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...UNDERSTANDING THE IMPORTANCE OF PROCESS 2 

Awarded 5* by the UK 'Mental Health Foundation' 

.........................

'We 'worry' we'll spin out of control if we're stressed and in discomfort. We 'think' we need to consciously intervene - NOT so! We 'will' get control if we subconsciously roll' 

 'We must, therefore, learn to 'trust' in our natural ability to get through life and better at it' 

 

If you would like to take this further, The Mind Works is available on the 'Get Book/Ebook' page (256 pages in length). The paperback price is £11.49/Ebook £5. Aside from costs, £2.55 from each paperback sale goes to the 'Chipmunka Foundation', a charity aimed at 'lifting the lid' on all mental health issues. Average UK delivery time is 1-2 working days. 

Along with the book, you will also receive the 'Rule Of 10', a pocket-book 'summary guide' to reflect on, regarding my/others recovery (9 points of reasoning/1 solution). This accompanies both paperback and Ebook purchases made from this site. 


''The panic is the problem. I 'know' now I cannot panic anymore ... it's ingrained''- Nick Watts (back cover testimony).

 'You really can think/feel absolutely anything - it's just that unnecessary 'post-thought' tensing which's the problem'

 

On Sun 10/04/11 6:31 PM , Toby sent: (see also Book Reviews for further).. 

Hi Will, I hope all is great with you. Just wanted to drop you a line to say I returned from Sri Lanka on Saturday after the most amazing trip of my life. And guess what? NO panic attacks on planes, or anywhere else for that matter, despite quite intense travelling conditions. I can only say THANK YOU so much for your words of encouragement and "matter of fact" way of dealing with certain thoughts and feelings....I am now living proof that everything you've discovered (primary/secondary thoughts etc) works....absolutely 100%, no doubt. To go from the place I was 2 weeks ago, which was full of dark, negative, fearful thoughts to where I am now is simply amazing....no, actually it's life-changing. So, once again, thanks so much Will. I can't tell you how much this has changed things for me. All the best to you and I hope that you continue to inspire others with your writing and advice. Toby

Date: 9 May 2008 00:49:04 GMT ''Will, I don't know how to thank you. I think you may have saved my life. Your website instantly got inside my head in the way no psychiatrist, psychologist or self-help book ever has. I always struggled to even describe these thoughts to people but you do it perfectly. I couldn't believe it when I read about your 'AIDS panic'. The same thing happened to me. I went for a test and, like you, the result wasn't enough to allay my fears so I went for another one!'' Thanks again, Murray

 

What price recovery? I have always thought this way since this site's inception back in 2005 – I honestly consider myself to be very privileged to have finally ‘clicked’ with this errant process and never felt it should be hidden from anyone who could benefit from it. Whilst it IS, actually, very simple - try saying this to a panic sufferer! As you will see, understanding 'how' the mind works is crucial in being able to see how our panic really 'is' unnecessary.
 

In fact, the 'golden rule' with panic is that it takes ‘more effort’ to 'do' it - it is after the fact - and actually by 'some chalk' when you see the separate processes at work. This is where you will see references to our after-panic being 'forced', because we 'think' we have to panic when we actually 'don't' - spurred on by that 'erroneously viewed' temptation. This is really important as this proves it’s 'easier' to resist panicking than to actually 'partake' in it - no matter how strong the temptation. Then, you will also see how relaxing is NOT achieved by consciously 'doing' - the trap that so many of us fall into. No - in fact, it is exactly the 'opposite' ...we just need to 'not do/not interfere' with our natural, subconscious coping processes to 'stay with' our naturally calm,  rational, though 'imperfect-experiencing' state.  

           'We can feel the tension, no need to react with tension'

So ................Do you panic or have anxiety?
Are you frequently tense, tense, tense and even more tense!?
Do you suffer from one or more of the following?

Do you get depressed or seem to be ‘stuck’ in a rut with no way out?

Do you obsess or need control – sometimes to the point where you ‘feel’ there's a real problem with this?

Do you feel detached from reality or in a dream?

Do you worry incessantly or feel your mind ‘races’ out of control, making you feel scared, on your own and desperate?

Do you feel that you have ‘odd’ or unacceptable thoughts/feelings, that you think ‘no-one’ else would ever have? Do you think you're mad?

Do you have repetitive habits that become destructive/make you feel uncomfortable?
Do you think in a 'deep' way and 'see' this as unacceptable? 
Do you feel uneasy with your mind – an intense, racing mind that just ‘won’t’ seem to calm down? 
Do you 'lack' confidence in the way you think/act - particularly if 'imperfect'? 
Do you find you're sometimes ‘scanning’ for negative thoughts – almost encouraging/looking for them to happen to test yourself out?

Do you have terrible thoughts that make you feel you should have to act them out? 
Do you feel guilty about the way that you're thinking – especially with the effect it has on those around you? 
Have you tried to calm down unsuccessfully – in fact, to the point where you actually tense up more?

Have you lost hope and think ‘everything’ you have tried has just ended up with more misery and desperation?
Do you really struggle to concentrate/stay 'on' task, avoid things, or find your relationships are affected?

Do you feel medication is not something you would want to rely on, but you have no other option, OR have you tried medication and realised that it doesn’t completely solve your problems?
Do you ultimately feel you're on your own, 'trapped' in your own mind with no way out?

 

Ok so things aren’t great? Well, whilst none of these things are trivial – indeed, life can be very tough, we ‘still’ have to realise that we ‘can’ make things a lot easier on ourselves if we understand the separate processes at work.

 

How!!! Well, the main thing here is that life’s trials, or, indeed, our propensity to want things to be ‘in control’ or right, can make us very ‘prone’ to anxiety/panic – along with the possible follow on obsessive tendencies, which so often feature with anxiety sufferers.

 

So why do we suffer so badly when others around us seem to have it all under control? Truth is, ‘nobody’ out there has got it completely right or under control and this is so important – we just simply ‘over-react’ to our trials in life. Yes, you ‘may’ think you are abnormal – and, in fact, this can be the catalyst for your over-reacting.

 

You will hear me say so frequently that we have a strong ‘propensity’ to panic, because we ‘like’ to be in control/maybe don't like stress and also have a strong desire to be happy! Unfortunately, this outlook can often go overboard and lead us into having too much ‘self-pressure’ to deal with all that is thrown at us – and if we ‘don’t’ feel we can cope with everything – we zoom into orbit.

 

So, the first point to establish is that we ‘do’ have an intense make-up – and really struggle when things aren’t right. We also have extremely creative, productive minds and so it may be said that we 'run' that very fine line between brilliance and destruction! However, one thing that we 'get in the way of' is our natural ability to 'deal' with what life throws at us.

 

This is where I will start with our 3 mind processes. Now, if you use these as your ‘guide’, you won’t go far wrong with being able to understand where you're going wrong! Indeed, with a deeper understanding, you will soon see that process '2' is the main culprit when it comes to 'setting' our panic 'off' (see also Chs 7-9).

 

Let’s start with the first process. This covers our natural ‘incoming’ thoughts. This is explained in greater detail in my Method of Recovery Diagram (MORD). Points 1 and 2 are labelled as our natural incoming negative AND positive thoughts/feelings. These are basically ALL our thoughts/feelings. You will see that I explain that these are ‘uncontrollable’ i.e. we ‘can’t’ help them ‘coming in’. This point may help to take the pressure ‘off’, as you will see that our panic is so much about ‘after’ reacting especially to negative/imperfect thoughts that have ‘already’ happened - thoughts that can't be consciously controlled. So, re this first process, suffice it to say that we must accept and understand that we have a natural incoming flow of negative and positive thoughts/feelings which we ‘can’t’ control – they just happen, hence why I refer to our natural mind flow as being ‘subconscious’ - 'not' consciously/'after the event' controllable. 

