Setbacks Happen On The Road To Recovery
Have you ever wondered why people often experience setbacks when they begin to tackle their anxiety? Setbacks happen because, as you face your anxiety and the situations that make you feel uncomfortable, the avoidant/protective side of your personality becomes active.
When you decide to tackle your anxiety issue head on, the protective side of your personality would rather that you left well enough alone. Your protective side doesn’t like taking risks and feels better when you don’t put yourself in situations that make you feel anxious.
It’s the part of you that says:
“Let’s stay in our comfort zone today. At least we’re safe here.”
This part of your personality has your interests at heart, but you know deep down that a life cocooned from all adversity doesn’t lead to happiness. When you begin on your healing journey, it’s all new and it can feel like you’re moving into unknown territory. You quickly master areas of your life that were causing you problems.
Your protective side takes a back seat and watches with suspicion as you make this progress. Then, after a while, your protective side becomes more active for fear that, with all this progress, a great fall must be just around the corner.
As you move upward and onward, your protective side gets scared and tries to put on the brakes. This creates a conflict and fuels feelings of anxiety. The feelings can be very intense and might be similar to what you’ve experienced before-such as panic and general unease-or there may be new sensations never experienced before.
You might have been doing really well for a week, but then your protective side pops its head up and says something like this:
“Okay, well done. We’re not worried about dizzy spells anymore -fine. But what’s that ringing in your ear?”
“That sounds like trouble to me . . . LET’S GET WORRIED.
“No panic attacks in a week-great. But don’t be fooled. That means a really BIG one is about to pounce!”
These thoughts undermine your confidence. Suddenly you’re feeling vulnerable again, and the anxiety can return as your confidence dips and you obsess again about the way you feel. This kind of response is natural in recovery, and if you’ve experienced a setback recently, I want to show you how to best deal with it.
The first thing to remember is that setbacks happen. Try to never let a setback convince you that you’re not making progress. It doesn’t mean that all your progress has been undone. In general, setbacks are inevitable, and you need to have an accepting attitude toward them.
Secondly, setbacks form part of your healing. To move beyond the anxiety, you need to work with the protective side of your personality and teach it that there really is nothing to fear. When setbacks occur, it’s an indication that you now need to take your new understanding and work with your protective side, which is resisting the change.
You might want to think of that protective side as a small child who doesn’t want you (the parent) to take risks or do anything out of your comfort zone. Talk to this part yourself. Reassure it that all will be well and that it’s necessary for you to work through the anxiety in order to experience more freedom and happiness.
Setbacks can feel like a big step backward, but they’re generally followed by rapid progress on many levels if you engage fully with this protective side of yourself.
There’s an opportunity here for you to create a new working relationship with your protective self, and this will really seal your recovery. When you educate your protective self that you’re really safe and encourage it to take the steps with you, you become fully empowered to end your anxiety problem. All of your internal energies go in the same direction, and there’s no conflict.
Persistence will carry you through all setbacks and ensure your success.
Keep your confidence intact. Build it on the past, on each time you’ve succeeded.
Play those previous successes like a film in your head, again and again, each night as you go to sleep. All the panic attacks you’ve dealt with, all the sensations of anxiety you’ve felt and yet you still got on with it.
General anxiety disorder and, especially, panic attacks are probably the most frightening experiences a person can go through. In most cases, you feel like you’ve had a brush with death itself. That’s no small feat to deal with while on your lunch break!
Be proud of your experiences. You’re not a cowardly victim, but a survivor of a terrifying experience-and what’s more, you probably stayed at work or collected the kids from school. You continued living. Sure, there may be a few hairy anxiety memories in the past that you’d prefer to forget, but the underlying emotion to build upon is that you survived and you’re here now, alive and living a new day.
Build a wealth of memories, and they’ll be your resource from which to draw strength. Write them down, because that solidifies them and makes them more real in your mind. Read them to yourself regularly.
Be sure to keep a diary as written proof of the progress you’re making-the trips you take that weren’t possible before, the special days when you completely forgot you ever had an anxiety problem. You need to keep a record of these achievements because it’s easy for your protective side to negate the great strides you’ve made.
Confidence, just like fear, is contagious. Soon you’ll find it spreading to all areas of your life, giving you a quality of life even beyond your pre-anxiety days.
Always try to focus on the success you’ve achieved, and it will grow and expand in your life.
Persist with it. Turn a setback into an opportunity to solidify your real confidence. Regardless of what happens, you can handle it. Regardless of how your body feels, you’ll move through the anxiety and come out the other side smiling.
