Why do some people have a problem with anxiety and others do not?
This is a question almost everyone who experiences anxiety asks themselves at some point or another. Why me?
My understanding of anxiety is that yes, some people seem more susceptible than others but that the key trigger tends to be exhaustion. By exhaustion I mean mental, physical, or emotional exhaustion. (Under physical exhaustion I also include things like diet or substance abuse)
For some it may be exhaustion caused by a hectic life and never taking time to release the stress. People like that often do not notice their stress levels are so high until they get blindsided by a spontaneous panic attack.
For others it may be an emotional exhaustion caused by the loss of a loved one or the break up of a long term relationship.
If the anxiety is caused by a traumatic life event it is interesting to note that the person frequently does not experience the anxiety until the event has passed.
You often see people dealing very well with a crisis but then several weeks later when the dust has settled they start to feel the anxiety. It is like they have been in shock and are only now starting to process the experience.
The most important thing to remember about panic attacks or general anxiety is that help is available and it is important to get help sooner rather than later.
I always recommend visiting your doctor first of all to really determine that it is just anxiety you are dealing with and not an underlying physical ailment. Once you are sure that it is anxiety that you dealing with, treat it.
Don’t wait
Burying your head in the sand hoping it will simply be gone next week is not an effective way to treat it. It is totally unnecessary to spend months if not years dealing with something that can be corrected now.
That help is available right here.
The Panic Away Program changes the way you process your anxiety enabling you to end panic attacks and general anxiety. It costs no more than a dinner for two but can change your life so much for the better. Invest in the right kind of information. Information that puts you back in control of your life. That is the best kind of investment you can make.
To learn more about Panic Away
To your success,
Barry Joe McDonagh
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.
carlos
Dear Barry,
First of all i want to greet you and ur family a very merry christmas and thank you for all the newsletter and support you can give us about our problems.
Thank you once again and keep up the good works and god will bless you more.
Red
Good points. I think most people in our society are exhausted: we just don’t see it that way because it’s becoming the norm. Bad food, overwork, 24hr schedules… no wonder.
But, I think it’s important to realize that even if you go to the Dr. and he tells you that “it’s JUST anxiety” that he’s NOT discounting you or what you’re going through. MDs are good at fixing certain things, and viewed as a disease of the physical body, anxiety alone isn’t imminently fatal. It’s more a fault of their vision, NOT A FAULT OF YOU.
Go to the Dr. to rule out other things, but get competent help for the anxiety. It will get worse by itself; it will cause physical symptoms eventually. Some people even scare themselves to death over a period of years. Do the demo; it will tell you whether you’re ready to do the work. If you need more help, GET IT. GET IT NOW. Yes, it’s scary. Some of it will hurt, and parts will really suck. Do it anyway.
Claire
Dear Barry
After reading the material from your mini series and emails, I feel much better. I used to think that I was the only person with this problem and that I was going insane.
Thanks very much for showing me that I am not alone. Using your techniques, I have manages to eliminate a lot of anxiety and when I feel the unwanted thoughts coming on I know just what to do to send them packing.
Thanks so much
Claire
South Africa
Tracy
Hi everyone,
I have been suffering on and off with depression and panic attacks for 16 years, I am currently going to counselling again. I take medication for condition and just want to say, that although its awful sometimes. It is possible to have years without any symptoms of depression or panic attacks, just as I did., its just a case of finding what works best for you.
I have been enjoying the emails, combined with listening to relaxation cds and slowly i feel im getting somewhere again. Its never a fast fix but there is always light at the end of the tunnel, you just have to reach out for it!.
Wesley Thomas
I struggle with exhaustion or patiently staying with a task and I have allowed myself to gain a substantial amount of weight that should never have been gained in the first place. This is because I got away from my diet, a great diet prescribed to me by my wife. I am getting back on the diet again and will try to maintain it this time for an indefinite period of time as I am also now taking medications to deal with the panic attacks as well as the anxiety. Thank you for making it a point to say that normally suffer from anxiety do so normally due to exhaustion and the included comment concerning diet. This describes me to the T.
Wes
Judy
Hi Barry, thank you very much for your articles on anxiety, my husband has suffered for many years and since purchasing your book on the internet he has been following your methods and reading all the news letters etc and has been very much improved. Many thanks.
vanessa
Thanks! all your newsletters have really helped me cope with my anxiety.