Indeed, in the later stages of my book, you will also see how we 'can' actually control our incoming 'future' flow, simply by accepting this fact - i.e. 'letting' our subconscious natural coping ability 'shape' our positive movement forward in life.

 

Now to refer to Process 2. Within this natural flow of incoming thoughts – we also have a very natural process called our ‘cut-offs’. These protect us from going overboard if you like – they happen subconsciously too and basically 'lift us' out of our thoughts. So, processes 1 and 2 are subconscious and 'see' our thoughts coming AND going. Within this process - our positives only 'need' to remain momentary to 'stick', as do our negatives to 'go'.
 

However, ‘understanding’ this cut-off process is just as natural as Process 1, is essential in realising we ‘can’t’ consciously 'help' either process. In fact – if we just stick with these 2 processes, we will ‘be’ in our subconscious flow all the time and actually moving forward as said. By the fact that process 1 ‘includes’ negative thoughts – we should, therefore, be able to also accept that we ‘will’ always have an imperfect 'experiencing' flow – full of both negative and positive 'incoming' thoughts, with those ‘cut-off’ processes lifting us ‘out’ of them – basically letting them go ...to stop us holding on to 'any' thought, 'too' long.

 

Therefore, it’s ‘so’ important we realise that we ‘can’ feel cr*ppy in our flow! I know CBT tells us this fact – and can be a great help in us coming to terms with life’s imperfections, BUT, what comes next (process 3) is something that it doesn’t really cover, namely the solution to our plight.

 

Before I go on, we ‘just’ have to gain a deep understanding and acceptance that our ‘flow’ is a place where we ‘can’ and ‘will’ survive/get better at life – yes, we can have periods of stress/prolonged pressure etc – and these can be ‘very’ difficult when they are 'happening' – BUT we truly have the ‘best’ chance of coming through these if we accept our flow is the best place to be in! In fact, as you will now read – ‘all’ our panic/over-controlling - process 3 ever does is actually make ‘further’ issue of 'momentary' things that have ‘just’ been thought of/just been 'momentarily' controlled – and hence leaves us in a constant process of retrospective thinking - we're trapped - trying too hard to 'double control' if you like. 

If we go 'into' process 3, we ‘think’ we are correcting our discomfort when we are actually ‘adding’ to it! We end up trying ‘so hard’ to control our pain that we actually just magnify it when it's already gone – trapped in an endless process of ‘back-stepping’ if you like. In fact, the only way to gain more control in our lives is to ‘let’ the natural 'subconscious' process of flow 'see' positive take over negative, via the experience  - processes 1 and 2. 
 

This panic process is typified by a forced and conscious ‘tensing up’ beyond our cut-off point - or point of 'letting go'. So, our recovery is very much a ‘not do’ as we simply have to hold off, or abstain from 'veering' into that unnecessary post-thought 'tensing up' - our overdoing/over-reacting panic. If we 'do' feel we have to 'cross that fine line' to follow up that panic temptation 'urge', we then enter a 'false', tense mind-racing event -our panic - questioning, or analysing/scrambling for answers, or trying to 'over-force' our positives (see repetitive and obsessive/addictive thinking/behaving). Basically - if we panic - we 'go to it' - it doesn't come to us. 

You will also see that, actually, our panic temptation 'urge' is the 'same' thing as our cut-off point - so we can 'have' this panic urge - it is just us simply cutting-off from our thoughts. Because it is our point of 'recognition' - it is also a time when we can 'choose' whether to 'then' tense up or 'not' tense up.

 

The main thing is that we ‘know’ we don’t have to FOLLOW this temptation 'up' – it is actually easier ‘not to’ do than to do it ...as it takes more effort. It is our misunderstanding that we 'should' follow up that 'cut-off pt=temptation pt', which causes so many of the problems. Obviously, there is more coverage of this concept - but I will just outline it briefly here. The fact is, we 'are' intense beings, but 'do' have the ability to cope as we are - and to also move forward and 'trim' our intensity as we develop that better habit of 'not tensing'. So, you will learn that relaxation/becoming calmer 'through' time IS achievable - though, by 'not doing' that 'overdoing' temptation. So, a 'not do', therefore, is so different to that hyped up pressure we always have of trying to 'do' something to ease our woes - our panic 'doing more' is actually the problem.

Of course there are many more examples/diagrams/self-do tests/advice sections and case studies in the book/Rule of 10 to simplify this and show it working in reality. My email advice facility is also free if you need it, so please contact me if you need any further. Will
                                 

More Comments/Phrases

 
'The Mind Works' (Book/Ebook) by Will Beswick: A review by Nicki Starkey. The 'National Phobics Society' 23 July 07 (*review of pre updated final version).... 

'The Mind Works' is one man's powerful, personal account of his struggles with panic and anxiety…. Beswick also makes it clear how all types of panic and anxiety are related on the panic spectrum, and can manifest themselves in different ways. In his own case, this was in the form of illness phobia whilst at college. Beswick then begins to outline his own theory on how ‘the mind works’. Put briefly, this theory explains that we are either ‘fighters’ or ‘flighters’. Fighters internalise their panic and flighters externalise theirs. Beswick explains how he overcame his panic by realising that his panic was ‘secondary thinking’ - an internal process that was ongoing. He introduces a number of concepts, such as COPAST- concept of primary and secondary thinking. These are explained in great detail with examples to demonstrate their meaning. As the reader, we are gradually encouraged to find faith in our natural coping abilities..…The author uses a number of diagrams and workable examples for the reader to attempt. He also includes a number of responses to e-mails from readers of his own website (www.doyoupanic.co.uk) where he clarifies any points raised about his theories. It also means that he can tailor his answers to particular phobias or types of anxiety and explain how they work.... The author has also included contributions from other therapists, such as John Crawford’s explanation of OCD, which I also found very helpful. As well as this, he provides links to helpful articles, and opens the discussion up to include related subjects such as eating disorders and medication, and how these relate to his theories.

 

Overall I was very impressed with the content and layout of this book.. it is written in a way that will help many readers to rationalise what they are experiencing and help them to look at the issues in a new light. It uses good examples, positive language and a personal approach that will strike a chord with many readers.... Nicki

 

On Mon 11/05/09 9:33 PM , Brian sent: Hi Will, thank you so much for replying to me.  I just wanted to tell you that since my last "desperation" email, I had a great realization while reading your book that I really believe has brought me back to the present.....What brought me back to the present was a quote on one of the last pages of your book. The quote is "Just 'think' what you think...don't force yourself to think." Reading that quote made me realize how hard I had been trying to recover by "forcing" all of the methods of recovery in my head. I was thinking so hard about what you and Paul say, and I wasn't just allowing my normal thoughts to flow, instead, I was further 'intensifying' and 'breaking' the flow.  I am feeling so much better now - much like I did when I first found Paul's website a year ago, and I can tell it is just going to get better for me as time goes on. I wanted to share this with you just to let you know the impact you have had on my life. Thank you so much, your doing a great thing, and I know so many people are grateful for that. Thank you,  Brian
                      

7 Feb 2010 09:53:07 Hi Will, just thinking last night I would write to you to say thanks! Finally got to grips with this now, so I would hope others will see this comment. As you say, there is such a confusion with our original thoughts and our reacting to them, that I found myself unable to function or concentrate for any set length of time. Ironically, I found myself concentrating when I wasn't consciously thinking and therein lies the answer! Of course, by that time - I would then question why I was concentrating!! It does subside everyone, believe me! Be patient with this and it will clear up in time as it really is 'very' simple to understand....next email - To sum up what I have learned 1. dont expect to be able to handle everything in life perfectly (too much pressure = tension) and 2. this more realistic view will mean you will be able to flow through the bad (or even what we think is mad) far more easily and keep that flow and 3. even if we do leave that flow, as you say, we just have to hold off that unecessary temptation to forcefully panic. Thanks Will Marc 

 
        'Let your mind flow and things 'will' sort themselves out'... 