If you remain persistent, setbacks can be quickly turned to your advantage, and you’ll be strengthened by the experience.
Setbacks are delicate periods to move through, so you also need to be kind to yourself. Understand that they’re the result of YOU just trying to protect YOU. Be your own best friend. When you take your protective self by the hand and teach it that there’s nothing to fear, you’ll quickly march toward a greater experience of freedom.
Recovery is not a straight linear process. It will help if you try not to measure success on a day-to-day basis. Some days will be better than others-that’s just the way it is, so don’t get upset if you complete something successfully one day but fail the next.
Keep your eyes on the end goal, and persistence will carry you there.
What If My Anxiety Comes Back?
After a person has successfully moved out of their anxiety it is only natural, to at some stage, fear its reoccurrence. I call this the anxiety shadow. It is a worry in the back of your mind that the anxiety could return with full force and disrupt your life all over again.
Anxiety leaves such a strong imprint on people’s lives that it is normal to have such concerns. Fearing a return of anxiety is common when your life becomes stressful again and you worry that the extra stress will tip you back into a state of general anxiety. If you find yourself worrying in such a manner have faith that all will be well.
This worry is just a shadow of what has gone, it is based on the past not the future. Generally the anxiety shadow passes quickly after a day or two and you forget about it again. Remind yourself of the new tools and education you have. Take solace in the fact that your new understanding will lift the anxiety quickly again were it to return.
To your success…
Barry Joe McDonagh
P.S. If you have experienced an anxiety setback and want to get over it quickly, get the support and information you need in my course Panic Away. Stage 3 of the course deals specifically with overcoming setbacks.
Visit: www.panicaway.com
All material provided in these emails are for informational or educational purposes only. No content is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Consult your physician regarding the applicability of any opinions or recommendations with respect to your symptoms or medical condition
wendy
i think that i am making some progress slowly.Thank you very much
jake
these emails are great.i too dont want to take meds, all those crazy side effects.
i suffer with panic attacks and gad. 17 years ago i tried to sit in a room everyday and try to make my panic attacks come to me. the first few days were bad , but buy the forth or fifth day they were more tolerable , by 2 weeks later i was not afraid of them anymore.from then on whenever i was going somewhere where i might get a panic attack i would try to get the panic attack out of the way.within a month i had no more panic attacks.
my panic attacks came back so i will try this again,will keep you informed on how it goes
Victor
Hi, I have been suffering for two months now. I can’t keep up in school and started a new job. The first week it happened to me I was really bad. I have now gotten to a stage that almost my thoughts don’t bother me as much but the sensations are debilitating. I wake up every night with tremors and vomiting that last about 6 hours. I hope to get better soon and look forward to the mini series as they get me through each day. Thank you so much!
Moipone
I think I’m progressing very well about the emails that you sends me;
in 2007 I had car accident i never wanted to be in a front seat while my husband driving, I felt that it will happen again and i would die, this thing has been playing in my mind since 2007, Secondly I had 3 miscarriages and with the 3rd one i couldn’t survive with the anxiety it was the severe one and on my mind i told my self that i dont want to have another child because my mind was fearing, everything was fearing in my life, even a plastic when fall down my heart jump, I was so scared of everything in life now. Couldn’t go anywhere. but you save my life.
now i ready to do everything steady I’m fearing to do.
joseph
your so right,when you say,a full on panic or anxiety attack can feel like your dying.ii’ve wound up thinking it could be something else,i’ve suffered anxiety most of my adult life,but my first real panic attack happened on dec 8th 2008. NOT FUN,i’ve had aprox 9 this year.Sure glad i found this site in time,your teaching me alot. thankx ……Joseph
mrsdualcitz
Im 46,and have had PA since 1986,or since age 22.YES,when you get a bad one,you LITERALLY feel like you are dying.If I had to list everything IVE tried,I would have you both laughing,and I would take up WAY TOO much space!
The fainting feeling,choking”I kind breathe(the absolute worst!),losing control ect.Worst attacks are in a CAR!
Not to mention they dont make sense.I could be on a plane,where there is horrible turbulence,everybody is freaking out,and I am calm as heck!
Then again,Ive been att a grocery store,where a PA has grabbed me by the seat of my pants,and I had to tell an “attendant”(I was raised that way!)”Im sorry I must leave all my stuff in the basket,I need to leave”!
Ive seen specialist.I do believe,no matter what people say,that PA are a chemical imbalance to the brain.ANXIETY however,with some of the same symptoms,are controlable. I ,know my body enough,to know the difference b/w the two!