Nettie Mitchell
Dear Barry,
Thank you so much for the newsletters! Your advice has helped me out immensely and now the panic attacks are few in number. I’m a first year special education teacher (middle school); so effectively coping with stress is of paramount importance in order to maintain my peace of mind! I truly appreciate what you do for people struggling with panic and anxiety. Blessings to you and those who share their courageous stories. It’s reassuring to know that I’m not insane and I’m not alone.
Peace,
Nettie
marie concett
hi barry
thanks a lot for helping me, i am trying to do my best. every day seems a chalenge but with your help is more easy.
god bless u and your family
lynn
Hi Barry
Thank you very much for your ongoing help and support my life is a constant struggle but your emails help me greatly thank you
Jonathan lozano
Thanks for the emails. Everytime I read one I learn something new. I’m glad I’m not the only one going through anxiety. When I tell people they think I’m crazy. They just don’t understand. Thank you and keep the emails coming. I bought the book but haven’t got around to reading it , but will definetly start soon.
mary
I’d like to thank all of the people that leave replies to these great posts. I recently had my first panic attack and thought I was losing my mind. Worse than that, though, was the feeling of isolation that came from realizing that the people closest to me couldn’t understand what was happening. I’ve been able to educate myself and others on the subject, and by speaking up have found out that panic attacks are much more common than I would have expected. Thanks for sharing your stories, it’s been comforting to read them and know I’m not alone, and especially motivating to see so many small victories.
David Holdsworth
Thank You Barry for your e-mails, you are a very good help, but with me, its so very hard for me to understand why an attack comes on when i least expect it. it may have somthing to do with wihen i was in the army with a bad head injury and being afraid of death at times and witness to the dead in the 1950s–60s, i was in airborne. But these panic attacks have started late in life, i dont know why. But do keep sending me your e-mails Barry they have helped me some with your good advice. THANK YOU
shahram
Thank You Barry for your e-mails, you are a very good help, and every time i read your mail i feel much better.i hope you continue your help to me.please tell me why some times i feel bad sence in my mind?
sam
thanx 4 mini series ,i am feeling better
Janet Brock
Thanks so much for emailing me this helpful information. I have read Claire Weeks for years, and your advise has helped me in newer ways. Thank you for the work you are doing. Now days, doctors give pills for anxiety and depression, and don’t really understand what we sufferers go through. Pills help, but you need to know what is happening and how to help yourself without the meds. Otherwise, you can never really be confident in yourself, that you will be able to handle situations without the help of meds. I am facing some health issues, and I am able to watch my anxiety level rise, while I talk to myself and tell my fear center to calm down, and we will work together on this issue. I use to see my fear center as an enemy. Now, I realize that it is my best friend and it is just trying to help and protect me. I have made peace with my fear center, and its now my helper. It sure is funny how many years I went around fighting my fears, and now I talk to them, and realize that they are not something to hate, but something that is with me as my helper. Thanks for your insite on this. You have helped me greatly.
SYMONE
i am from jamaica and havce being reading your news letters you sent so so far i am not gettin those attach so often
Randall
Thank you very much for those helpful emails. I have been suffering from Panic attacks for 2 months now. I really don’t know what caused it. But by judging from my stress level, I was able to pinpoint the culprit. Bad diet, lack of sleep, deep stressful thinking, work related matters and me being naive. As far as I can remember, the main trigger is Stress. Eventhough I am very tired, I do things which I should not be doing. Ive followed your emails and read it word for word. I feel confident right now. There are days that I don’t have panic attack because I have learned to deal with them. Right now based on my diary everyday, I noticed that when I am very tired, panic goes insane inside me but I was able to cope up with them. Actaully, it is not all dangerous, believe me, its all in our mind. The hard part is, as of right now, we are scared to deal with them. My advise to other readers, know more about anxiety and panic to gain confidence. It is not a disease or illness, its just that we are tired.
Philippines
Maria
Hello Everyone ,
For me it was a feeling all to familiar. At 15 years old I had panic attacts and out of no where at 35 years old Im suffering from Anxiety… Horrible feelings Daily and out of no ware its like preparing to ride a roller coaster but you never get the adraniline rush at the end. Life is strange, I never thought Id be able but i am an read this blog daiyit is great.
