Hi everyone, i havn't been here for a while, I did the program a couple years ago and it truly changed my life-- i had all the symptoms, severe panic, depression and agoraphobia. I still struggle at times, but i have come so far and have also been able to share what i learned with a lot of people. When I do still experience some anxious feelings, I can tell why and what to do about it. i am learning to be realistic and not beat myself up. i am challenging myself more and more, and that does produce a normal anxiety.

My triumph is that I just spent 4 days in NYC. I flew from Oregon by myself to meet my husband there (he was on a business trip) Flying is still hard for me, but I did it-- and applied what I learned in the program. I realized my anxiety is more about how i feel thatn about the actual flying. I used my skills and got through it. I looked at some online free courses about flying fears and that helped me-- I could see people around me that were visably nervous and felt better when i said I was, too. After getting home, in a way I have had a lot of thoughts that are hard on myself-- i didn't do good enough because i still felt nervous, But I am replacing those thoughts with comforting ones. The fact that i would even go at all, and I was able to enjoy the city so much with out even a panic attack to me is a miracle and a credit to time, hard work and the mid west center. If you havn't done the program, please do it! If you are in process, be patient. This is me 3 or 4 years later, still using the skills-- but for new challenges like flying to NYC or taking karate and making new friends etc. at first it was just getting out of my house, driving, getting groceries. What Lucinda says about giving yourseld credit for every little or big step, for trying and practising is really key.

I am glad to read that you are doing so well ! Hard work always pays off . I lived in Oregon for 2 years on the coast I also flew to NY were I am origanly from while I was out there and I no that the plane ride can be overwhelming even if you dont have anxiety, so you definitly should be proud of yourself !!!!!!!!

I think that that is just wonderful. This process can be a little scary. I am just starting to understand my own value and it is nice. For the most part I have no avoidances and love to fly.......my major struggle is that of my own self-esteem and goals. Anyways, cheers. And I love what you said about it taking time. I have been on this "journey" for about a year or so now and it is scary and exciting and well worth it.