My Dad had horrible PA.He died young,at,59.I miss him dearly,but what Im grateful for is that the Brain tumour that killed him,pressed on the part of his brain,that made gim EXTRMELY CALM!
My only hope is that my children(a son18,and a 19 year old daughter,WILL NOT,inherit these! )My daughter,has already inherited my horrible,sometime deadly allergies!
So yes,I do take a low dose of medication every day.I never surpass the dose.But why should I suffer?I have suffered enough.It does Not make me dwosy,keep me from working or doing my Charity work,or it has not kept me for what I am the MOST proud of,being the best Mother I could be.(yes,I quite meds while pregnant!)
Good luck to you all!
lucesita
im glad u sent me a email im 30 an i had anxiety for 7 or more years i felt like losin my ming goin crazy and hurtin myself i didnt no wich way to turn didn wana tell anyone but im gettin better please send me some more email thjank god for you
lucesita
thank u so much even when i read ur article i knew you could help me i beenm sufferin for 7 years or more and i wouldnt wish this on my worse enemy i thought i was gana lose my mind thats why i think god for you plz send me more encouragin emails thank u so much
heart
its good to know recovering is a process….it makes my disappointments go away….never ending thanks to you…
balaji
thanks a lot now i have lot of confidence. i had suffered from anxiety so i worried about this class i pressured the thought to go away not come again but the thoughts never go it comes bigger the next time. As i was involved in the class i said now u can stay with me but i will give you just 20 seconds time
with regards
balaji
Michael
Glad I found this formula on the attacks..im glad to see im not the only one, I thought I was ill while having these attacks and thought I was having a heart attack, and felt an emense sense of dread and fear, my legs shake and I feel like running out of the room. Too be honest it was by accident I found out it was anxiety attacks and always thought it was just me..I still suffer from day to day but can now see a glimmer of light way down the tunnel . x
salini
thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am trying to implement your suggestions everyday. it is helping to make a hope in me that it is possible to recover from any kind of anxiety.
regards
salini
Susan
I have been having panic attacks and feeling generally uneasy since I almost drowned over 10 years ago. I have tried stress management counciling and this helped for a while. Over the past 3 1/2 years I have had 2 children and each time my anxiety has grown, my GP has put it down to Post Natal Depression and offered me medication but I am really reluctant to take any drugs, especially since I’m breastfeeding. My youngest is 4 months old and I am so glad that I found this course on line I now feel that I am getting some useful advice and coping strategies that I can work with.
Annabelle
… It is my 3rd day receiving emails from You!! i am applying every tips and techniques you are saying in your letters. And i know God is good for he gave you to me… Thnk you for adding knowledge on me about what i really have!! thinking what youve said that theres is no bad thing that will happen to me everytime symptoms occurs making me brave!! it is really gaining my strength to struggle… And i will always will with the help of you and our GOD!!! Please continue sending me your letters thank you so much and more power!!
Marie Lester
I am so pleased to hear people saying they are reluctant to take drugs, in my experience, they do not assist in improving anxiety attacks. They do however make you drowsy and totally unwell. I therefore continue to drink lots of water, regularly walk during the week to keep my spirits up. I also do not drink coffee and now only have 2 glasses wine a week. I first had my attack due to stress in 2005 and am still recovering, I am now living life to the full and enjoying whatever comes my way, this does not mean I am over attacks, but that I can manage them better, sometimes my eyes feel funny and strange and I get pains in my neck and head, but I would urge everyone not to give up. I personally recovered with the use of acupunture which made my body stronger and able to deal with the whole process better. Having been made redundant last year it is difficult to work sometimes as I seem to panic more if I am in a stressed position at work (HR Department). I will not let this defeat me and will make a promise to myself to always be strong, exercise and call a friend or family member when an attack happens as sharing the situation does help. Never expect other people to understand, unless you have been through the motions with stress / panic / anxiety, others can’t possibly understand how it feels.
michael
thanks for the information and its a big help to try and understand why i feel like I do and its great to get this info free.
Mills
I have been fighting Panic attacks off and on for years. On top of the Panic and Anxiety I have Low Blood sugar which fuels the fire.
The 1st round of anxiety lasted about 5 years straight. No one new nothing about this medically. I became a hermit while the world moved on. Then out of no where for 2 years I was good. Then one morning I woke up BAM they were back! I was devistated. This has continued off and on for 17 years. My last bad experience was in 2001 through 2004. Then again out of no where I was good. 2 Weeks ago out of no where Bam! They are back! I was determined to fight this Demon. I have lost good jobs over the years, my husband has as well because of my nightmare. I fight till it seems I have nothing left. I was so happy to see this article about set backs, because there are times honestly I feel as though I can take one more step. I too do not want medication if possible. I have fought many years to be a surviver. It doesn’t get any easier. Thank you for all your help in keeping me in tack.