....if we 'think' we have to consciously and tensely 'over-try' when panicked, we will be sadly wrong. Our subconscious, momentary ability 'is' enough to cope and help us make even those most delicate decisions in life. We 'can' decide whether we actually 'do or don't do' things 'in' the subconscious and 'won't' spin out of control, veer into madness if we avoid that conscious panic temptation to 'do' something! (ref How to deal with those grey areas of uncertainty and worry - 'Self-Confidence, Trust and Balance' Ch 7)                          
                                                 
'Self-pressure and 'too much' worry re 'what' people think/'if' we are normal can put us in that 'low' confidence area where we feel we have to 'do' something to completely control our imperfect thoughts/feelings when they have actually  just 'happened'. Self confidence is truly believing that it's OK to feel a bit cr*ppy/imperfect at times and that we will 'come out' of our negative state naturally and without after-force ...

What tends to 'happen' with recovery? Well, we 'then' tend to 'even' out and 'iron' out those intense-based extremes of self-doubt, hate, fear, excess worry, over-aggression, selfishness, low energy, negativity, inflexibility, being judgemental etc etc etc, all 'as part' of the happier/moving forward us, albeit 'in' the moment. In addition we tend to 'trust' and 'go with' our subconscious senses far more often’ 

'Ultimately, this is about learning to roll with the imperfect, in order to achieve the 'more controlled' perfect'

'It really doesn't matter whether just some, part, or all of this applies to you (fighters AND flighters), you 'must' just avoid after-panicking to flow to 'get through' those bad/trying times. Any stalling will just make things worse'

On Tue 23/08/11 2:56 PM , Bobby sent:Thank you, Will. Makes so much sense. Last question and I promise to leave you alone :). So recovery from anxiety/symptoms is totally possible? Thank you so much for your time and help. I'm getting much better and I don't want to know what'd I'd be like without yours and Pauls help. Thanks again. Bobby

Hi Will, my name is Louise and I would like to congratulate you on offering information and useful service on anxiety and panicking.

 

This is an issue that is close to me because I have lived with dental phobia for much of my life followed by mainly panic attacks due to my phobia, but it is because of dentists excellent dentist and resource websites like your selfs that I have been able to overcome my fear and get the dental treatment I need. Please see link for dental phobia.

 

Wed 1/12/10 - Hi Will,iI'm really impressed by your website and am deeply hoping that your book will indeed help me on my journey through a difficult 'patch' that I am going through.... Regards Ben -  Hi Will, Thanks so much for the book - From what I've read on your website it's very comforting to hear from someone who has been through it & your words give me great confidence & motivation. I'm grateful for you replying to me & I very much look forward to reporting my progress to you! Thanks, Ben

Wed 17/11/10 11:00 AM Many thanks Will, I think you are right, I was almost there in recovery but because I still had the temptation to 'solve' why I'd felt the depressive thoughts to make sure I could make sense of it all. This though, at a time when I am feeling naturally down was the last thing I should have done, hence stressing myself to the point where the anxiety jolts are back and they are truly awful. I forgot how they suddenly make you feel so desperate and on the edge.

Is it possible to still have forced thinking without the panic? I ask this as this is how it's been for so long... just a constant 'checking in' on myself regarding these thoughts. Perhaps this was when I felt safe, but still had remnants of low anxiety. Now that my situation has changed and I don't feel very 'safe' inside that the anxiety has become strong again. Its wierd isn't it, I read other posts on your website and we all have this need to be absolutely certain this is what is happening and nothing else. I suppose it's us striving for certainty rather than letting go....Thanks again Jess

Wed 17/11/10 4:20 PM Thankyou Will. You strike me as a very genuine person, and not many people actually take the time to respond personally to emails.  I have spent a small fortune on methods, and books (I think I am Amazon’s best customer!), but effectively the essence of recovery seems to be as you suggest, i.e. not reacting to thoughts and sensations after they have happened. I really appreciate your support and I wish there were more people like you who were willing to share their experiences in recovery freely, without trying to make some sort of secret about it and charging people who are desperate for reassurance.   Kind regards Muriel

Thu 4/11/10 4:09 PM , "Denise Ross" denise@teachingpupils.com sent:

Hello! My name is Denise, and I came across Do You Panic while gathering information for a paper on panic, anxiety, and the social stigma that often comes with them. I just wanted to send out a big thank you for the resources!

Again, thank you very much! I really appreciate it! Best, Denise Ross

"Hi Will, I've just finished reading your book, which was from Paul Davids Anxiety No More Website. Your teachings make so much sense, just like Pauls accepting method. Your book has taught me that its ok to think how i think, its not the thoughts causing my suffering- its my reaction to them...I know now exactly what i have to do, and its fine to have any thoughts as the brain is capable of thinking anything, and it is only a harmless thought. I know i just need to learn not to obsess, fight, investigate thoughts then i wouldnt get the the 'fight or flight' panic response anyway.  Thankyou for your time, I think your work is amazing" Candie 25th May '08.

 

Hi Will, My name is Mark, I am 41 years old. I purchased your book around Christmas time. I have only just read it as I was completeing a course of CBT for anxiety. I have suffered from anxiety for most of my life, usually surrounding health anxiety. About four years ago it went up a notch and I started to get abhorrent thoughts involving all sorts of violence and of a sexual nature. I was very ill for a while but recovered and the thoughts subsided. Last September my lovely wife became pregnant and they all kicked off again and I was poorly again, hence the course of CBT. I completed the CBT and was much better but still suffering especially since my lovely daughter was born 8 weeks ago. My therapist who was very supportive says its down to me and I have the tools to succeed. I read your book and found it brilliant, I could have saved myself 100s of pounds in therapy bills... Your story seems remarkably like mine and your recovery gives me hope. You are right this is a terrible illness and I thank my lucky stars I have lots of support and I am  able to hold down a high pressured job. Cheers Will  Mark May '09

 

Date: Thu, 1 Jan 2009 19:03:14 +0000 Hi Will Well what a difference the last few months have made!  I am now in flow-  99% of the time i feel no need to repeatedly think anything!  I no longer ruminate and even see how irrational i was once been. Its amazing how panicking can cloud or judgement and make us so irrational. I still have the odd setback, but thats fine as this is new habits overwriting old ones that consumed my every thought for two years!  I really was that bad i was constantly testing myself with thoughts, my mind was on alert scanning for any thought that may threaten me... i supose i was forcing myself to confront something that didnt need clarifying. Thankyou for all your help Will- i now have a bright future to look forward to- i am expecting my first baby in June, a year ago this wouldnt of been an option due to fearing my own mind!   Hope you had a lovely christmas and all the best for 2009. Dee

..Fantastic news and well done! All the best for 2009 and remember - if times ever get tough, you know where I am, but it seems like youre starting to 'get this'.cheers Will 

08/04/10 Hi Will, Many thanks for sending this to me.  I am currently getting through your book and am finding it really good.  I have also read Paul David's book and so far am finding that "The Mind Works" kind of explains the actual "accepting" and "not doing anything" principals in a way that helps you to understand it more from a brain process way, which is good.  It seems strange sometimes that what seems to be such an easy process is so hard to actually get the hang of. I have had Anxiety notably from the age of 17 (Starting with a Panic attack which threw me into a pit of despair) and I am now 38.  Following coming on and off Paroxetine (Seroxat) many times over the years, and I can't deny that when on it, it did help.  I have now come off at 1mg per month for 20 months and finally stopped on 1st November 2009.  4 Months on and I am really struggling (Very Anxious and Depressed).  We have had some hard times thrown at us lately and I am finding it difficult to make even simple decisions.  My GP has prescribed a different SSRI, Sertraline if I want it.  The thing is I really don't want to start taking any more medication. I believe I have made more progress over the last year or so than ever with Acceptance techniques like in "The Mind Works", "At Last a Life" and Clare Weeks books..... 


