I just started the program last week. Now I truly feel like a mess. I guess just admiting that you have had issues all these years is hard. So, I am really trying to do the work and get myself better. Then something happens within my family and I get sent over the edge. I am in a really bad place today. How do you pick youself up and deal with all of this?

Dear Kim, don't try to deal with ALL of the this...none of us could do that. Perhaps people without the handicap of anxiety disorders can do that. ?

You are in the learning phase and you need to give yourself permissions to be an observer. Watch how the thoughts create the feelings...observe. Watch people that you think know how to manage life without excess stress. Observe. Write about it in your journal.

Remember and give permission for a bit of an increase in anxiety right now-not just bec. there's "stuff" going on in the family-but bec. you are in a learning stage-which creates change-change creates a bit of anx. all by itself. Give yourself a break!

Also: important point-when you listen to lesson/session 1-one of the main points is that your personality traits are pretty great-it's just that you and I learned how to OVER do them and that's what leads us to anx.

Be kind to yourself-Carolyn

Thanks Carolyn! I really needed to hear that right now!

hi there I have just started my program up to and it gave me a bit af anx. but I am on tape 3 starting today . I have had to go back a few times and listen to tape 2 it was great its about dep. anx. and panic . and how to OVERCOME THEM it has been great to me the more that you learn in the program the more you can take on things but like Carolyn said you cant take on so meanythings set back and watch others and remember that JOURNAL it has been a god send to me .and so helpfull. I look back and I see all the things that I worried about most of tehm I would lol about and yes a couple was family related and friends and such but I did over react on my thoughts tirned out it was all okay in the end of the day and I just drew myself more anx than I needed so remember to stay strong and do the program and homework they help so much .. take care and god bless

Hi. I noticed that I am feeling it a bit more after starting the program too. But what I have realized, is that I have been dealing with it for so long, that I have become used to it. Now I am becoming more aware that I am anxious when I am anxious, so it seems worse. I know for sure that this is just a normal part of the healing process though, things are surfacing, and at the same time, this program is teaching me how to deal with it. I sort of look at it like an anxiety detoxification. I've also noticed that my body is becoming accustomed to the relaxation session, and it is working better every time I do it, plus my body is almost starting to try and relax itself when I notice anxiety. Although it seems like so much all at once, I really do believe that it is going to pay off in the long run. I'm still really messed up, and at times, I feel like I am so messed up this might not last, and I'll just fall back in to the same old rut, but I'm keeping hope alive, I can't live like this any longer. I just wanted to share, and it feels good to express it. I hope that it helps if anybody can relate.

I'm finding it kinda hard to communicate on the forums. I thought I was really outgoing most of the time, but in a way now it seems like I'm happy just to retreat and read what others have posted.

I posted a few times and didn't get much of a response which made me feel insignificant.

My biggest problem is agoraphobia with panic disorder. I've had this since I was 17 and am now 51, so it's very difficult for me to even IMAGINE being better.

I have a hard time thinking of what I'd like to do if I didn't have panic attacks, because I don't think I've ever allowed myself to "dream" or have much of an imagination. It was really difficult for me to think of things I'd like to do. Also, there are financial difficulties, and it seems like everything I WOULD like to do I don't have money to do.

I forget alot of what I read. I'm sleeping alot and tired all the time, and my fiance' is here when I am awake and it's hard for me to do the program when someone's here.

Please....... someone give me some advice!!

Hi cathy ann, wish i had some advice for you! I can relate to not even being able to imagine what it is like without panic attacks. Years ago I just came to accept that this is the way I am and there is nothing that will change it. I do the things I have to (work,etc), but the rest of the time I stay home and avoid people. working on session 2 right now, so not feelin much better, though there is a spark of hope somewhere... Never chatted online, so im having a hard time with this too.

i ask myself will this get better a lot. it is easy on good days to feel like it will get better, but it's hard on days where everything seems to get to me.

i would say that my biggest issue with getting angry with everyone and everything. it's hard to see through those moments and walk through the steps we have been taught.

i've only been at this for a little bit now. i'm on session 2 and i know it is going to help. i just get a little frustrated when i can't see the brighter side. it comes and goes. i look forward to always seeing a brighter side.

HI THIS WILL GET BETTER we just have to be patient! we have to keep doing the work listening to the cd's and relaxation cd which is great!! i am on session 2 and i love the facts that they give about panic attacks!! i been dealing with this too long way to long but its time to let it go and live happy!! this program will help us all !! just keep moving on and keep the prayers high!! good luck everybody!!