Tony
Barry , I had a setback this week, a full blown panic attack having a dream about my families terrifying escape from the Tsunami. I have been very successful in my line of work and reminding myself of the victories over those years and remembering those instead of the bad times is really useful. I will write them down and read them out loud to myself for extra fortitude. I agree with what you say. Anyone who can live through anxiety and continue everyday living is a truly remarkable individual. It takes huge guts and resilience and those people should remember they’re not alone in their suffering. These e-mails have been a godsend for me this week. They remind me never to be complacent and keep doing the things that work. The gratitude, the water drinking, the 20 second countdown. Bring it on and what you resist persists. So much practical advice. Good luck everyone else reading this and keep going and stay strong.
Bri
I’ve been suffering for most of my life. It started when I was 6 or 7 years old. I went to therapy and that seemed to help somewhat. 7 years later I had a huge panic attack and haven’t been able to recover from the fear. It’s been about 9 years and for the most part was able to handle my anxiety. I would avoid any triggers that would cause it and I would just deal with it . But last week I had a huge panic attack again, not just the general anxiety’s that I usually have. The whole feel like I’m going to die, my hands super sweaty, I can’t concentrate and am not making sense. I instantly knew what I was feeling and why I was feeling that way. Unfortunately I don’t have a strong support system because people don’t understand that I feel a very different sensation of fear then they do. I felt so alone, but after reading the last few Newsletters I am more aware of an ending. I can’t picture my life without anxiety and panic attacks, but I’d love to not have them… these newsletters are extremely helpful… some new and unheard tactics for my fight. Thank you.
Adri
Thank you So much for this!!When I open my mail and I read your course I feel better already!!I would like to get the course,but live in South Arfica,and don;t have a credit card.How do I go about?
Regards
Adri
Joe Barry
Hi Adri
To buy Panic Away offline:
Cheques or money orders for US$67 (for the digital download version)
or US$127 (for printed version including delivery) should be
made out to
Barry McDonagh
Address:
BMD Publishing
1133 Broadway,
Suite 706 New York,
NY 10010
USA
On receipt we will post out your package, or email you the instructions on how to download the course, and how to avail of the private consultations.Please include your name, address, phone number and email details in the letter and send us an email once the letter is in the post.
Kind regards,
Sal
joseph
Just last week i was on a mexician riveria cruise,wound up slamming into hurricane RICK!!!! my anxiety went to a whole new performance,O.M.G,so i used what info i could remember,and weathered through it.upon my return i saw my shrink,he doubled my dose of alprazolam,and added another.So i go to get them filled,,and suddenly thought,AM I NUT’S? what have i been reading this past while on this site?! SOOOO, instead i stopped it right their,went home cut the med’s in half,went on champix to stop smokeing.I have to get this condition under control,and i need a CLEAR MIND to do it,good information is key,and not to be in a numbed state of mind.I could not have done this a month ago.! we are all in the same state,let’s take a deep breath and read…
lisa
Just as i was wandering how i was ever going to be able to be the best possible wife and mother i know i have in me to be, panic away was introduced to me. This enlightened me and showed that general anxiety and panic attacks are more common than i ever thought. The more i read, the tears rolled down my face as the relief that there might just be an answer to changing the way i can function daily and getting rid of general anxiety i suffer everyday. I have always been prescribed anti depressants in the past when i’ve struggled to understand the way i get feeling but now it is clear, as i could relate to every symptom of generalised anxiety and panic attacks.I now feel more self aware which is a big weight off my shoulders now i can categorise myself and feel more positive about the future. Reading this answered alot of anxious thoughts which have always been unanswered by any professional….i only wished 20 years ago this information could have been passed on to me. My life would have made much more sense. I will work very hard to stop anxiety controlling me and my life ……i am desperate to feel the happiness that life has to offer, without battling to feel it! Above anything else i deserve to show my full potential as a wife and mother , Thankyou
Marie
I have suffered from Chronic stress since 2005, I have had ongoing acupunture which helps me. I definitely feel that drinking more water and more exercise is also a great help. Also meditation is a great healer. My main problem is that family do not understand that I still suffer (not all the time) and can’t even contimplate driving on the motorway. Your newsletter is a great guidance in making me realise there are also a lot of other sufferers out there who welcome your guidance.
Trudi Pincombe
Hi joe,
there is a lot of practical advice and it is comforting to know that I am not alone in this state of anxiety.