June '10 ...Putting out the mind fire! Hi Will, just thought I would take time out to respond with a summary! If you could put this on your site, I would just like to 'give something back' to all those who are suffering out there! 2 years ago I came too Will in a pretty desperate state - needless to say, we 'all' think we have got this nailed at times, but can sometimes be too stubborn, or too afraid to accept something needs to change. However, as Will says, this is NOT actually about 'losing your identity'! No, not at all, it is actaully about going with you, first time! So, in a nutshell, this is why I decided to write for this site if that's ok Will? Basically, what he is trying to get over here is that 'we have to allow the experience' of life to be able to master it! How does this affect our recovery? Well, the solution is ''yes'' relaxation - BUT - there is one big difference and that is..we have to 'do' this as a repair job - and a repair job only! If we 'wander' out of our subconscious and yes imperfect state - we 'just' have to put that right - this is the ONLY time we can successfully 'calm back to our flow' OR we would be in our calm flow anyway and yes, it took me a little while to truly get the hang of this. We WILL move towards that happier more relaxed and flowing state IF we can simply repair when we go too far - conscious vs subconscious if you like, with the conscious really not been needed! As time has gone on, I can truly say that my hypertensive mind has slowly started to ease off - indeed, the mind/chest fire that can be so bewidering, has really stared to subside - I can see and think far more clearly now and that is something I wanted to take to you all! Cheers Will Aidie

Here are some other messages that have made this site/book worthwhile! (see also 'Advice Column' and 'Book Reviews' for more)

Hi Will, Just going through your book now and so far its been fantastic. The way you identify the process in which the thoughts go is very good. I know you might not give put personal adivce but i'll ask my question anyway. My biggest fear with anxiety is depression and because i have  felt depressed abit with my anxiety and it is always on my mind this is usually what my thoughts are about and what my 'What ifs' are about most of the time. So when i get that random thought "do i feel depressed" is that my primary thought and i should just cut-off from there? Because  i ususally get myself in a panic and think what if this is me forever  ect ect. Or if i hear the word depression or read it somewhere the dread washes over me and the thoughts begin to come. In saying this my anxiety started with physical symptoms which began with a panic attack and then developed into constant anxiety from waiting for the 'next' panic attack. I have feared going crazy, all other mental illnesses under the sun and i spose the depression fear is the one ive had the longest. I like how you mentioned people doubt the good positive thoughts and question them too, because i frequently do this.

Thanks again for sending me your ebook i look forward to continue reading it Kind regards Stephen

 

On Sat 1/11/08 7:36 PM , Gemma sent:

Hi Will, I'm incredibly impressed with your website, and feel so pleased that others out there have experienced similar feelings/thoughts that I have.

I've suffered on and off with anxiety for much of my life. I found cognitive behaviour therapy great as a teen, but a couple of years later I developed new fears/worries that I was unsure of how to deal with. I started seeing a psychologist just to talk really, which helped slightly.

A few years on, I'm tired of wondering over and over whether my problem is chemical/emotioal/based on some childhood experience.

Regards,Gemma

 

On Tue 2/09/08 2:35 PM , Simon sent: Hi Will. I have been suffering from anxiety and panic for over a year now, but have only found out what it was 3 months ago when it got really bad. When i left uni i was getting palpatations, chest pains and dizziness. They carried on until Christmas when i was so convinced that there was something wrong with my heart that i went to the docs and underwent numerous tests.  In the spring of this year the doctor finally told me there was nothing wrong with me. Thats when i had my first panic attack and the anxiety started - endless thrashing around my mind for answers and thinking i was going crazy. I was prescribed Diazepam and sent to a counsellor. I found your website and also have been using anxietynomore.com. It has helped me get tremendously and i believe i am on the road to recovery. The physical symptoms of anxiety and panic no longer scare me and i have learnt how to control them. However, what i am at pains to beat is the mental anguish. It is nowhere near as bad as it used to be when i had a one track mind and no intetrest in the world and experienced depersonalisation. Instead it is the disturbing and negative thoughts which keep coming and preventing me finally beating anxiety.
Sorry that this is dragging on... When i thought i was losing control and going crazy before i found out i had anxiety, i feared what would happen if i went mad and feared the worst possible outcomes. I thought 'what if i go mad and turn suicidal?' or 'what if go mad and turn into some sort of murderer?'! Really silly thoughts i know because it would never happen, but i cant seem to get rid of them once and for all.
Do you have advice for how i can overcome the disturbing thoughts and get my life back? Many thanks for your time Will. Simon

On Tue 19/08/08 6:42 PM , Aaron sent: Hi Will I purchased your book online and, as I am travelling out of the country  Thursday, have downloaded it on my laptop. Your site is great. Given me some hope that I can get out of this mess! Many thanks Aaron

On Thu 14/08/08 4:57 PM , "Chris"sent:
Hi Will, I have been reading your website recently and wholly buy into the message you are putting across. I won’t go into the long explanations of my experiences, but needless to say the greatest success I have achieved has been when I have managed to accept things as they are, accept that I am leading my life well and to trust that my body and mind will work through the more difficult times with time and space. Of course it’s not easy, but the right path is there somewhere…Anyway, I decided to go ahead and get the book and now... 

17th July 08 hi will i have so far liked what ive read from your site but ive had a few false dawns in the past so i dont want to get excited as ive just purchased the ebook from you.i hope you dont mind me asking but any advice before i start to read it as ive stated ive suffered anxiety problems for 12 years mainly free floating anxiety and ocd thoughts and have had many set backs.cheers chris

The reason I like your book is because it comes from a very different angle, something that helped me to be honest, even when 'recovered' I
don't think we ever are ever truly, I still have little episodes from time to time and one or two bits really did strike a chord with me,
the same principles, but the way you put it across in a totally different way.
Thanks for helping out, a lot of people get stuck with the scary thoughts symptom and I truly believe this book really does cover this
subject and will help others greatly. Regards Paul

On Wed Mar 21 22:35, 'Susan G' sent: Will, I got your book last week and have really been helped by it. My anxiety has been bad my entire life, and today, due to the journals, I was able to go out to eat, shopping, get ice cream, and to the movies, out of town with friends, with absolutely no problems... It would probably amaze people to know how anxious I get because I appear to be very outgoing and high energy, but it's sad how anxious behaviour can make your world smaller and smaller because you don't want to take chances with it.   I hope to hear from you.  :)  I'm just amazed at how you were able to break it down simply into a process that everybody can do. The book is a great tool in the recovery process.  Mar 07

..And 2 years since first contact with this site. On Wed Nov 7 16:35 , 'Nick Watts' sent:  Hello Will Going really good thanks, Better than ever!! Looking forward to reading the paperback this time round! Thanks again Will, for all the help that you gave me. Nick

