Hi Jen,
Thank you for sharing your story with us and welcome to the Panic Center Support Group. You said you are not sure if your hormones because of breast feeding are causing your anxiety / panic attacks to return, this is definitely something to discuss with your doctor on your next visit.
Have you had a chance to take a look through the Toolbox? There are many supportive tests, which are not daignostic tools, or a replacement for a doctor's advice, but they are there to prepare you with information which you can bring to your next doctor's visit.
There's also a Panic Program available for you. This program is 12-weeks and it is designed to help you better understand your anxiety/panic and give you some ideas on how to deal wtih it. Each session is based on the previous session, so we strongly advise that you work slowly through the program and not jump ahead.
These tests may or may not be for you but they are "free". If you have any question or concerns about the things in your "Toolbox" you can contact us at support@paniccenter.net.
Also, do read through the posts of others on this forum, as they may share the same concerns and have the same questions you do.
Luciana - Health Educator
Welcome back Asio,
You said that today would have been your first day at home alone. Check back in with us and let us know how it went.
I look forward to hearing about it.
Luciana, Bilingual Health Educator
Members,
Here are some more tips and strategies which can help to rebuild your self-esteem:
• Do not dismiss praise or recognition from outside sources. Say thank you. (This gets easier with practice)
• On the flipside, DO NOT accept put downs from others. This is a non-negotiable. Constructive criticism is now the accepted norm for you!
• Accept that not everyone will like you. It’s a fact of life. Some people just aren’t meant to be friends or lovers. Find people you do bond with and build relationships with them.
• Stop comparing yourself to others. You are unique. You are special in your own way and you have your own strengths. Change the focus back to you every time you feel yourself falling back into that old habit of comparison.
What do you find helpful when it comes to re-building your self-esteem? More tips to come next week!
Luciana, Bilingual Health Educator