Beth, awesome!!!!! It's what I believe to be true - that if we face those things we find fearful, talk about them, deal with them, find ways to overcome them, eventually - they won't hold us hostage any more!!! They may still surface, but they lose the power they once had over us....... with luv, SCBB

Hi Everyone, I can't say that i have a "secret" per se, i just think that i've changed my attitude about the whole thing. I'm not afraid to have a panic attack anymore, b/c i've decided that i will be fine afterwards, no matter what. I'm just trying to think more positively, which gives me strength for the times that i need it most. Also, when i feel anxious about a situation, i don't hide anymore, i confront it. Most of my anxiety is in anticipation of something unpleasant, and i always turn out to be fine. Basically, i'm trying to face this head on, and have decided that i WILL be stronger than my panic. I just confront things one at a time. I've found in the past that if i've had anxiety in a certain place or situation, i will then attribute anxiety to it in the future. I'm trying to reduce the instances that i'm afraid of having a panic attack by proving that i don't need to react that way to my surroundings anymore. Most of my panic has been centered around social situations, so i'm trying ot get out there a little more. I always make sure that i have an escape if i need one, my meds if i need them, and time to recover afterwards if i need it. I guess that i just try to focus on doing things, without dwelling on the feeling of having to do them. This process has taken me almost a year. This is b/c my anxiety has typically been extreme during certain seasons. Last summer i was paralyzed by panic, and was afraid that this summer would be the same. I've kept a strong frame of mind, and have made it through the summer ok, so now i'm not afraid that i'll have panic next summer. I'm just trying to start a more positive cycle for myself. Once i got rid of the fear of having a panic attack, it was like a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders, and i could face life again. I realize that i will have other panic attacks, but i'm not afraid anymore because i know i'll be fine in the long run. I'm trying to remember how good i feel without them, rather than always remember how it feels to be in a panic. I guess you could say that i've decided to quit panic. Just like smoking, i started thinking of myself as a non smoker, and it was so much easier not to smoke. I'm redefining my personality to exclude panic. It'll happen, but it doesn't need t

I am new to this site but find it wonderful to read such an uplifting post. Keep up the good work!! Michelle :)

Wow, that is so great. I just joined this group last week and have already learned so much from everyone here. Beth. I have not had a panic attack in over two years until a few weeks ago. I have also been off meds for over two years. I do not know what made them go away for that long but I am now begining to think that the panic attack was related to some famly stress that went on the night before. Keep up the great job Beth. Elaine[b]Text[/b][i]Text[/i][color=Teal]Text[/color][size=4]Text[/size]

What do you attribute your success from? Let us in on your secret. :) Maria

:) Glad to see your posting of happiness :)

Dang girl! Good job!!!!! I believe you're feeling better cuz you worked for it! I certainly saw it happening here at this site - you were posting through your specific situations and showing up to support others through theirs - looks like you got some clarity and strength and are overcoming!!! I'm totally happy for - congratulations!!!!! I hope you bounce out of bed in the morning full of joy and zest for life, ready for a fun day!! you should celebrate, do something special for yourself! any ideas? with luv, SCBB

What an uplifting post! YOu are the second person who has battled nicotine addiction and come out feeling more confident and changed. Woo hoo! A bouquet of balloons to brighten your day even more today! -- Anne-Marie, Site Administrator

Hi Everyone, I just wanted to share how great i feel today! I just had two of the most stressful weeks of my life. I've had major school assignments, tests, and had two final exams today. Also, i have been home alone for a week (one of my major fears, i still live with my parents FYI), and have just quit smoking. Guys, i have not had ONE SINGLE panic attack!! I'm so proud and happy, this is a major accomplishment for me. Better yet, this makes me feel more hopeful about the future, and i feel stronger against future episodes of panic. Maybe this thing called panic does actually go away! I'm going to bed tonight for the first time in months, feeling great and feeling strong. I don't dread waking up tomorrow, because i now know that i will be fine! I really do feel like i've had a major accomplishment, and that this is a turning point for me. Any one of the things i've faced these past few weeks has, in the past, been cause for major panic episodes lasting for days sometimes! I faced all these situations, and i really feel like i won! Anyways, thanks for letting me share! :)