Stress Center Peer Support

Hello, this is my first question! Is it normal to be doing so well & be so happy and feel so free after the 1st lesson & then start to go back to panicking all the time? When I panic like this it doesn't feel like I will be able to be helped at all & it is so hard to believe or sometimes think of positive self talk. I just say to myself "yeah right". It doesn't seem I can help myself. Any suggestions would be much appreciated!

hi i had problems after the 1st tape as a matter of fact i went on to the 2nd one and now i'm back at the 1st tape i felt like i just didnt get anywere i have problems with my memory there is a saying i lurend (sorry cant spell)you fake it till you make it. so just keep saying positive things even if you dont think its working dont give up the change will happen it may take some time for your brain to get it thats is what i'm doing and thats all i know hope it helps BE SAFE

Hi Hope! Yes it is very normal indeed. Lucinda states that when we first begin the program, a lot of people will feel more anxious than previously because of different reasons. Some of which include, fear of change, fear the program won't work, fear of facing our fears, rather than burying them deep inside of us like we may be use to doing, feeling over-whelmed by all the new information, etc.... and this will pass as we progress into the program, and talk to others in the same boat. Remember, for a long time we have been use to being a certain way, even though it has been unhealthy, so just take baby steps, and journey through the program just as it's layed out for us, and you will begin to feel better. Take care!

In the Chat rooms, I have noticed numerous persons mention that they felt more nervous after the first lesson.

But, keep in mind that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has long established itself in the Psychology field as being effective. And StressCenter Program is CBT.

So, keep it up and you will eventually see the results. I, myself am distrustful of immediate results because I figure that what comes quickly can also go quickly. So, don't let the fact that you are not experiencing immediate improvement - discourage you.

I myself felt this way. Just after the first session I was shocked at the progress I was making. When anxiety would sky rocket I was able to calm myself down, and usual things that would make me panic didn't faze me much at all.

Now I am into the 2nd session and boy has my anxiety made a turn for the worse. I am unsure of why, but I suppose it is due to the fact that this session is about panic attacks. In other words it is scary at first to face them head on. I was going to panic every half hour or so until about sometime yesterday. I've been doing everything correctly and making sure not to stress myself over perfecting this or anything for that matter. Finally the edge is slowly being taken away once again. Today I went to the beach for the first time in years. I always thought the experience was beautiful, but something about it always made me severely depressed and lonely. Today I noticed that did not happen. I really look forward to session 3 and to the future.

Peace & Love
-Dustin

Thanks so much you guys for the encouragement! I believe that's what I need right now, especially from myself! Thanks for all the positive reinforcement! I think I am overwhelming myself & allowed myself to fall back into the fear. Think positively...I am the cause...It's me...I can do this!!!
Many thanks to all of you!

I felt good after the 1st tape.. It gave me hope and comfort.. I began listening to the relaxation CD and even though ive heard this kind of thing before, i relaxed b/c I forced myself to make the effort... Knowing everything and doing nothing is something that effects many of us... Sometimes it's great to know little but do a lot... For me, I tend to overthink things, but when I get to doing, things get better... So every morning, i listen to the CD... Tape 2 stressed me out more.. She tells us to face our fears, but I don't feel ive learned enough coping or strategies to know exactly what to do or how to go about it.. But patience is something I need to work on.. I will push on and continue until I improve..

hey hope it's day 5 for for me. I to have experience the same thing, but i believe that things will get better. Be encouraged you will get better. ^_^

Hello,

You are going to be just fine. Give it some time. Personally, I found it took me 3 months to start levelling off once I started the course. Trust in yourself.

Hope3 I totally understand. I had a good first week, but at the end the panic attack came and took me over. It was a downer, but i know that it's WAY to early in the game for "giving up" thoughts, and i know the only way to move forward is by taking the next step, even if i'm questioning it as much as you. "Will this even help me?" "Can i ever be normal?" We all deal with these thoughts i'm sure. Just know we're here for you and you CAN do this.