I guess it still means you have to work hard at it, sometimes I feel impatient and would like it all to be
over, but its not going to happen overnight. I guess my anxiety was building up over the years but was
triggered by house renovations and making bad decisions and ending up with things that are wrong, it
has seriously affected my decision making and I break out in sweats whenever I have to decide on
something, especially concerning the house. Is there anything in the book that would help me on that?
Regards
Trudi
Dinah
All great information. Knowledge is power and also understand how intricately and detailed the thyroid works with anxiety and depression is important. I highly recommend specifically reading THE THYROID SOLUTION to find out how incredibly involved the thyroid can be in anxiety and depression issues. Best of luck to all.
Brian
I really apprectiate this course. I feel much better in the past 2 weeks, more confident.
I have not had any attacks. Kind of feel like my old confident self.
Lynne
Hi,
Massive thankyou for all your emails. I’m not sure what place i’d be in without them as no-one (GP’s) seemed to be able to help without pills. I don’t feel as panicy about going to sleep
Mark
I cannot believe the difference I have felt in my body after reading a few of the mini-series.
I had my first panic attack in 2007 and have been living with GAD ever since. I’ve been having recurring negative thoughts on a daily basis, always thinking that at some point, I will have another panic attack. My greatest fear is having a panic attack while hanging out with my friends, therefore, I try to stay away from situations where we go away for the weekend of stay a night over. My flight is to go home and be alone in my room so I’ve always tried to keep that option open in case of an attack.
However, after reading the first mini-series (observe, label, watch and move on; OLWM)), 95%!!! of the negative, recurring, thoughts are GONE! I can’t believe it! I feel so confident and feel like I used to, before the panic attack in 2007. My mood is so positive.
You are right: we continue to have GAD becuase we are told to “deal” with the anxiety/panic attacks AFTER they hit us. You have given us the tools to fight anxiety and panic attacks BEFORE they attack. I have even told myself to have a panic attack, or told myself I am going to die…and 0 anxiety! 😀
I cannot thank you enough. I will definitely purchase the complete panic away set next week. I am simply amazed.
Thanks you so much! 🙂
Guy
I feel good today after implementing some of these techniques. I had a set-back yesterday, but got threw it. I’m so grateful for these e-mails, I don’t think I could have done it with out it. Good luck to everybody dealing with anxiety. There is hope we can do it.
Michael
I’m always have antiexy at my work, my confident was always low, since i start with the mini-series i feel much better in handle situatioon at work. I wish it can stay like that.
Thank you
JENNY
Hi! I had a lung operation in October 2009, I had serious complications with bleeding etc, and received 5 units of blood. I came home on the13 Nov, and to my horror had a severe panic attack on the 15 Nov and did not know what was happening to me, I really thought that the operation had gone horribly wrong, and that I was going to die. My doctor diagnosed panic attack, and prescribed medication for me take. I am very fearful to take this medication as I do not wish to become dependant on it. When I was released from the hospital I found this site on the internet and from the very first mini series I have already started the healing process. I cant thank you enough, as I was convinced that I was going to die. I look forward to read the next series on my e mail each day
Tasha
i have not had any anxiety since the first time i read about u a few days back..n i feel more calmer and relax..i realized too that i did not experience any fast heartbeat which i use to experience whenever im getting anxiety..thank you so much for helping me with a great start..i’m learning to use ur techniques slowly and easy and im comfortable with the progress so far.well..i had a mild one earlier today.it was scary thou but i manage to get back on tracks with what u assist me so far..am hoping that i can travel again soon..thank you..
Martie
Thank you for these details.I don’t particularly want to be on medication, but after I tried going without, I realized, medication and these mini courses, for now go hand in hand. I can really relate to many of the responses people have made on this Course. It’s definitely a roller coaster ride. But I’m hoping to be on the “Kiddies” one soon.
JB
These are so helpful. It’s like they say exactly what I need to read each day. Thank you, thank you, thank you, and best of luck to everyone here.
carlos
Still cant fight my fear… when my anxiety attacks my blood pressure rises…it all started when my wife rush me to the ER twice w/ high blood pressure of 180/110… i fear the most will happen that i will leave my wife and daughters in a very short time…so i took my psychiatrist advise to take clonazepam rivotril 3X a day in 1mg per meal… i really want a normal life again and not thinking of my BP again… i hope you can help me to get better and off the MEDS.. thank you and GOD BLESS you for all the people you have cured.
