The first and second steps of dealing with anxiety are acceptance and permission. I have a real problem with this.
I am not afraid of anxiety, I am repulsed by it. I hate and reject being anxious/afraid. I do not want to feel it -- so I choose to avoid situations that produce those feelings.
So what do I do? I would like to have someone teach me to do things beforehand, so I can them properly, without embarrassment.

Gary,
This program is about teaching you how to face situations. It gives you skills to use. I hope you will not feel embarassed about having anxiety, because you are certainly not alone.
Approx. 3 million people are diagnosed with anxiety disorder a year.
Anxiety isnt leporsy, or cancer. It can be treated and overcome. Once you realize and accept anxiety, then you can begin the process of retraining your thinking and controling the symptoms. Avoidance is the worst thing we can do. The more you avoid, the less you will do.
I wish you well

Hey Gary, I can relate. When I was first diagnosed with GAD, I refused to accept it by ignoring it. So I ignored it for about 7 months and the anxiety went away for about a year.

Unfortunately, it returned with a vengeance. I then became agoraphobic and mildly depressed. The more I waited for it to get better, the worse it got. I too was angry and couldn't believe I had anxiety!! Afterall, I was a VP at an ad agency, and was always in high stressful situations with no problem.

So this time around a lab technician recommended Lucinda's program. I also received a book called "Freedom from Fear" by Dr. Howard Liebgold (he had anxiety for 31 year's and avoided everything but going to work and staying home).

I'm on week 10 of the program, and I DON'T avoid the things that used to make me anxious. I learned tools this time around. I learned that the only way out is to go through things. The anxiety will disappate, and you can conquer it. I still get anxiety when I awake, but I don't dwell anymore.

This program, along with Howard's book has helped me immensely. Don't lose those precious moments, and live your life to the fullest!! You can learn the tools needed through Lucinda's program. You can conquer your fear, and be cured. I'm a true believer!!! Get going on the program, and you'll began to see positive change.

God bless, Suz

suz64,

Thanks for that post. I was wondering what it is about his book that helped you so much? I have read many books and done many programs and I am still suffering from GAD I can stop an anxiety attack yet I am symptomatic daily..........just don't feel good, feel off. I feel a little nervous, off balance, apprehensive about going places and doing things. Anxiety has really changed my life. I am now after eight years considering Lexapro.

Thanks,

Coco

Bump

Coco - where do I start?!! Howard's book has helped me because of his credibility as a doctor and sufferer for anxiety for 31 year's. After the sad suicide of his son at age 21 due to agoraphobia, he believed in a cure and achieved one.

I've used the cortical shift many times, and it works. For example, at the dentist I bring my ipod, sing and lose sight that they are working on my teeth. When I feel really anxious at home, I do a puzzle or crossword game. But, you know the thing that help me the most was discovering I had a "Boo" inside of me telling me negative stuff and also the thought of "What will people think if". I talk back to the "Boo" and he has no power over me and I don't care what people think. If I throw up or choke in front of someone, I just do it. I'm not afraid of being embarassed.

Also, I like how the Dr. made me do hierachy's to conquer a fear. These are a baby steps before you get to the actual fear situation. I did this for a few of my fears and it worked. Also, positive affirmations have helped (Lucinda's program has been a great help too).

I've accepted the fact in order to conquer a fear you must go through it. The more you do it, the anxiety will start to dissapate. I know it's uncomfortable at first, but YOU CAN DO IT!!!!

God bless, Suz

In order to get past the anxiety and panic, you have to experience it through. The program provides the coping skills needed in order to go through the anxious feelings.

Remember whatever you resist, persists. You have to face the anxiety, no matter how uncomfortable it makes you feel, use your skills and see it through. You'll be so glad you took this step because freedom is waiting on the other side. Either you give it a shot or you stay in the same situation your in, which is no fun. You can do it!