Hi Will, Just wanted to thank you for your book! I'm recovering from obsessive panic, and you're so right about the whole panic process! I am also very inspired by the works of Eckhart Tolle (The Power of Now & A New Earth). Do you know him? He basically teaches the same thing for people in general. To become aware of your thoughts/feelings without clinging on to them. We are not the thinker, we are the awareness behind the thinker. It's such a relief knowing that ;)  Many thanks  Anja, Holland.  May 23, 07

Tue Jul 10 21:33 - Many thanks for this Will. It's a superb piece of work and 100% relevant to the problems I face and have faced for many long years. The primary/secondary thought concept is really helpful and I'm committed to applying it into my everyday thinking. Many thanks once again.     Jon

On Tue Oct 16 8:26 , C sent: Hi Will, i found your site via paul david's website and it makes for interesting reading. One thing that i cant seem to find an answer for is my thought patterns. i recently moved house and at the time, i didnt realise that it being dormer meant upstairs was made of wood.
Now my thoughts just focus on the house being unstable especially after i found a leak from the roof. i keep going round in circles worrying
about leaks, walls falling down, the wood rotting, the roof collapsing and i just want to sell the house and move as I think that that will
cure all my problems. The thought patterns mentioned are usually all related to health in other people suffering from anxiety but mine are
all on external things - am i going mad?  Thanks,

On Mon Sep 3 12:00 , pdavid@anxietynomore.co.uk sent:Thanks for the feedback Will. I have actually just finished updating it as I keep getting new questions asked to me and I want to cover everything. I wanted people to really connect with this understanding. All the books I read apart from Claire weekes, I could never relate to. There is some influence from Claires books, but to be honest although I understood, I never made it work for me. So, I, like you sort of developed my own way through trial and error and helping others. It sort of all clicked into place, this is why I could connect with yours, I don't go for all that do this, do that. I also would rather people 'not do' in a way that they don't become a slave to how they feel, to not make it the centre of their day.

Anyway I could go on, but I did connect with what you said in your book as it hit be like a brick one day to stop trying to control how I feel 24/7. It was the start of my recovery. Speak soon and good luck with the book Will.  Paul

On Wed Jul 11 15:44 , Charlotte Haigh sent: Dear Will I wonder whether you can help? I came across your fantastic website while
researching a piece on panic attacks for the Daily Mirror. I'm looking for a female case study to talk to me for the feature, and I wondered .........Many thanks.
Best wishes,
Charlotte Haigh   Freelance journalist

On Mon Dec 3 10:10 , SK (assumed name requested) sent: Hi Thanks for your reply. It really means a lot to have someone to discuss this with as it is a subject that is so hard to talk about especially as it doesn't really make a lot of sense a lot of the time. I'm now trying to put your advice in to action and already felt a certain amount of weight has lifted over the past few days. Its still hard as these thoughts still enter my head which I suppose is something that I'm always going to wish could just disappear instantly but as you said it is the way we react which is the problem so I have just been focusing on letting them go instead of trying to tackle them or figure them out. Its already made things a lot easier and though there are occasions when it seems to creep back, I'm just trying to focus on how well i'm doing and the positives instead of focusing on the negatives. Hopefully over time as you say the negative thoughts will fade away a bit as i'm not making such a big deal of them and the positives can start coming in instead. Thanks again so much for your help as just having some reassurance is so helpful and has helped me realise that a lot of this is about having confidence in myself and not doubting my abilities. Feel free to use any correspondance as I'd like to think that I might be able to offer some reassurance that people are not alone just like you have yourself but I would prefer to remain anonymous if this is ok. Its a pity things like this are not more out in the open as i'm sure it would help so many people that think they are the only one's dealing with this. Thanks again!

 

 

Message: I just wanted to thank you for putting my site as a link to yours www.anxietynomore.co.uk. When you replied to me I sensed a nice genuine person and decided to take a further look at your website. Will I am very impressed and from someone who recovered and studied the subject for many years, I see a person who is very knowledgeable on the subject and you have some very good ideas. I get many people asking me questions and visiting my site and although I do sell the book I wrote on my recovery, my main motivation is helping people and the rewarding feeling I get from this. The sale of the book helps me to help people by going part-time, freeing up my time to concentrate on the site and answering emails.
Will I just wanted to say keep up the good work, I will advise people who visit and email me visit your site. I hope to one day be able to do this
full time and then maybe help with some sort of charity, there is one in Manchester not to far from me, but in setting the site up I honestly did not know the problem was so widespread, it has really touched me the amount of sufferers out there. If you would like me to submit some articles to your site just ask, it would be a pleasure, if there is any way we can work together to spread the message also then count me in, to think we can touch people and improve their life is the best feeling in the world.
Take care and you are doing a great job.
Regards Paul Sept '06

Message: On Wednesday when I received the new journals, particularly journal 4, I started to read it and seen my correspondance in, then i read your reply to my last e mail. I just thought about it for a couple of days and It clicked. Now it obvious. *ANYTHING* that goes on in my head, feelings anxiety thoughts *WHATEVER IS FINE*  as long as you don't question, doubt.... N June 06

Message: Well..after many many years of thinking I was weird, I had a BIG mental problem, I suddenly stumble over a site that in a few simple lines cleared my mind and made sense of everything.. 'anticipatory thinking'. Thankyou Will, for taking all the flounce and baggage out of this :) I too would say my character is like yours, my gp calls me one of 'lifes sensitive people' :) which I don't mind, especially as I now can handle my thinking ... Jan 1.03.06 (see full message on 'Comments' page)

Name: NW  Your method works! I have isolated the process....(also part of 'Advice Column 2' entry - answered in Journal 4) 02.06

Name: Sam D   23.5.05 Message: This is by far THE best site that I have come across where I can really understand what I am doing.. 

Everywhere else seems to be so general, but this is me all over and it's really helped me today. Thanks 

 

Name: Emma   4.05.06 Message: I am very impressed with this site. I have not finished reading it yet but so far it seems to explain how I'm feeling. I have been suffering with this problem for over 7 years, and have various therapies, medication also without really getting the answer I want. This site is so special as is from someone who has been there, are rather than other sites that try and make money out of peoples suffering is truly trying to help and spread the word, excellent!

 

Name: Jo S.  You have obviously worked very hard on these (re: journals). I now feel I have a very clear understanding as to what I'm doing. Not only should you be credited with your own recovery, but also your ability to tell this as simply as possible. Many, many thanks. 21.04.06

 

Name: Mike S. I was anxious about receiving your journals - as you'll know - we want to read everything anyway. Thankfully, your argument is consistent throughout, whilst being appied to people's different situations, I'm starting to get this... Jun 06 

 

Name: Rob Hi Will Thanks for your journals. I have started reading them. I may record my progress for my own benefit and if you wanted to, to add to the journal? I already have one question - your writing is great by the way (that was a compliment, not the question): although I am very alike you (not many men admit they panic)... see also 'Advice Column 2' section.  July 06

 

Wills theory works. After reading peoples accounts, people are getting too confused :- Leave your head and sort it out. It's your panic that's the problem, don't get confused with your negative state. The panic IS the problem. This panic explaining is the 'separate' process, it's where you constantly/consciously question, eg, this is not right, what if, what, when, why, questions fly. Everything else in your head is fine. Just avoid the panic. It does come but it will take time. See the panic and avoid it.
Say you are in a mental knot about how you are thinking. At some point you will feel the need to enter the panic process, the fight. You cannot
miss it. Once you see it and don't react - more positive thoughts are then allowed to flow. Negatives are then allowed to balance out. I still
feel panicky at times. Like last week I thought about when a song is stuck in my head - is that OCD? By not panic explaining this thought - more positives are allowed to flow like - don't be silly - positives balance out negatives. Let your own head sort it out. :-) N