alex
honestly you are such a good man Barry reading your e mails its like reading my mind in very clear way ,i think you are an angel god send you to people who you well help and they well have new life cos of you .keep up the good work and the reword well be in the end
much respect for you Barry
Aussie Kym
Thankyou so much for understanding, its sometihng that the doctors cant do…yesterday i had a normal day, no anxiety what so ever, i thought it was the best thing ever and that from then on i wouldnt have to deal with it anymore, but unlucky for me i had a setback i woke up during the night and started to have a panic attack, i do not know what i was panicing about but i managed to tell myself i was safe and calm down and have a reasonable sleep. When i woke up i straight away had the anxious feeling in my stomach, it is still here and it is what prompted me to come online and read your email to boost my confidence, they are making such a difference and every email seems to follow in the same steps that my anxiety is going which is a comfort as well that the information i need is here to help me get through my tough times. again thankyou!
brad
After reading all of these emails i have to say they are very well thought and said but im such a skeptic person for some reason, and i find it very hard for me. but that doesn’t mean im going to give up, not a chance
Lanie
Thank you, thank you, thank you,,, how i wish to see you in personal and hug you,,, I am feeling better and better now,,, (and you tackled about protective self and the comfort zone,, those things are true),,, i’m only 19 years old and experiencing this kind of feeling like i am crazy,, i’m afraid of death… noises.. i’m afraid to come out of the house,,, i’m afraid when i’m away of my mother for i feel like when i’m near her i feel very safe… i have so many thoughts that i fear,, i can’t sleep at night thinking of those thoughts… but after following your,,, somewhat kind of a therapy…. my behavior changed and i feel happy again,,, feeling free… thanks to you,,! I’m looking forward for more of your advices…. take care and God bless you always…
Ali Naeem
I have been reading your daily emails and the corresponding pages for the past few days but not leaving any replies as I wanted to first try your advice and see if this is really going to work for me. It sure seems to be working as the information you provide is so logical, meaningful and effective for me. Today I decided to leave a reply mainly to convey my heart felt thanks for this particular note on setbacks you write about. I have been following your advice for the past few days and all seemed to be working until today when I suddenly felt a setback. Just now when I check my emails, as if you somehow knew what had happened to me earlier today, here you are! Talking about setbacks. There is no way I could have know what got hold of me today if not for this new information you have sent today just at the right time. Thank you once again for becoming my savior.
I have been having general anxiety for about three months now. To be frank, at first I did not know what GAD is, let alone any clue of what could be done about this condition. My problem first started with a ringing in my ears or inside my head (I couldn’t really tell where the continuous swishing comes from) combined with a tense neck/upper back area. I sometimes felt as if I always have to make a conscious effort to balance myself while standing and walking. Then I started feeling as if my legs are weak and fatigued most of the time. I felt as if I kept swaying while walking. But only now I know it was all in my mind as no onlooker could see me swaying. I have lived up to the age of 48 now as an active healthy person without any serious illnesses up until now.
Thinking I may be having an ear problem, I first went and consulted an ENT specialist. The doctor diagnosed my condition as Tinnitus and said that it is not a serious thing to worry about. Even after taking the medications he prescribed, my condition never improved and on the contrary became worse as I started worrying constantly. Then came the stomach upsets, abdominal pain, muscle twitching on the legs and arms sometimes, tightness in the chest area at times, and what have you! I became so confused and frightened and decided to see the same doctor once more. This time he decided to do an MRI of my brain to make sure there is no tumor or anything that may be the cause of the ringing in my ears. After studying the MRI scans and an Audiometry test results, he said there is nothing wrong with my ears or brain. When I read the MRI report, I also could see everything seemed to be all normal but under the “impression” section at the bottom, I saw one line saying “Patchy T2W/FLAIR hyperintensity in bifrontal white matter, possibly focal demyelination”. I asked my doctor what that means and he said its only a technical term and nothing to worry about. I believed him and tried not to worry. But WORRY I did as my condition never improved. When I saw the same doctor for the third time, he referred me to a neurologist who after studying the MRI scans also assured me there is nothing wrong with my brain.
I could not help but kept seeing one doctor after another because I felt so awful as my condition never improved. After many blood tests, endoscopy, colonoscopy, thyroid, liver, kidney functions – all seemed to be normal. I kept worrying and thinking there must be something terribly wrong with me because I continued to experience all kinds of ailments. The quality of my life have became so poor and unbearable to the extent I am so withdrawn and fearful most of the time. Since all the doctors I have seen thus far have been saying there is nothing physically wrong with me, I keep wondering why then am I feeling the way I am feeling – bloated, tightness inside my stomach and chest, palpitations at times, hot breath, warm skin (although my body temperature remains normal), a confused mind never being able to think about anything else? One time my condition became so terrifying, I thought I was going to have a heat attack and was rushed to the hospital. When an ECG was taken and to my relief turned out to be normal, I became calm. That’s when I started to believe my problem may lie with my mind and that’s when I decided to surf the web for information.
