root of why you are stuck at this point. I used an anti-depressant last year (Remeron for 5 months) because I was so overly-stressed (remodeling house and working ridiculous hours) that I totally let the anxiety take over, I was afraid of everything all over again and then I got depressed and everything seemed hopeless. The medication did help the depression almost immediatly. Sometimes we have to be able to ask for help(and take it). Oh- and redo the program again! I have the tapes from 1996/97 and I still listen and learn from them. This is a life long process. The tools and there for you to use. Just let the fog lift and trust yourself that you can do it.

Take care-Silvana

I can relate to how you're feeling. I got to lesson 12 and realized that I really need to go through the program again. This time more thoroughly. Some days I feel like I haven't progressed at all. While others are such an improvement. It's so hard to change your attitude.

They say it takes time and patience to allow the program materials work for you. I think that I'm so impatient that it makes my symptoms worse. I want to change so badly that I think it causes more stress. Can you relate to any of this?

We just have to be more kind to ourselves and allow the time it takes to change.

Thanks for all of your comments. I really appreciate it. I do think that part of my problem is my patience is "wearing thin". I am going to check with my Dr. about the Remeron. It is helpful to check the site and be able to say what you are feeling to those who are going through the same thing.

Thanks again,
Geri

Hi Geri,

You'll need to allow yourself to go through the panic attacks as often as necesesary. Eventually, it gets easier the more you allow yourself to go through them. You will get to a place where you no longer fear them.

Remember your inner child. Let her know that you will not abandon her. Tell her that you will go through the attacks with her. Visualize her on your lap (or get a doll to represent you the little girl) and hold her through the "storm". It's OK. Talk very soothing and loving to her. Stay out of your thinking mind and pay attention to the feelings, the sensations that you feel in your body. The feelings you have are not the problem. It's what your thoughts are telling you about those feelings that is the problem. Do your best to stay with the feeling. Everytime you find yourself back in thought, leave the thought where it is and gently bring yourself back to where the sensation in your body is. Keep doing this until you notice you are staying with the feeling for longer periods of time.

You say you are afraid to feel, but the more you allow yourself to feel, the more at peace you will be.

Blessings to you, Geri. You can do it!
Boo

Geri,

I had the similar experience. Even though Lucinda has said in the program that we need to allow panic to happen, I arranged my life in such a way that reduce the chances of having stress or panic. I was so afraid of another panic attacks I would do anything to avoid one.

Well, avoiding panic attack is an illusion. Then I was accidentally being pushed into a very stressful situation and yes, I had my next panic attack . But guess what, I tried very hard to remember all the skills I had learned: controlled breathing, reassuring myself that the panic would soon pass, "It is just an anxiety attack!" It worked! The panicky feeling subsided. I made it go away! Now I am no longer afraid of panic attacks. I don't want one. But I am not in fear. And that is the key.

It is important to put yourself out so you can use the skills you learned from the programs, books, seminars. All the knowledge would remain other people's wisdom until you test them out yourself.

It is very scary. I didn't put myself out voluntarily. I was pushed into the swimming pool then found out, "Hey, this isn't bad at all!"

I would suggest make a list of things that you are not comfortable with. And pick one or two that you think you would enjoy the outcome if you get around to do them. Then make sure you have your support system, your daughters sound wonderful. Then try to do them. e.g. You might enjoy going to concert but not feeling comfortable in a crowd. Try it.

Everything starts with Step 1. Good luck.

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