 

Message: Will - this is, indeed, a very private illness - one which keeps us trapped unless we figure it out for ourselves, as I agree, no-one really seems to know what they're on about. Until now. You have thrown this subject wide open - I couldn't believe what an impact just a few words could have. If you've not been there - it's always hard to know - but you do and, more importantly - you have figured it. Please champion your cause as this site/journals are gold. Yours.... Kurt F...  July 06

 

Message: What you're saying here is that there's a way for us all 'to be' and as long as we don't 'deviate' from this, we'll cope and move on in life. Not so sure how long it took you to do this ? Regards  Abid H   July 06 (see Journal' 6  - Advice Column 'Learning To Trust Ourselves')

 

Hi Will Just wanted to say thanks for the journals (re 5). I had a really rough time last night and to open this, this morning has made me realise that there are others out there and I'm not on my own. Thanks for everything and keep up the good and hard work. Danielle  Aug 06

Hello Will things going very well.really starting to get at ease with myself. Still get times where i feel panicky or stressing about whether its right or not. But i now Know that that is primary thoughts. What happens now After a while it builds up until the point where i think Right PANIC Fight to sort out this session. I then Know not to fight. Then its gone. Then its good again. Now i know that panic usually sorts it out. Once i think right panic and don't then it gets better. At the moment I am starting to get weeks of good, and only days of panicky so we are getting there. Now sometimes i forget completely about it for hours and then remember it again . Before i used to panic then Because i thought it was back again. Now I think oh yes and thats that. It is so simple ie the process is very easy to define once you realize what is is.I was reading the new journal about that woman Ann?, getting lots of negative thoughts over and over. thats ok just run with it however long it lasts. She might be like that for days even weeks but it will pass and she will start to think more positive. I understand it fully now. Thanks Will , keep in touch. NW Aug 06

 

Hello Will I have been thinking. I am further down the road than I give myself credit for. I cannot panic any more. its now ingrain . No matter what thought i get or how panicky I get I cannot fight. Its subconscious. As i am not doing it any more. I get panicky about whether the theory is correct. as it is so good. But the panicky times always develop to a point, then its gone. It`s strange. Time will tell and in all honestly time is one thing I have got. Thanks N Aug 06 (see also Journal 6)

 

Message: Gotta hand it to you Will, this has really turned me around. You're journey is not only inspiring, but your grasp on this has given me the understanding that I can deal with my intense mind -WITHOUT panic. Your journals were a natural follow-on for me. - though I thought I had gotten it all in. No need to panic here!! - your argument follows through each one and left me feeling clear how to approach this through all those sufferers' ails. Yours  Kit S Aug 06

 

Hi Will, thanks for these (Updated journals and Journal 4). I am actually doing much better and can really see an improvment in how i am handling things and with time really think this could be the answer for me. Thanks again for all your support, i realised now that i do know what i am doing to an extent and have to trust myself more without obsessivly questioning if i am confused about the theory behind it. I would still like to receive the journals but at the moment am trying stick at not fighting anything and think will look into the theory more when i am feeling more habitual about this. But i really do think this could be the answer to it all, i just do feel more in the flow now but am really having to try still till it becomes more natural. Im not sure if i told you already but i actually work in the mental health 'field' (the irony hey!) but i do agree that your theory of recovery could relate to many other mental health problems, trying to gain control and understanding. Again many thanks, it is really refreshing this approach. So i am being more patient now and realising it will not happen over night and that i have a long history of anxiety to break away from. If you don't mind im sure when i do read into the theory side of it i will have some more questions to ask! Thanks again, you have been a great help, Anna (assumed name used here)

 

Hello Will
How are you its N.
First thing thanks very much for all the effort you have put into the journals and thanks for the time you taken to help me. Thanks to you
I have finally cracked it. The last couple of days have been sh*t hot. Remember when I was first e-mailing you in Feb, I could not fully
understand what the secondary process was, I sent you the last E-Mail, I did not get the reply I think my e mail had been playing up.
I decided to put all my paperwork, (your correspondents and journals) away and decided to try and forget about it, by telling myself to not
to worry. Did not work.
On Wednesday when I received the new journals, particularly journal 4, I started to read it and seen my correspondance in, then i read your
reply to my last e mail. I just thought about it for a couple of days and It clicked. Now it obvious. *ANYTHING* that goes on in my head,
feelings anxiety thoughts *WHATEVER IS FINE*  as long as you don't question ,doubt. I then looked back at times where I fell down . Once i was on the bike with my anxious thoughts. The moment I went " OUTSIDE",  i.e looking at those  thoughts, (oh  I am doing it again ,I must stop this  , Need for control)  i realized  what the secondary process IS.
It  is NOT believing in your thought process, it is the need to have a second look, ie take control. Its not totally right yet, but I now know
more than ever i *WILL* get better. It is total understanding. *Thanks to you Will*, Nice one mate i cannot thank you enough.
P.S. I will give you a donation so you can help others, I have been out of work for two months but starting a new job soon. I felt sorry for that
Laurence in the journal, poor guy he sounded in a bad way.
Starting to look forward to life. Just remember *ANYTHING GOES* as long
as you don't question it.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Many thanks N

 

Message: Hi Will, Thanks for your great website. I just ordered the journals, when can I expect them? Anna Oct 06

 

Hi Will,

How are you? What you write makes a lot of sense yet somehow I feel so stuck...I was wondering if maybe you can give me some personal advice. About 3 months ago I had a panic attack and after that I tumbled into the world of anxiety and depression so heavily I have no sense of who I am anymore.
I've dealt with OCD (harm obsessions) and depersonalisation before in my life after I smoked weed and again a couple of years later when I was in a rather stressful time in my life. Eventually it just went away and I functioned very normally again. Yet this time it seems like there is nothing left of me but a 'thinking entity'. I don't have panic attacks but I'm in a mental knot all day obsessing about reality, about myself, about my relationships with other people and how I 'normally' behave. I even got this thought about how I normally behave around my mom (I live at home) and this has made me more anxious than ever before because home is the place where I used to feel at least some sort of release. Also because I talk a lot about it with my mom and her boyfriend and they are very supporting.
Does this make any sense to you?
I am so depressed about it because before this happened I was actually having the best year of my entire life. I (20) am a singer here in Holland, I have a great band, great friends. Everything was so perfect and now I just feel like a mental wreck. I have been going to school, going out, rehearsing with my band and everything but I feel like I've just been physically there and I have hardly been able to really socialize with people because I'm so concerned with myself. The last days I feel like giving up, like it's too hard to keep up with everything.
I am exactly what you describe, an intense perfectionist, worrier and all that.

I feel so low and it seems like every day I spend trying to figure out this mental knot. Every day I feel like I am completely out of control and my thinking makes no sense anymore. One day I may decide I'm going to be very disciplined about exercising, relaxation and doing instead of thinking etc and then two days later I give up already. There seems no way out...I am just so scared that this obsessing (ocd/anxiety) is here to stay and that I'm not going to be able to function in the 'music industry' which is stressful of course but it is my dream.
I wonder if it's a sign that I just can't handle the stress of it and that I'm doomed to be and OCD'er for the rest of my life...:S. Have you been this low? I hope you can help me out a bit.
I understand what you mean by not fighting, and that we are overdoing but I feel like this habit has gotten a hold of me so badly I wouldn't know who I am without it anymore. Pff, well sorry for rambling. If you have time to react I would be very
thankful.
Greetz, Anon  Nov 06

 

Hi Will u really have done a wonderful job with this site. I come to think that this site is too good to be true. u make it very easy for me to be in your shoes. It is as if u can read my mind sometimes. I am 28 and I live in Greece. I have experience some panic attacks a year ago, but with the help of antidepressant i have somehow overcome the physical symptoms. Although i don’t feel that i have recover because i think i have not change the thinking patterns that have forced me into this mess. And the thinking patterns are very close to what u describe in your site. Although these patterns have helped me to finish college and do my masters they don’t seem to be very helpful with managing your feelings. On the contrary they can lead to a complete wreck. I would be grateful if u can help me by sending me this material. The postal order is the most convenient way for me to pay. Please let me know how this can be done. I ll be 'anxious' to hear from u S.U DEC 06

Hi,

 

I subscribed to your site for the journals yesterday.

