Stress Center Peer Support

Hi everyone. I was glad to read that other people have hit brick walls and had to go back to certain lessons. I am NOT glad that you have had problems but glad to know I am not the only one that has setbacks. I was to start lesson 4 today but this morning had more panic than I've had in several days. I had been so encouraged because I was seeing positive changes then BAM, this morning I felt so scared and afraid that something was happening to me! I immediately put on lesson three again to change my negative thinking and identify what was really bothering me. I also did the breathing and self-talk and I am beginning to feel better. I am so glad I have this program and people like you who know what I am going through because people don't understand if they don't experience anxiety. I know this program will work because I have already been able to go to the store alone and have driven the freeway three times in the past two weeks without panicking. I guess I just was caught off guard by the intensity of the anxiety this morning. Can anyone identify with this? Thank you for any encouragement. I pray for all of us and have faith that we will make it, despite any setbacks.

Hi,
I too have had to revisit tapes or not go forward I felt like a failure but then realized that it's all a part of this condition we are going through. We should pat ourselves on the back and give ourselves encouragement for even doing the tapes it takes a lot of hard work to go through what we go through. Stay with the program and think positive and when you have a bad day tell yourself it's just a bad day tomorrow will be better. Good Luck!

Thank you for your kind words! It was helpful to hear from you. I plan to have a better day. Best of luck to you too.

I dont think it is a bad thing to take our time through the sessions. Some people are going to absorb and be able to apply the information much easier than others. I for example have stopped session 3 for about 2 weeks so that I can come back to it fresh. I have been back to work on it for almost a week or so. It is hard to change these habits, so keep working on it. Take care!

JC

It happens to all of us. I completed the program, and was doing quite well. I've had some stumbles and yesterday had a downright trip and fall on my face moment. Today I've gone back to the sessions which will help me rekindle my skills. I also find that the most important thing I can do is (like Carolyn says on the CD's) always tell the truth. When I trip or fall, I tell myself the truth. It's the only way I can find the positives again and get back on track.
I wish all of us much truth telling.
It's where we heal.

I was also wondering if anyone else gets caught up with parts of the program. First of all, because of the holidays I didn't even listen to the program for about 1 1/2 weeks and then I've had all this other stuff going on and now I'm starting to feel really guilty because I feel like if I don't stick to it everyday that it won't work. I hope this isn't the case because this program is my last hope but yet I still make excuses why I'm not putting my all into it. In the guidebook it mentioned that people often stop after session 3. I can also see how this would happen because session 3 goes over all the things we should be doing like keeping track of all your negative thoughts, etc. I have so many negative thoughts that I would have to spend my entire day writing which I can't seem to find the time to do. I know that I am extremely negative and I understand that I have to learn how to change that in order to get better but, how are you guys handling this? Should I just write down as much as I can and work on that or is it really that important to write down every single negative thought? This is the reason that I haven't yet moved on to session 4.

Whew! I was so glad to hear so many were doing what I am in the middle of .... that is, trying to be finished with a week and move on to the next one. As for now, I am using positive attitude about taking extra time for Session Three since so many report that it is a hinge session. Now that I am into Session Four officially I am load with plenty of extra new material.... and actually, that is what is fun and motivating about it. My expectations, diet, exercise figure into everyday and I work on the anxious moments using the cards. I really like the cards

I too have been struggling with session three. I just finished it yesterday, ok well I finished it to the point that I feel like moving on to session four. It has been tough work, and I am glad to be moving on. Good luck to all of you, see you in session four.

JC

Today has been especially hard for some reason. This is kinda my second day in session 3. But as pecos mentioned I'm going to tell the truth. I have been on such an awsome feeling since getting and starting the program. But I have not put forth 100% effort in any of the suggestions. I don't seem to ever find the time to do the relaxation and seldom look at the cards. I do come to the post frequently to read and respond. How do you all find the time to complete everything to get the best out of the program. I've already had my negative thoughts aobut keeping track of my negative thoughts. I know it is going to be hard to do yet I want the reward that will come from doing it.

I too have had to take sess 3 very slow.
It is so important, and very hard to do. I an see that it will take many months to change so much neg thought!!!! good to know I am not alone either. good luck to each one of you!