One of the biggest problems that I have been facing lately is the ability to stop analyzing. But I have realized so much now how important our THOUGHTS play a part of this terrible downward cycle. Once you start to grab a hold of your thoughts - accept them for what they are and realize they are far from what is true, things start coming into perspective. But I will tell you from first hand experience - it all takes TIME. Time and practice. And I mean LOTS of it. You have taken the path of negative thinking for so long, and as the positive self talk keeps taking strides over those well worn paths, the more natural they start feeling. I've noticed it within myself. It's so hard to believe sometimes, but if you continue to stay strong and stay confident, I really now do believe it will be SO well worth it in the long run. The more I read from others, it's all so natural to question your ability to if you can truly possibly get over this problem. I believe you can - and with the simple belief that you can - you are already on your path to recovery. It all lies within. As I work with my self esteem and my positive attitude and CONSTANT positive self talk I can feel the change within me, and it feels very very strange. I just don't think I'm used to it. But as the weeks, the months and the days pass on by I can feel how things slowly get easier. I dealt with panic and anixety for well over 2 years and I had let it consume to much of my time - to much of my thoughts and feelings until I finally had enough. My biggest journey is getting over the fear of feeling that feeling - getting over not being scared of thoughts. I never stopped going where I had to go - for some reason I never let it get the best of me while I was out - and don't get me wrong, I had plenty of moments during my time when I really thought I was gonna lose it!

Its just the realization that you know that you're NOT going to lose it - and I'm still convincing myself of that now. It takes alot of practice. There are times when I do become very impatient, almost despair at just the feeling or thought of something - but if you learn to just float, and not over react, you will see how the anxiety always lifts....

I think we all will find our happy medium, as long as we're determined to beat this battle that most definitely can be won. I've read so many stories of people who have OVER come this situation - and if they suffered and won, I believe anyone can do it.

I just wonder does the self analyzing finally diminish as you work harder and harder? I still sometimes find myself looking - which I shouldn't be ... testing maybe a thought, or whatever it is .... I noticed I don't do it as much - but it still is there ... I know it takes time and patience ... and I'm working at it....so to anyone who suffers, really - never give up!! I promise you, there is another side to this life and it's WAAAAY better than you ever imagined!

Julez...

Thank you so much for that post. It's as if you wrote it especially for me today. I have suffered from panic disorder on/off for 13 years. I have chosen to get off of Paxil about a year ago and face this battle head on. I have to admit that I feel defeated and as if I'm losing. This past year has been very tough and I've become agoraphobic to a certain degree which I never was before. I avoid things because of my anxiety or drag my husband with me. I never ever did that years before. BUT, I know deep down I have the courage still inside me even though I feel tired and feel like giving up all too often. I don't think I'm doing the positive self talk enough or I'm just not giving it enough time to pass. I'm in such a rush to feel better because I want to have another baby and I feel like my recovery is taking too long.

Anyway, I just want to tell you that your post brought me inspiration and that I even jotted some of your words down so I can look to it for encouragement. Thank you......

Love,
Donna

quote:

Originally posted by Frankie's mom:
Julez...

Thank you so much for that post. It's as if you wrote it especially for me today. I have suffered from panic disorder on/off for 13 years. I have chosen to get off of Paxil about a year ago and face this battle head on. I have to admit that I feel defeated and as if I'm losing. This past year has been very tough and I've become agoraphobic to a certain degree which I never was before. I avoid things because of my anxiety or drag my husband with me. I never ever did that years before. BUT, I know deep down I have the courage still inside me even though I feel tired and feel like giving up all too often. I don't think I'm doing the positive self talk enough or I'm just not giving it enough time to pass. I'm in such a rush to feel better because I want to have another baby and I feel like my recovery is taking too long.

Anyway, I just want to tell you that your post brought me inspiration and that I even jotted some of your words down so I can look to it for encouragement. Thank you......

Love,
Donna

For so long I kept thinking if medication was the answer, but I'm going to promise you - it's NOT. When I first had my panic attack about 3 years ago I was taken to the emergency room at 2am because I hadn't a clue to what was going on. I look back to that night and I don't even cringe about it anymore. I've come WAY to far to ever EVER go back to that - and I tell you this, it takes practice. Just recently back in December is when I decided to take charge of this problem. I had gotten off the medication a while ago, but I never had the coping skills to deal with it - medication to me, only masks the truth. If you're doing the program STICK with it. And truly pay attention to what you're thinking about when you're feeling anxious. I never realized how many negative thoughts I filled my head with when I started feeling nervous and anxious - it was the downward sprial that kept it alive for way to long. If you really start off slowly with the self positive talk you will be amazed at how it will start to become a part of you. I promise you. It's just hard work and practice. And never be afraid to go anywhere. You have to change your attitude when you venture out. Assure yourself that things will be okay, even if you think they're not. Keep that attitude ingrained ... and it will become a natural instinct eventually. I know I definitely have MUCH room for improvement - and I plan on working on myself each and every day now. Self esteem is a very huge factor in this too - When you feel good about yourself and you feel positive the anxiety doesn't exist. That's something to remember. Start feeling good about yourself, even if it doesn't feel right. Eventually it will become natural......I've been feeling great - and like everyone I have my growth spurts, but no matter what I tell myself that might make me think otherwise I know now that I'm going in the right direction - and you can TOO. So go ahead and JUST DO IT!!!!

Julez,
Thanks so much for your post, I found it very affirming and comforting. I am at a very similar point in my recovery. I am off all medication for the first time in decades and have finished the program (first time through, but will go through again) and for the first time in my life I feel ihave the tools to deal with my problems. But it takes time, knowledge, dedication, patience,and compassion. You are so right about self esteem, it is at the root of recovery and is something I need to check in on daily. Compassionate self-talk is now my daily anti-depressent, rather than a pill. If I forget to "take" it, I am likely to feel anxious, down, and just not right. But I would rather be able to deal with these things myself than have to rely on a mysterious medication outside of myself.