After going through so many websites I realized I am not alone. I continued to study and I stumbled upon one striking video clip “Panic Away” which I found so helpful to explain my wife and family what exactly happens to me. Until then, I could not communicate to my loved ones in a coherent manner what goes inside me. At that moment I knew I have found someone who must know the way I feel. I am so thankful to you for helping me understand what my problem may be and how I may be able to regain my self.
So I have decided to write to you to let you know how thankful I really am for the work you are doing in helping so many out there who’s lives are being tormented by this terrible condition of the mind.
Thank you again and again
tony
18 yr old daughter moving out 1 day and buisness trip next day.needless to say the panic and anxiety are trying to win but im trying to use the techniques ive learned here to manage it.thank you for letting me know i can succeed.
jane muthoni gikonyo
Hey Barry!
Only God the Creator knows how helpful you are to pple like us who had almost lost hope in life.
Our full life is back and without you, our hopes could have taken us to another world.
Thanks. My panic and anxiety attacks started november 14th 2009. So many tests have been done on me but
am ok and not sick. When I visited your web, av even withdrawn from Xanax i have been taking and am feeling relaxed at least. When the feelings comes, i just give it a chance and within no time, its gone.
I hope with your guidelines, my life is gonna be different from now.
Thanks so much. Only would like you to assure us that there is no danger in those attacks as they are very strange.
Thank you again.
Jane.
marijana
Dear Berry
My little girl wipe off the free sessions 1-5 so I would really appreciated if you can send then once again to ma e-mail.
Greatly appreciated
marijana
!
Khan
thanks a lot for the useful information. I am in the same boat as all others out there. It all started in 2005 when I was at work. I use to think a lot about the future and was smoking like anything since nothing was going in my favor everything I put my hands on seems to fail but if I do the same thing for others it worked and they made good progress. Anyways, my first panic attack came out of no where when I was at work with full blown palpitation, dizziness and sweating. I wanted to kill my self and hardly could go to sleep. somehow i fight with these thoughts and the condition and survived. For a while like 2 years i was ok since i moved to a different state and my luck was on my side and everything seem to work for me. After a period of 2 years sunddenly i start to think what if i loose everything i have and my panic attacks and anxiety came back. initially i tried to fight with it but when it started to affect my work and daily life i decided to see the doctor and he prescribed me lexapro 10mg. The pills made me feel good for a while but after 6 months my condition became same as before. when i went to see the doctor he increase my dose to 20mg, it worked for a while, however, i start to feel the side effects of this medicine such as insomnia, weight gain, blurry vision and less interested in sexual life. Finally I decided to stop the medicne and now I am coping with it on day 2 day basis. It is effecting my professional life and I can’t really go to public places or work for long hours. I am reading all your articles and trying to follow whatever i can and first i want to bring into practise is start drinking lot of water everyday then slowly and gradually i would like to join a gym and start doing some exercise atleast 3 times a week.
For all my friends out there here is a little technique i want to share that have learned from the net when i was doing a research recently and it worked for me so it might work for you too. when you have the sensation of panic attack do this trick. “FOLD YOUR LEFT HAND FINGERS IN THE PALM LIKE YOU MAKING A FIST THEN CHECK FOR THE POINT WHERE YOUR MIDDLE FINGER IS TOUCHING THE PALM THEN WITH YOUR RIGHT HAND THUMB PRESS THAT SPOT TIGHT FOR 1 MINUTE” this would help you in diverting your mind and over coming the panic attack. if this works for you please pass it on to others out there with same problem.
thanks for all your useful information it feels great to know that i am not the only one there are people out there who are going through the same problem including my eldest brother. May God give us strength and spritual knowledge in fighting with this problem and overcoming it sooner or later.
Marlin
Hi Barry, I’m from Aruba.
On 19th of December 2009 I got my first anxiety attack. I thought I was dying.
But the doctors told me I was hyperventilating. After that I got it once more on the 5th of January 2010.
Ofcourse I thought at first that the doctors were wrong. After looking on line for what I have I found out that I have panic attacks. I’m doing acupunture and taking 1 pill at night. That’s it. Because during the day I try to use your technique and it is working. Thank you very much. God bless you.
men
Thanks for helping me if I did not see this page I don’t know what I would do. Thank you
Mike (pepper)
OK Im starting to see maybe there will be light at the end of the tunnel.Thank you god for giving barry the tools to pass on such advise.And thank you Barry for doin what you do as it is priceless.Ive slowly gotten worse evry yr since 2005.My attack literly made me feel as if I was slowly dying inside I feel know only o couple days into panic away that IM alive still more then dead. THANK YOU FOR THE NEW HOPE!!
