Hello,
I really need some feedback from anyone who can relate. Two years ago I went through the program and was amazed by the results. I was always worrying about my health and had a lot of anticipatory anxiety. Things have been going very well for me and I know now that I have the coping skills...until recently. Just this Saturday I was home for Thanksgiving and fainted when I woke up in the morning. Now, that was always one of my biggest fears, this time I knew it wasn't a panic attack. I was taken to the emergency room and it ended up that I was dehydrated and just was not taken care of myself. The doctor tested me for all other problems and everything turned out positive. For anyone else this would be great, but not for someone with has had past anxiety problems. My problem now is the stong anxiety I am feeling after. I am so afraid that I will faint again, I am nervous to go back to work...all my old feelings of anxiety are returning. I just feel like I am starting all over. If anyone could please give me some inspiration or advice, I really need it. Thanks...

I think it would be a good idea to go back over the program. You obviously had a good reason for the fainting. So, as long as you are drinking and eating well then you have nothing to worry about. But of course, our anxiety would have us believe otherwise. Watch what you are saying to yourself and turn around those negative thoughts and beging to take good care of yourself. YOu will be feeling better in no time. You know too much now!!! Reena

I'd say go over the program again too!!

You need to tell yourself the truth about why you fainted in the first place! It wasn't some freak thing that happened. There was a reason....you were dehydrated!!

You don't need to fear this happening again and get yourself all worked up. Just take it as a reminder to take care of yourself and drink plenty of fluid. Your body needs at least 8 tall glasses a day!!

that anticipating something bad is gonna happen at work are all negative thoughts, i'd suggest you go through the program again, and try and fill your head with more positive thoughts. and about the fainting, i wouldn't worry too much about it, just because you faint, doesn't mean you have an anxiety problem again. try not to expect yourself to have perfect health, you may have problems from time to time, its no big deal, just handle it the best you can, and just try not to worry so much.

Everybody has offered great advice. One thing that helped me "recover" quickly whenever I experienced a panic attack which immediately sent me reeling back into those old feelings were the words of my mother. She would say "You were able to overcome this before and you can do it again."

You stated that you have felt good for the past few years. Cling to that thought and listen to a couple of Lucinda's tapes - perhaps the one about setbacks. I have not yet listened to that tape. I am saving it for some reason. (Mainly because I am a weirdo LOL).
Good luck.
Shawn.

As I have talked about in other topics, I went through a very similar program about 21 years ago. The skills I learned in coping with anxiety was priceless. I have used them in all of the crises in my life. I became ill in the past spring, and I've had some difficulty that lasted longer than my most recent set back. Usually, when I relapse, it only lasts a little while. I am much better, coping well, but it is very disheartening when something like this happens. Think of your passing out as a something measurable that can be treated quickly. You know what caused it, and while it may scare you for a while, just keep taking care of yourself physically. I would be just like you though. That used to be a major fear of mine too. I've almost passed out a couple of times and it feels terrible when that happens. I can totally empathize with you. Take care. Try not to worry too much. It sounds like you are doing fine. Annette