I've been going to this program for like a month now and haven't been around people for over 6 years besides my mother, father and children. And everynight before I go to sleep, I am so worried I'm going to embarass myself or lose control at this program, I like it when I'm there, I feel good to get out and I'm starting to socialize, but before I go to bed I'm so scared and when I wake up, I'm scared to go out the door and get to the program.

Don't worry, Lisann (is that Lisa Ann? - that's my name too). It takes time and it is a struggle to overcome this, but you will. I am on Session 9 this week. For the first time in a very long time, I woke up yesterday and this morning without any anxiety!!! It is wonderful, but there were days when I wondered if it would ever end. Every week of the program, I felt better and better, but now I feel GOOD. Geez, it feels good to say that! You'll get there! Hang in there!

I'm assuming you're talking about the program that you mention in your profile.??? Not the MWC program. Is this correct?
Do you have the Attacking Anxiety and Depression program Lisann? It would help tremendously with what you're dealing with.
Lots of people with anxiety worry too much, don't have much confidence socially, obsess about losing control, have scary thoughts and other issues.
You're not alone on this website.
That's what THIS program is all about - helping us to overcome these negatives by learning new, positive coping skills, and building our self esteem and confidence.

God bless and hugs

And I thought I had panic atttacks I am in my first/second week and I am realizing that is all me....You know for the first time in my life I am observing myself very detailed and I noticed when I am having the panic attack that if I said to myself this is just anxiety, and other comforting thoughts my heart start racing slower. now if I stop the comforting thoughts my heart start racing faster.....is like a control remote....I haven't been able to stop it all along but I know if I keep trying, eventually will ..I just had to face it...is all me, and is funny that is all me! Can you believe that? All the times I quit jobs, school,was all me... You have the key, I have the key..
Hugs

Moontale,
Yes i agree with you!!! It is all US!!
Im so glad that clicked for you, and the further along you get, the more you will be able to control it, immediately!! A couple years ago, my doctor showed me how you could slow your heart, and lower your blood pressure, with just calm, comforting thoughts!! For anxious people its good to know how. This program reinforces what my medical doctor showed me.. It is funny, to realize what we can do to ourselves with BAD thinking!!! Congrats Moontale!!! take care Nelly

quote:

I've been going to this program for like a month now and haven't been around people for over

mello nello
would you mind showing me this trick with the heart rate and blood pressure these are my two struggles

Lisann, follow the program and it will guide you on overcoming the "what will people think/what if" stage. What's worked for me in the very beginning was hierchies.

If my fear was eating at restaurants and being around people, I'd began my hierchy as follows:

-Step one, drive to a location where you want to eat. Drive home.
- Step two, order some food with a friend (not your family) from that place, observe the people there, and eat at home.
- Step three, do the same, but alone.
- Step four, eat at the restaurant with some friends.

If you take baby steps, it'll be much easier to conquer your fear!!! Your fear will disappate, as you repeat your initial fear.

I'm on week 11 of the program and have improved so much. I've learned a lot of things about myself, and I'm making the necessary changes to my life. I feel good!!!! You can too! Just start the program, and do everything it tells you too.

Also, I recommend a book by Dr. Howard Liebgold, "Freedom from Fear". He had anxiety for 31 year's and overcame it. He provides the medical side of anxiety, along with cognitive behavioral therapy, just like Lucinda.

Good luck and God bless, Suz

It's great that you're going out to the program and you like it and feel good when you're there, plus you're starting to socialize, which is great since you haven't been around other people in so long. That's a major step! Your thoughts about embarrassing yourself and losing control while there, are just thoughts, that's it. Think about it....have you ever lost control before? What we don't realize is that when we have issues with anxiety, we have a heightened sense of what we're doing, what we're saying, etc. You can't and won't lose control. Heck, we all embarrass ourselves at times, nobody is perfect, try not to analyze the situation to death. Before bed, remind yourself of all the good feelings you have while you're out. You said you actually like it, that's a step in the right direction. I wish you the best!