I'm on tape 4 now, have made good progress so far, except that last night I woke up and was having a major panic attack. It really scared me as I was sound asleep and woke up this way, I felt that I was going to choke. I have no idea why it came on, I can't remember dreaming anything. I began the breathing exercise and it began to subside slowly. I have not had a panic attack in six years since I have been avoiding the source of my panic (interstate driving). Also, I have not attempted any interstate driving yet, still don't feel ready. I felt dissassociated all morning (even after the relaxation tape and exercise), but feel better this afternoon. I have been following the program, i.e., limiting caffeine (I used to be in the "pot-a-day" club), exercising, using the relaxation tape everyday, eating healthily, completing the assignments. Does anyone know what's going on with me - have any of you experienced this?
Susan
Posts: 175 | Location: Atlanta, GA | Registered: June 29, 2001
Maybe there is something that is bothering you that needs addressing. Maybe its just a matter of falling back into negative thinking. Don't overreact to this. Just know you are still recovering and learning. Do you have the program? Just curious. Have you been thinking of getting on that interstate? Take care, Reena
Posts: 3719 | Location: USA | Registered: January 01, 2001
Thanks for your reply. I am in the program and am working at breakneck speed, probably too fast, but I am anxious to get further ahead of my problems. This is probably part of my dilemma, I know the program tells us not to jump ahead too fast, I will try harder to pay attention to this. I can't think of something I'm not adressing, maybe there is something, it just doesn't appear to me now. With further thought and thanks to your insight, I think I am dreading the first adventure on the road. My husband has been out of town since I started the program (extensive training, about 1 month), and I am waiting for him to accompany me. Maybe this is procrastination at its worst, but it has been so long for me that I feel that I need him in case something goes wrong. I suppose I still don't trust myself. I am working hard to believe that I am my own safe person, it just hasn't worked yet enough for me to face this fear alone. I will keep trying - I will go on - I know deep down in my heart I will face this fear, probably be afraid of it, but tolerate it! Whew, this is a longer road than I imagined, I suppose I had a lot of hope and expectation of a speedy recovery, I now know that it will take alot of perservence and dedication to overcome. And, you know what - I am willing to do it and continue on. I can't tell you how much it means to be able to get on the computer (I've never been to chat rooms before), and talk freely about your problems with this disorder - I've been hiding it from my family, friends and myself for so many years, thank you Reena, and all the others I've had the opportunity to chat with and also the Midwest Center for making this program available. It is truly helping me - and that is one of the many things I am grateful for.
Susan
Posts: 175 | Location: Atlanta, GA | Registered: June 29, 2001
Stress Center Community 
to get further ahead of my problems. This is probably part of my dilemma, I know the program tells us not to jump ahead too fast, I will try harder to pay attention to this. I can't think of something I'm not adressing, maybe there is something, it just doesn't appear to me now. With further thought and thanks to your insight, I think I am dreading the first adventure on the road. My husband has been out of town since I started the program (extensive training, about 1 month), and I am waiting for him to accompany me. Maybe this is procrastination at its worst, but it has been so long for me that I feel that I need him in case something goes wrong. I suppose I still don't trust myself. I am working hard to believe that I am my own safe person, it just hasn't worked yet enough for me to face this fear alone. I will keep trying - I will go on - I know deep down in my heart I will face this fear, probably be afraid of it, but tolerate it! Whew, this is a longer road than I imagined, I suppose I had a lot of hope and expectation of a speedy recovery, I now know that it will take alot of perservence and dedication to overcome. And, you know what - I am willing to do it and continue on. I can't tell you how much it means to be able to get on the computer (I've never been to chat rooms before), and talk freely about your problems with this disorder - I've been hiding it from my family, friends and myself for so many years, thank you Reena, and all the others I've had the opportunity to chat with and also the Midwest Center for making this program available. It is truly helping me - and that is one of the many things I am grateful for.