 

I found the website very informative and am hopeful it will help with my panic and anxiety which I have been suffering from on and off for the past five years but has got much worse in the past year which has led to agoraphobia.

 

Regards RN   DEC 06

 

Will, Many many thanks for your journals which have certainly cleared a lot of things up. Like so many of your readers - I understand now how this illness keeps re-inventing itself as we are compelled to keep 'doing' something about our predicament - which, of course, is the actual 'cause' of this illness. Completely clear to me that I need to 'hold off'. In debt! Many thanks once again - just a suggestion - why don't you hold a conference about all of this? Mel A Dec 06

 

Hi Will - Just a quick note to say 'well done' for all your efforts with this site. I picked it up about 6 months ago - thought it was excellent, but didn't really have enough courage to 'look outside' my compulsion at that time. One thing that 'did' stick was your comment about 'cut-offs', as this was totally new to me. However, one day I was driving and feeling really panicky -and I thought 'as I recognised this' - am I 'cutting-off' here? I 'twigged' that there was no need to follow this up and it all became clear. On reading your journals - a revelation I would say, as this has really taken me on as I knew this was realistic and truthful. I am intense and yet realise now that I can work through this and have more confidence than ever that I can be me. Hope this helps people see how you are affecting others. Many thanks  Jay  Dec 06

 

Will, many thanks for this. Hope you don't mind, but you have some gutsy people out there! Like you, they selflessly include 'all' their pain and, of course, all the stigma that goes with showing 'what really goes on in all our minds-  but we'd never like to admit'. Good on ye! That Nick Watts guy needs applauding - patience and perseverence BUT belief. I have a great job - a high flyer I will admit myself - but a complete wreck if the truth be known. Your site has given me access without walls - and the confidentiality I need. Hopefully here, I have given a little bit back - though please only use my first name! Gareth  Jan 07

 

Hi Will.

 

I have just purchased your journals and am looking forward to reading them and help me along the road to full recovery.

 

I must admit i admire you and the work you have done to recover and help others, good on you. I just hope i can do the same as i have been suffering for about a year now. Its hard and i do try not to go at the thoughts but it just overwhelming sometimes and/or confusing.

 

kind regards      Nic      Feb 07 

 

Mon Jul 9 12:35 , pdavid@anxietynomore.co.uk sent: Hi Will,

No problem at all, I actually enjoyed reading it ('The Mind Works') and found it a very good and a different way of explaining things. I also enjoyed reading the words of thank you from people you had helped, this has always been the rewarding part for me, just to know you have helped someone through this, boy I wish I had found someone all those years ago.

I admire you for doing this, I hope one day in the future to have the courage to do the same. I think that is what hurts me the most about anxiety/panic, that the whole world including the medical profession is so ignorant to it and we feel we should keep it to ourselves.
Good luck with promoting it Will and I have no problem putting my name behind the book, a great job.
Regards Paul

 

Name: Paulette     27.3.05

Message: Great site, nicely put together...just like to add something, being a smoker does not stop you having panics, oh that it did :).... Well done keep up the good work.. Paulette (Therapist for HOPE - Help Overcome Panic Effects)

 

Name: Sam D       23.5.05

Message: This is by far THE best site that I have come across where I can really understand what I am doing..  Everywhere else seems to be so general, but this is me all over and it's really helped me today. Thanks  

 

Name: Cynthia     28.5.05

Message: I just got hold of this site from a friend.. I agree with your 'solution' as very much a 'fear of fear' and accepting all feelings. Will read on to understand what you mean by the 'process'.

 

Name: Jodie Finnegan     11.6.05

Message: I think you may have hit on something quite 'big' here. I have looked into this problem and have not seen any detail for 'the process of panic....' quite like this. I agree there may be similarities with other illnesses and your concept of 'unconscious thought'.

 

Name: Alex Jones     18.8.05

Message: This is an excellent site, with lots of useful tips, although maybe too much to take in, in one go. I agree, 'allowing' natural controls rather than 're-checking' them has wonderful results!


Name: Tom      24.8.05

Message: Dear Will - I have recently created a site entitled Anxiety2calm.com which looks at various therapies and quick fix cures which are offered or sold to sufferers of anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias. Throughout the site I urge the sufferer to be wary of expensive gimmicks that make unsubstantiated promises.
I found Do You Panic? very interesting, and relevant to my own site. It also held a lot of information I could relate to. For this reason I have placed a link to your site on my 'Very Useful Links' page.
http://www.anxiety2calm.com

Name: Marco      24.8.05

Message: Hi Will - Great site!

http://www.clarocet.com  &  http://www.anxiety-and-depression-solutions.com

Name: Liz :)      27.9.05

Message:    Hello Will. Just reading your site! Fabulous! Can you tell me if you had been on meds prior to your healing? I have constant anxiety and have just started AD's and xanex.   Thanks!    Liz :)          (Recent e-mail, which Liwas also happy to put on this page!) The rest of this conversation is detailed in Journal 2, in the 'Advice Column'.

Name: Daniel L   4.10.05

Message:   Hi Will  Very interesting website. I wanted to inquire about the subscription & what I receive, i.e journals etc. Also, I'm interested in what you mean that you have recovered??  Don't you have the panic/anxiety symptoms?? I am very interested in subscribing. Look forward to hearing from you. Regards Daniel

Name: Janice M  2.11.05

Message:  I have enjoyed your site and would like to suggest a link exchange. Although separated by the Atlantic, you and I are connected as fellow sufferers of panic and anxiety. My site began as a labor of love, but has grown and I would be honored to offer it to you as a resource.  www.stop-anxiety-attack-symptoms.com

z  

Name: Ruth Dillon Email: ruth-0@outofplacedesign.co.uk
Welcome Page:  http://www.outofplacedesign.co.uk  
Country: UNITED KINGDOM 
Date: 17 Jan 2006 15:27:13 GMT

Comment: This is a great website. Very honest and frank. would love to talk to you about my PhD research, which is about how to design public space to help all users, but particularly those with anxiety feel more comfortable. I have a website which is www.outofplacedesign.co.uk if you are interested.

