Hi, I've just started session 2, listened to the tape for the first time yesterday. Also yesterday I moved back up to school for the semester. I have two roomates that a a bit younger than myself, and they seem into partying and they smoke a bit of the green stuff. They're both nice guys but I get a little worried because I used to smoke. I stopped almost four years ago as my first panic attack actually came after smoking. On top of that I'm having computer problems, can't access my schedule, don't have my books, etc. I'm having trouble finding a place to do the relaxation tape where I won't be disturbed, as well as being descrete about doing the program.

SO as anyone might guess all these things are adding up and giving me anxiety. I think my biggest problem is the worry that my roomates or others are gonna see me doing the program or something and pass jsugement. I am also generally uncomfortable in social environments as well. I've been trying to use the 6 steps to reduce my anxiety but, I'm having trouble in some areas. When identifying what I am truly anxious about I feel it can be many things and am still unsure what can be causing a particular moment of anxiety. As far as positive self talk goes, I'm not that far in the program, and honestly negative thinking is one of my biggest problems. Right now the negative thoughts won't go away. If anyone has some advice on what to do I would appreciate it.

HI
I just finished session two, it was a high anxiety time for me too and it seemed like some days were worse than others. I felt like I had rippe dthe anxiety wide open and could not be discreet about it anymore, nust had to face it head on. The more they talked about the symptoms the more I felt it. But I worked through it and am now ready for session 3.
This may sound harsher than I mean it, Privacy is hard to find, invest in headphones or know that this program is for you and if they can't understand and respect that , that is their problem not yours. It takes a strong person to take action and make changes in their life like you are. You don't owe anyone anything, no explanations, nothing. Take care and do what is ebst for you. You have nothing to feel embarrassed about. I hope ypu hang in there and work the program, Breathe, chat with others and really find yourself and build up what is good and important in you.
I beleive in you

Thank you for teh response fl2nc. I am definatley feeling alot of anxiety this week. Based on what the lesson said alot of it is external--small things, but they add up. I guess I end up obsessing over some of those things and internalize it, at least thats as far as see it now. But I don't know if some of this anxiety is just growing pains or is serious. I'm questioning whether I am doing the program right, I try to do teh relaxation at least once a day, and some times that is hard. As for session 2 and the six step to stop a panic attack, some of teh steps give me trouble. I can easily recognise when I am feeling anxious, so theres step one. As far as figuring out what is really bothering me, I don;t know. There is alot going on and I can't seem to pin point it some times. As far as allowing myself to be anxious or excepting, the anxiety, I think I'm doing that ok. I just try to look at it as a physical feeling that will soon pass. I have trouble with positive self talk, as I am a very negative thinker. And as far as finding humor in my situation, I find it hard at times too.

I'll give an example of some of the anxiety that I have been having recently. I'm getting very high anxiety after working out hard. Now to give a little background, I am a 22 year old man, a few extra pounds but I have been dieting and exercising for a while and going down in weight. I have been doing kung-fu for years and am one belt away from black, belt, only my anxiety and a bit of physical conditioning keep me from reaching this goal. In the past few months when I've worked out and gotten my heart rate up high for a good period of time, I've been feeling like I can't breathe and what not. Now I know it is normal to be out of breathe from a work out, but it seemed worse. I went to the doctor not too long ago and he said my lungs were clear and I may have some mild seasonal allergies. A month later I had to take a physical for my summer job and that doctor noticed nothing out of the ordinary with my lung or breathing. Yet breathing and the feeling of choking is becoming a real problem for me, especially after working out. Today I did 20 minutes on the stair master at medium-high level. I did fine, and obviously my body was fine as I made it through the work out. But after cooling down that anxiety came, I got through it, but now my fear is that I am going to have to deal with this anxiety every time I work out, and I can't have that. This is what is really worrying me. I need some suggestions on how to get the most out of this lesson, and alsoif I do the lesson right, should it help with this problem?

I am for the first time taking part in an online chat room. I have always been told not to use chat rooms. So this is a high stress for me especially doing it at work. I am not suppose to this is the only time I have my computer at home wasn't working anymore so I ditched it. This is the only access I have. Am I doing it right? I have just started session 2. I am also having a hard time trying to listen to the relaxation tapes.
Purity

Hello everyone. This is my first time here. i'm hispanic and my writing is not the best. anyways, i'm 27yo now but since when i was a child a remember having problems with anxiety and panic attacks and i never knew, i was always scared, afraid of everything until last year that i started looking information online about my feelings. all my life its been dark, even if i've pretended to be just fine it's been a hell inside of me.it's been a dark life. I started the program about 2 weeks ago and i'm just about to start session 3, its been really really helpfull. at the begining a felt very anxiuos, but now i'm very happy that its truelly working out.
I work around a lot of people, so it's been hard but usefull for me because i have the chance to put the program's skills in practice everyday. i'm very happy and i know that i can and we all can defeat this evil feelings. all i know it's that everyone out there should keep up with the program and we'll success and be a different happy people at the end.

Eickp, your writing is Fine-please continue to write and help others...there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Purity, why were you not supposed to go into a chat room? If you have any trouble in here, please write to me at the Midwest Center.

Bcos, Have you ever heard of exercise induced anxiety? It sounds like you are experiencing it. If you know a good physical therapist he/she can probably explain the biology of it...it is not a concern unless you allow it to stop you from exercising! Use the times it happens to practice your six steps. When you understand what is happening in your body you will stop feeding it fear and therefore it will be very managable and probably eventually not even be noticeable.

It's all about the thinking, Carolyn

I'm new here. I am a school teacher and have had problems with anxiety all my life. I started having panic attacks about 4 years ago. I had one particular bad one at school and had to be taken to the hospital. Now, every single day at school is a battle for me. Since starting the program I have only been feeling MORE anxious than ever ESPECIALLY at school. Right now I had to leave, I came home. I could not handle it, I feel like a looser and ashamed of having to FINALLY admit this problem to a co-worker. I don't what to do. I want to get past this stage as I don't know if I can go to work like this.... any suggestions?

wow. Dont judge but I used to smoke "green" as you call it too. It used to calm my nerves, but after having a panic attack after doing so I totally chose not to anymore. And now when I have one it feels like I am getting too "high" or what ever, but I do not smoke anymore so I am not "high" but thats what it feels like.