Maria
Abdul
I’m very thankful to receive your newsletters ,please barry don’t cut those beautiful words which give us hope in the road to cure ,you’re wonderful man ,surely i feel sad to my financial situation ,i want to buy your book but the situation don’t allow me right now
Marica
You know, this is soo true, when I read in panic away that panic is just fear of sensations that are happening in our body I realized that it all started when I was first year of college – I took many projects on me and I didn`t have a real time to solve them all so I didn`t sleep at night just to catch up with all the stuff that I really didn`t have to do and I was feeling so bad during the day, I didn`t have concetration for anything, I was exhausted mentally and physically. After that my immune system was bad and I begun to be afraid of thoose sensations, feeling weakness – I was thinking I am young I can deal with it all and I forgot to think about me, to have some time to relax!!
And for two years I was thinking what could be the reason for my panic attacks during exams and now I finally figure that out, I`m so happy because of that!!
So I would to tell to all of you to think about yourself, to relax, nobody will think about you if you don`t think about yourself and take good care of yourself!!! Each of us is the most important person!! LIVE YOUR LIFE!!
Linda
Hi Barry,
Thank you so much for sending me your course. I am 61 years old. Have been pleaged with anxiety, panic attacks and the fear of driving for 20 years. After receiving your course a couple of weeks ago, I have been studying it and working it. I have seen a positive difference already. It is great to finally be able to see that there is a light at the end of this tunnel.
Thank you for putting this program together. It is the only thing I have found in 20 years that helps.
Jessica
Thank you for creating this wonderful site. My panic attacks started when i was 16 back in 08 when i first started to panic about the changes in my life style. It didn’t start hitting me till the beginning of 2010 when i experienced my first panic attack with great fear in my heart. I didn’t find this site till i decided to do something about my attacks & this is the 1st site that popped up for panic attacks on google. After reading this, I’ve slowly begin to take control of my life once more. Like you said when I’m experiencing a panic attack & the tingling feeling is there, i need to accept it & to say “I’m not going to die, there’s nothing wrong with me” or “I’m in control, I’m going to conquer my fear”. Its worked for me so far but my panic attacks will keep happening till i let my body get use to the panic attacks & accept it completely. Thank you so much for your amazing help. I’m now 18 years old & i want to live my life freely & away from fear. And a note to others who are viewing, its amazing that people like this man can help out so many people with problems like me. I think we all need to give him a hand & say thank you. 🙂
Tracy
Thank you so much for the emails over the last few months. After a series of tragic life events and the death of my teenage son, I became a prisoner to my anxiety & panic attacks but as I began to read the emails and testimonials from others I’ve slowly improved.
I’ve gained prospective and understanding about what happens during a panic attack, what they are, and why we may have them. Reading other sufferers experiences after panic away gave me hope. I now feel that I’m getting somewhere after thinking I just couldn’t go on another day.
I’m so glad that I found the link after desperatley searching the net for answers.
Tracy
David
I am a 37 year old primary school teacher from the East Midlands in England. I have had panic attacks on and off since I was 19.
I passed out from drinking whisky when I was 19 and the next day had my first bout of PAs. They were intense for about a week until I went to the doctor who gave me beta blockers. This worked for a few months but then happened every time I had a hangover (quite a lot at the time!!!!)
They carried on until I met my wife and stopped totally for a while, then they began to creep back into my life and I had a really bad one when I was about 30 and ill with flu. It really caught me by surprise because I wasn’t epecting it. They have gradually become more frequent and I started having them during holidays from my job where I find it incredibly difficult to relax.
I have had two lots of councelling when I was 32 and 34. They helped for a while, but I never felt I had totally beaten them.
Last July at school I began to feel very anxious which has not happened before and obviously made me feel worse. I had 6 weeks off on holiday which should have been fantastic but I was constantly looking for signs of anxiety or panic. Eventually in the middle of August I went back to the doctors who gave me some more Propranolol (which I have been taking on and off for a number of years) and Citalopram. The PAs have never prevented me from working and usually happen last thing at night.
I feel better but don’t wan’t to be dependent on them long term , but the thought of coming off them at the moment does scare me.
My sister sent me a link to this website so I thought I would give it a go. I’m absolutely fed up with feeling pathetic and don’t wan’t to put my wife through any more worry.
Many thanks
David
Kim.
