Hi! I am new to the program. Before listening to session two, I thought I might have had a couple of panic attacks before. Now, I realize I have them constantly and never knew it! I understand that I am supposed to accept the anxiety for what it is. I just don't know how to "distract myself" from it. Many of my attacks occur because I start to walk and I cannot do it. My legs will not move at all. I begin to feel faint and I fear falling. How am I supposed to distract myself from this? Does anyone out there know what I am talking about? If so, please help!

Hello Yes I can really relate to what you're talking about.It happened to me for along time.I starting having anxiety disorder about 14 years ago.My answer to your question is don't be afraid of these feelings.I know it's so much easier said then done but it's really the only way out of this.Trust in yourself.I don't know if you're a Christian or not but trusting in God really got me through.If you continue to be afraid of these feelings your panic will stay because you are feeding it.A good thing to start saying is "This anxiety doesn't control me,I control it!" Believe this with all of your heart and you will soon be on your way to a much better life free of panic.I promise you.I will go ahead and tell you that I was also a complete agoraphobic for over 2 years.When I say complete I do mean housebound.I am now back out in the world really starting to enjoy my life.My progress is moving forward quickly.Remember this anxiety doesn't control you,you control it.That is key in recovering.I had the same fear as you.There is a way out.If you need anymore help I am here for you.My email address is susansuda5200@gmail.com. God bless you!

Thank you for your support. I am a Christian. I know that God is looking out for me because even though I have my problems, my life is good. I just get so wound up in feelings of panic, anxiety and depression that I literally forget He is there. This leaves me feeling guilty and the cycle continues. I want to be independent and I realize that I need help. I have been to psychiatrists, counselors, support groups etc and I have taken several different meds. I'm still on meds now. Counseling works for a while and then I slide right back down where I was before...still looking for the RIGHT answer. I believe I've found it here. Congratulations on your recovery, and again, thank you for writing. We'll talk again soon. God bless you!

Hi Susan, Your message to Mandi was very inspiring, and is giving me some encouragement. I too have had anxiety issues for about 25 years or so....but despite surviving and thriving all of these years...I just can not seem to get used to the feelings of anxiety because they always strike when I am with others either in a social situation, or, while teaching my classes. I find it very hard to accept that spacey feeling when I am teaching 30 kids Any suggestions would be great. Thanks, June

Hi June,

I have a thought...that spacey feeling has been a huge part of my panic attacks, but something Lucinda said on her coaching video really helped me. She said that spacey feeling is your mind going on a mini-vacation. So, the past two days, I've been starting to say to myself when I start feeling a little detached, "Oh, here goes my mind on a mini vacation." And I just let my mind go on vacation if it wants to--maybe it needs a break! Each time I have done this, my spacy feeling has gone away and it has not escalated! Just an idea.