 

Name: Anon

Message: This has helped me a lot - your method works! I really feel I can separate the 'process' of panic now, just like you've outlined. A 'great' site followed by the many examples you give in your journals. Many thanks  10 Feb '06 

 

 

 
Name: Jan

Message: Well..after many many years of thinking i was weird,I had a BIG mental problem,I suddenly stumble over a site that in a few simple lines cleared my mind and made sense of everything..'anticipatory thinking' Thankyou Will,for taking all the flounce and baggage out of this :)I too would say my character is like yours,my gp calls me one of 'lifes sensitive people' :)which I don't mind,especially as I now can handle my thinking,Your site has a been wonder of a read,almost like looking in a mirror.I was put on seroxat 10 years ago for a massive panic attack,trouble was I got left on.In the last four years I have read and digested as much as I can about the drug,people like me,and panic/anxiety.I am on the last 3ml of seroxat and hope to be off it in about 6-8 weeks,the withdrawl pharse is hell but ,at least I know it is the drug and not me.Your site has affirmed for me my 'normality' ,thankyou for all the time and effort you must put in to share with us..excellant stuff young man .:))     1.03.06

Name: Anon

Message: I have just come across your site and, whilst reading through it has been difficult at times, a lot of this makes real sense to me. Thanks for all your efforts. 15.03.06

Name: Fel B

Message: Hi Will, I have just started reading your site and so far, this has made real sense to me. I have suffered with anxiety and panic attacks for @ 22 years now. I have tried all the therapies and yet this has given me a sense of hope - thanks for now - I will get back to you.  21.03.06

Name: Kristen L Baker M.L.C

Message: Hi there:  I just found your site and I loved it!   
www.carefreeanxietycoaching.com  http://www.believeinoneself.com/


Name: emma
   
Country: ENGLAND    Date: 4 May 2006 09:10:24 GMT

Comment: I am very impressed with this site, I have not finished reading it yet but so far it seems to explain exactly how i am feeling. I have been suffering with this problem for over 7 years, and have various therapies, medication also without really getting the answer i want. This site is so special as is from someone who has been there, are rather than other sites that try and make money out of peoples suffering is truly trying to help and spread the word, excellent!

Name: Marc

Message: I suffered with panic attacks in my teens but some how through prayer
overcame it...I am now 24 I was free from panic for years...I would have
episodes here and there once or twice a year but they were
manageable..However, about a month ago I had a fever and I began to panic
thinking there was something physically wrong with me I was sitting in the
ER scared to death...After I got over the minor flu...I began getting my
panic attacks daily...I hope with the information you provide this can get
me back on track again.  Thanks this has been the only website I have found
to be helpful.  May 13 '06

Name: Anon - Can you help?

Message: you seem to be so confidant getting through all of this i am jammed
in the middle of the worst panic/anxiety crisis and i cant get to the root of it...i
cant eat, sleep or function it has officially taken over my life and i really cant
do this anymore...bad thoughts are coming and they will not leave. Jun 06

Name: Val E

Message: An excellent, excellent take on fight or flight.

ps can you tell me how much the journals cost US $. Many thanks Jun 06

Name: Paul David  

Message: Hi Will, Keep up the good work! Regards  Paul  July 06

www.anxietynomore.co.uk

Name: Lisa Claire
Welcome Page:   
Country: UK 
Date: 7 Jul 2007 19:47:03 GMT

Comment: This site - what a breath of fresh air! Reading this website in itself made me feel calmer. I suffer with anxiety and panic, to a more frightening degree over the last 2 years or so. However, with help from various people and learning coping techniques I am finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Panic is a cycle that 'can' be broken and for me, is leading to a better outlook of myself and the world.


 

  

 




 

 
   

 

 

Name: Murray

 
Country: UK 
Date: 9 May 2008 00:49:04 GMT

Comment: Will, I don't know how to thank you. I think you may have saved my life. Your website instantly got inside my head in the way no psychiatrist, psychologist or self-help book ever has. I always struggled to even describe these thoughts to people but you do it perfectly. I couldn't believe it when I read about your 'AIDS panic'. The same thing happened to me. I went for a test and, like you, the result wasn't enough to allay my fears so I went for another one! Thanks again......

''Sept '10 'Hi Will, Yep sure, you can use it on your site, just replace my name. Its funny as this process that we 'internally' engage in is actually a very human trait. I see it all the time in other people in just different forms, be it in road rage, or on the news etc etc. Its an inbuilt form of 'escape' and 'coping' in a way. Its going back within outselves and 'allowing' these feelings however nasty toflow through us, without 'latching on', and letting them create an ego based response, which is what i think the panic/anger/fight or flight responses can be, making peace with yourself and letting them all come and go. Its sometimes very hard to fully 'rid' yourself of this tendency to snap, be it inside, or out. . . and its very human, but being aware of it is step one, accepting your feelings and not feeling threatened by them is step 2.***Its about becoming more comfortable feeling sh*t.*** ... without thinking you ARE sh*t. Another one is an 'excited dog', catching a glipse of his own tail, usually he would go 'oh, thats my tail', but as hes excited, he chases it, round and round, he never catches it, he just ends up very, VERY dizzy''. . .A

   'Just let it take you where it wants to take you, don't fight it at all'

     'We can't help what comes in, but we 'can' help what goes out'

** Please note - I will respond to all your e-mails re: the site/book as quickly as possible, but this obviously depends on the volume I receive at the time. 

 

LangTrans

 

 

 

 

   ©   will@doyoupanic.co.uk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do You Panic?  Awarded 5* by the UK Mental Health Foundation - A Personal Case Study in Recovery From Obsessive Panic & Anxiety.

Further notes from this site:-

 DY Panic 1. Panic - Anxiety can be cured.

DY Panic 2. Panic recovery is based on understanding our 'reaction' is the real problem.

DY Panic 3. This panic process is one of 'fighting or flighting' - ie we fight to regain control 'actually' after it has happened/or run away from the 'threat' AFTER it has actually passed - as a result - we're stuck in panic, because we are trapped in a 'no win' situation.

DY Panic 4. Many e-mails keep coming in re- 'letting go' and confusion surrounding this. Remember 'panic or anxiety' is when we try to force 'control/running away'. Now, the misconception here is that 'letting go' means 'letting go of all controls'. This is 'wrong' because we don't have to do this as we 'can' get control - see primary 'positive' controls at bottom of recovery page.

DY Panic 5. 'Momentary' panic/anxiety can happen 'initially', like for everyone, but if we react - it becomes prolonged/frequent and repetitive.

DY Panic 5. Panic Anxiety - there are 2 different 'reactions' - we can fly or fight - mine was a 'fight' response very cosely associated with 'perfectionist' character type. An internalised reaction. Flighter panic is very much an externalised 'more visible' emotional loss of control - see actions of the Flighter i.e. CHAPS 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8.

DY Panic 6. Panic Anxiety Reason why this is so confusing is we can't separate real 'primary' control and 'secondary' overcontrol - it is a very fine line. Nevertheless - I have separated the exact process - the difference between primary and secondary thinking IS this CONSCIOUS fighting OR flighting process, which then brings destructive panic.

DY Panic 7. Panic Anxiety. Awarded 5* by the UK Mental Health Foundation - panic 'sets in' we erroneously force control 'after' natural cut-offs have dealt with..no need for panic.

DY Panic 8. Panic Anxiety - you can only get 'focus' in your life, when you accept you ARE different to 'anyone' else. Then you can accept there is no need to 'question or run' if you have 'true' self-confidence. Panic Anxiety is very similar as you question/flight from your 'initial' thoughts. Don't be mistaken - as my study shows - this is not the only thing you question - you also question/run from/ignore your initial positives as well as negatives - but many of us don't see this. That's why panic is still a problem when we 'let go' as we think this means 'loss of all control', but this is 'forced' behaviour yet again - as there is a natural ability to accept positives without reacting to them - but this 'comes to us' NOT 'us to it'.

DY Panic 9. Panic Anxiety The purpose of the book is to give sufferers the chance to 'follow this understanding through' with more specific examples from my experiences and others' recovery. Clarification is, of course, important for all the fighter type perfectionists/confidence building to accept who we are i.e. our initial thinking IS ok (ref also flighters).

DY Panic 10. Panic Anxiety - when you are low, stressed, depressed etc - these are the threats to your very existence as a perfectionist/flighter. Hence, the reason why 'understanding' where 'real' control comes in, is imperative in our recovery from prolonged/frequent  panic anxiety


 

 

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