Isabella, Wow! This is a wonderful example of the progress one can make. From sitting in the parking lot to being front row center in class! We couldn't be prouder! Danielle _______________________ The PC Support Team

Maggie, Thank you so much! That really means alot to me because you guys know how it is better than anyone else. I try not to talk to my family and fiance about my anxiety, except for when it is really bad and I am ready to go to the hospital LOL, so they don't really know what I go through and how difficult this is for me. Last quarter I cried every single day and I often drove to school and just sat in the parking lot afraid to go in to class. My fear and the anxiety were that bad and so for me to do what I've been doing is truly an awesome thing. Thank you so much for all of your encouragement and understanding! ~Isabella~

Isabella, I am SO happy to hear you are doing better! Also may I add that I, for one, am SO very proud of you. I'm so glad that you are starting to see that the hard work you have been doing on yourself is slowly but surely showing results. You have tried so hard to ride out the hard times and always remain in control of yourself. To me, you have been the perfect example for one who lives by the saying, "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again." Once again, I am so very proud of you and respect you for all of your continuos efforts in this battle. Keep strong my friend, and remember to always keep breathing. :)

Well....I guess I would like to share that I have been back in school for 5 weeks now and my anxiety is under my control for once(most of the time anyway). Today I actually ran up a few flights of stairs so I wouldn't be late to class and this sent my heart racing extremely fast. I got to class and sat down and the anxious thoughts flooded me. I thought to myself, "i am having a heart attack, i gotta get out of here." Then my more rational self kicked in and I stayed the entire class period doing breathing exercises and telling myself that I am fine, it isn't a heart attack, my heart is just racing because I ran up several flights of stairs, I will be fine, etc. And guess what, It actually worked!! After about ten to fifteen minutes I was feeling much better and was even able to participate in class, which is something I haven't done in a long, long time. I am really happy, too, that I haven't missed hardly any school, just one day because I had the flu. There are still days when I dread going and when I get really anxious in class but I do not let the anxious feelings and thoughts debilitate me as they once did. It is crazy because just a few short months ago I felt doomed and destined to live a life filled with constant anxiety which I had no control over. I think more and more I am learning that you do have control over anxiety because anxiety feeds off of your fears, your anxious thoughts, negative thoughts so if you can control those, you can begin to control your anxiety. The next step is to become familiar with the physical aspects of anxiety, like the dizziness, nauseousness, fatigue, muscle tension, pounding and racing heart, etc. and if you can recognize them as just being anxiety and not something else, then you can take even more control over your anxiety. I am slowly getting better at this but I am by no means cured. It is probably something I will have to consistenly struggle with but I can live with that as long as I do not let it control my life. I hope this helps someone or gives you that feeling of hope because I am truly proud of myself for the past 5 weeks and you all deserve the same ;) SORRY for writing so much!

Members, It is important to note that sharing your success, small or large can assist others in their daily tasks. How did you do today? Do you have a situation that you conquered? How are you doing with the program? We are interested in hearing all of your success stories, so don't hesitate to post :) Josie _______________________________ The Panic Center Support Team.