Dear Barry,
Thank you for all your helpful advice.I am a 37yrs old retail manageress ,and i have been suffering with anxiety attacts for years on and off and did not know what was really wrong with me.I went to my doctor and they ran some tests on me because they though that they was something wrong with my heart.All the tests came back clear but, i still was feeling weird within my body.Rapid heard beats,tightness in my chest,tingling throughout my body etc,and i fear the worst.I began to think that they missed something and i was going to die.I went back to my doctor who said i am suffering with Anxiety and priscribe medication for me to take.To this date i had not taken any of that medication because i did not want to become dependant on it so i search the internet for answers and stumble upon your blog.
Today i am really greatful for someone like you who God chose as a vessle to enlighten people like me about Anxiety and how to deal with it.I will be forever greatful…I am on the road to recovery.
Once again thank you and to all those of you who took time out to share your storieswhich make me realise that i am not alone …
Thank you.God bless.
ted amberg
i was diagnosed with cancer 2 weeks ago. i have not experienced panic attack/anxiety since that day. i think that illustrates what barry is trying to get us to understand; our fears are almost always unfounded and unrealistic. stay with the program and good luck to all of you. in addition, diet and exercise are a vital part of your recovery. also,concentrate on what is real, not imagined.
patrick
Hey David,I have panic attacks every night at bedtime. Just do what they tell you to do and think about going to sleep as a release of your problems. You don’t have to worry about anything, just sleep. If you do the exercises that they illustrate about an hour before bedtime it will help. You are not alone, try to release the tension at the end of the day.
lisa prince
Barry, I really look forward to your emails. Whenever I check my mail and there is no message from you it makes me so sad.I have been troubling anxiety since September of 2010, never in my life have I felt so scared. I have been to the emergency twice and had tests done on my heart and blood test but, the doctor assure me that there is nothing wrong with me. This was hard for me to believe because of all the symptoms that I get. I do try some of the techniques I get in the mail but, sometimes I get so scared i just want to crawl in a corner and cry. It is hard to deal with but, when i read the blogs a see how many people are suffer from this panic attack and anxiety disorder i know that I am not alone. Thank you all and please keep the email coming, I will purchase the package soon.
marquita ray
Barry, Thank You for the info. and support from the e-mails & comments.I have suffered for about 5 years now & thought I was Dying or having a heart attack.I went to my Doctor an he gave me meds that finally work .I have been on alot of meds over the years that did nothing if not make it worse,But now I realize that you have to keep trying until you find what works for you.Plus there is other things that attribute to the attacks like caffiene,smoking,alchol,etc.Now that I switched to caffiene free or decaf and stopped smoking I have felt so much better an I make sure to stay on top of my meds an consult with my doctor.But I’m glad to know I’m not alone and there is hope of living a normal life.I was so bad I couldn’t even leave my house for fear of an attack an alot of people do not understand what it is like but thanks to people like you we now know that we are just as normal as anyone else with a disease it is treatable.THANK YOU!
Sinceraly, Marquita Ray
Mandy
Heya! All the newsletter that I’ve received so far, they are such a remedy in my everyday life, though some doesn’t occurs in my lifestyle but its definitely great knowledges to obscure. Thank you so much!!!
Georgia Belotti
Dear Barry: Faithfully I rea d your newsletter and get some amount of comfort as I am reading, but still I am suffering so much with Panic attacks an d anxiety. I read when you said get involved in something out side the home, well to do this creates an attack as I feel I am not well enough to apply for anything and no one would want me around the way I am. I was working four or five days a week but the shop got slow and i only go in when she needs me, I make myself go even though I am a complete mess getting ready, but I need the money as my Dr. who is prescribing Paxal 40 mg dails and Xanax when the attacks get out of control. My insurance does not cover all of this and I worry about the money situation all the time. I worry when my husband drives as his job takes him out of town 6 days a week and I am completely along, which scares me as I don’t know what to do when I get an attack and no one is around. Please help me as I am at the end of the line as to what to do. I want my life back which was happy fulilling joyful. I used to love music and dancing, now I never listen to anything. Thank you in advance for any help you can give
Christine
Hi Barry,
So greatful for your emails and found the advise so helpful. Taking one day at a time and working through it all and bringing forth good results.
I also am on a carers pension and cannot afford to buy all you have to offer. So I continue to look forward to your emails and support!
Bless you for the heart you have to care for others.
Christine
Renny@Jenny
Hi Barry,Thank you very much for sent me news letters…just now i feel more better!