Caroline Chard
Hi, I would like to say thank you, I too have been suffering with panic attacks since June 2007. I have tried counselling, acupuncture & hypnosis and they have helped but have not given me what I wanted, a solution.
I have been recieving your emails for 6 days now and you are so accurate about the feelings and how they affect you. I have been doing the 20 second countdown and drinking more water and just reading the emails everyday inspires me and I love being able to read what other people experience. Sometimes I still think that perhaps I have something wrong with my heart and I am too scared to have all the tests, does anyone else feel like that or is it just me? Once again thank you so much.
Peter
to post 34 Ali Naeem…thank you for posting your symptoms…I have been having similar feelings especially the hot breath/skin without a rise in body temperature…after reading your post I immediately felt better and felt I wasn’t alone…to post 38 Caroline Chard…I’ve had those feelings as well…pain/discomfort in my chest especially quick pinching/zapping feelings leading to me think there must be something wrong with my heart but I recently had an EKG done among a variety of blood tests and everything was normal…like Ali I felt much more calm afterwards…to Barry…thank you for putting this information out there…it is very helpful looking the emails over every day to build up the strength and confidence to believe that GAD and panic attacks can be overcome…to everyone else…keep fighting!…there is a light at the end of the tunnel and WE WILL all reach that light with dedication and determination!
steph
i am with you Charline Chard.. I am constantly worried about my heart and I keep telling myself its all in my head and my anxiety and if i exercise, eat better, and calm down it will go away. nonetheless i had an EKG the other day and all turned out great- im only 21 . since my HR gets very high sometimes for no reason as well as while working out.. very quick into the workouts, she said i could see a cardiologist for a stress test if i wanted, just to be sure nothings wrong. after insurance id be paying around $600 so i have put it on hold for now hoping its a combo of out of shape plus anxiety and that if i keep working at both my problems will stop.. but i feel that i may just break down and have it done just to have the reassurance nothings wrong and it is in fact all in my head.. just wish i didnt have to pay $600 for that. I had my first panic attack at age 10 though i had been suffering from GAD for some time before that.. i never realized it, of course as a child, until i was rushed to the dr for my panic attack as i thought i was dying . after dr informed me of what it was.. my entire middle school career was nothing but filled with debiliating anxiety. i finally forced myself to stop and live and high school was totally normal and great. when i went away to college it hit again.. i transfered to a school closer to home after the 1st semester and hadnt a problem since. until i graduate.. december 2009 and moved from VA to SC for a job my husband took. 1 year later i am still unemployed and working on attending grad school. the past few months is when the anxiety has really struck, which is why im sure its anxiety causing my problems, not a real heart problem, but you never know i guess? trying to work through it because i do not want to deal with this again. lately ive had more attacks than i ever did before even in my worst anxiety so i am trying to rid myself of it now before it gets out of control. hoping these emails help.
teresa
Like others I came about your website by accident going through anxiety which I have had for many years, had controlled it with ZOLOFT which was helpful but have been off them for past 1 and a half years.
Going through stressful time at the moment which has brought back my anxiety attacks. Trying to stay off meds. Your daily emails have been very helpful and I have been putting them into practice. Would like to purchase Panic Away to refer to as I feel knowledge of this disorder will help with the cure of it. I am 47 and would like to start enjoying my life and go on holidays without feeling guilty and without worry that something bad will happen because I dare to feel happy.
Thank you for your caring, It must feel good to be helping so many. I hope you have a good life as a
reward.
Regards,
Teresa
javedalikhan
really awonderful expierience by applying to me.
Devon
Thank you so much for your blogs I just learned I have anxiety and this past month has been one of the hardest times of my life, I have been to the emergency room around four times this month and just being there made me even more anxious…. I am thankful that in a world where everything is about money you are making a difference in a lot of lives…..Thank you again
Carol
Thank you so much for the emails. They have really helped me deal with my panic attacks which lately seem to have been worse. It’s good to know that people can live with a panic disorder and not let it control their lives.
jen
hi there i have been suffering from panic attacks for the past 7 years and there not fun at all. I thought i was crazy until i found this site and see how many people actually suffer from this. I find this to be helping alot and hopefully the light at the end of tunnel is in the near future.
javedalikhan
I think that i am gaining confidence for that ithanks a lot.