Panic Attack Survivor Says Imagery Saved His Life (Really!)

This has been the month of dramatic thank you notes that attest to the power of guided imagery for anxiety, panic episodes, OCD and posttraumatic stress symptoms. The HJ staff never tires of reading these emails, whether dramatic or tepid - we don’t care.

Here is what one fellow had to say:

Hi. Can someone tell Belleruth (may I please be so informal?) and the HJ staff that the Panic Attack CD saved me from harming myself? My sister, who is a cancer survivor and fan of Health Journeys, turned me on to this a few weeks ago when I started experiencing panic attacks and lost control of my life. I got the CD, listen to it every night when I put myself to bed and again when I wake up, and I'm recovering.

Thank you, thank you, thank you - you literally saved my life.

Warmest regards,
Dean D.

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written by Julie D., August 19, 2009

Good to hear others are having the same successes I am while using the CD's along with my other panic attack strategies. They have saved my life and given me back much more control than I've had in years. Continued recovery to you, Dean!

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written by belleruth, August 21, 2009

If you don't mind, we'd love to hear about your other panic attack strategies, too - this would be very helpful to many.
Thx for your comment. BR

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written by Debbie, September 02, 2009

I love the Panic Attacks CD. It has helped a lot with panic attacks that I started having a month ago. I get them while walking in the street; imagine how annoying and scary that is! Belleruth's calming voice and soothing words help immensely. I listen to her CD while going to bed, while I'm sleeping, and in the morning as I get ready for work. It's also on my iPod, so I will listen to it as I walk. Another strategy I use is reciting short affirmations in the morning and at night to send messages to my subconscious about being strong, brave, safe, etc, but only in the positive (I avoid using negatives like "I'm not afraid"). When I walk in certain areas, I look at the buildings, the streets and tell myself that I am comfortable here, this is where I am safe. I condition my mind to associate comfort with the locations, rather than the uncontrolable fear. I use essential oils and a short 30-second reflexology session as I recite my affirmations, creating the association between the oil (smell) and the feeling of calm. I also have some on my wrist and breathe it in as I walk in certain areas, reciting my affirmation, and so I am reinforcing the association between a calm feeling, the affirmations and the smell. It's a lot of focused work, but I'm getting there.