I went through the program about 4 years ago. Lately, I have had a few full blown panic attacks that I've had to take medication for.I started listening to my tapes to try and figure out why. I think it's stress related to my 18 yr. old trying to push her independence. Last night I had to leave a family christmas party because I felt so bad. I never thought I would be going down this road again, I've done really well since going through the program and haven't needed medication. I'm scared I won't be able to overcome this. I suffered with the anxiety for 16 years before doing the program. I am a worrier and a thinker. I've been telling myself to let go and let God. And as far as my 18yr. old is concerned, I know I can't protect her from everything, but I still worry. Any help? Do any of the coaches check this site? My coach was Rena.

Hi Staten,
I wanted to let you know, I too recently went through a growth spurt that trough me for a loop.I thought I had these panic attacks licked and wham!!! And I did have to take ativan alittle while. It does feel more intense when you have not a panic attack for a long time.Its not that its worst it only feels like it is because its been so long keep that in mind. You wont go back how you were you know to much now about the condition and also the skills.I agree I think the stress of your daughter is the reason your having them again.Is she going away to college? If so thats hard to deal with. Dont be to hard on yourself and get back to the relaxation tape and program. You will get there again just dont expect too much from yourself now being around christmas and its hard with the holidays being around the corner cause we think we should be happy and everything.Just be yourself and get back to the basics.
Goodluck
Lisa

{{{{{Rena}}}}}

It's so hard to go through growth spurts. Just a few weeks ago, I was having many days filled with peace and contentment, and now I'm struggling again. But I'm determined to work my way through this. I know that I am doing better than I would have before I found Attacking Anxiety and all the other support systems I have at hand.

Rena, let's hang in there together. We know that using the skills helps. Reaching out like you are doing today (and like I am doing with you) is important. Let people support and help you.

It's so hard when someone you love is not going in what seems to be the right direction for them. You want so much to be able to help them make the right decisions. But how many times have people tried to get us to do something that we maybe weren't ready to do? Did they succeed until we were ready? Probably not.

The best we can do is hang in there with our troubled loved ones, keep loving them, and keep trying to help.

Thanks for the support. I'm really looking at what has brought me to this place and listening to my tapes. I know I have to just think positive and be aware of the good days, and know i'll get through the bad. And I will! I've been doing my relaxation and trying to watch my diet[suger, caffeine...] I know this can trigger it for me. It's great to have support from someone who has gone through this also. Thanks guys, happy holidays!!

Rena I am currently going through a growth spurt. I went throught the program almost two years ago and have been great sense then. I recently lost my grandmother and my best friend, graduated from college, and my boyfriend moved in, all in the last 9 months. So when I started feeling nervous again I tried to say of course I feel this way, look at what I have went through. Of course my mind started running away with itself and all that jazz. This went on for about a month, b/c I refused to go to the doctor. I finally decided to go and get on an anitdepressant b/c I was crying all the time. I have been taking it for two weeks and started the program again. After starting the program and journalling I found that I have got into a lot of those old negative thinking patterns. This is really easy to do. I think that when the panic and anxiety stops, we slowly go back to old ways of thinking. Remember we are creatures of habit and it is really easy to go back to the way we have always been. I am going to make and effort this time to review the program at least once per year to keep everything fresh in my mind. I think one reason it seems so scarey is b/c we beat our selves up. You know that "why me, why does this have to come back now, I don't think I can handle this again, whats wrong with me that I can't get over this" see, I know that's what was going through my head again, I had started seeing myself as a victim. Instead of capiable. I started being afraid of the anxiety and running from it. I know you remember all these things from the program, but isn't it crazy how quickly we can forget them and become totally consumed with why do we feel this way, whats wrong with me, why can't I just be normal. Well I think I could sit here and write a book. But one thing I have figured out is I have started keeping track of my negative thoughts and realized how many I am actucally having, b/c as we all know that is where the problem starts. Well I wish you all the luck and remember that God is going to take care of you and your family, worrying is not going to get you anywhere but depressed and nervous. You can do this, look how far you have come in the last four years, this is just a little set back, you will be back on track in no time, but remember you have to tell yourself that and believe, b/c we do!!

Hang in there - you got better before and you can do it again. You are facing new challenges and you need to find new strategies and ways to cope with the changes in your life, that's normal.

Perhaps your daughter will be leaving the nest soon (going away to college) ?? If this is the case, then you are experiencing new fears and issues that a lot of parents face.

Do you have any wise friends with children your daughter's age who could advise you or just listen to you vent when you need it? Maybe you could visit your local library or bookstore to find better strategies and ways to cope with your 18 year old?

Good luck

Staten,

Thanks for your post. I too am a worrier and constant thinker and that's what starts my "downward spiral" of anxiety symptoms. When I don't feel well or am stressed quite a bit I start to catastrophize about my physical symptoms like a headache or muscle tightness in my shoulders and neck. Please realize that all you are experiencing in anxiety and it's nothing more. You will be able to overcome this as you have before. Don't let your downward spiral begin. Use the techniques you learned in the program, breathing, relaxation techniques, positive soothing self-talk, changing negative thoughts into positive reassuring ones. Once the spiral begins it drags people like you and me down with it. Don't let it begin. It's anxiety and nothing more.