Stress Center Peer Support

Hi, my name is Colleen. I've been dealing with all of this (except the pregnancy) for about 11 years now. The severity comes & goes, but the anxiety is always there. I was doing really good for about 6 months last year, I was off of most of my medications. I had a repetitive stress injury at work & when all was said & done I was put into another dept ( you now how bad that can be messing around with an anxious persons routine). I had very little training & felt like I was drowning. It didn't take too long before I was headed down that slippery slope. I ended up in the hospital for 8 days & my Dr. put me on new medications & stress leave from work. It was right around the same time that an old boyfriend showed up back in my life (& I haven't had very good luck in the relationship category, so this was huge). I swore after the last fiasco of a relationship, that there would never be another. I stood true to my word for over 2 years, but when this guy showed up back into my life I began to realize how sad & lonely I really was. Next thing I knew my Dr. was telling me I was pregnant & it's really scaring me. I had a tubal pregnancy in 2004 & underwent emergency surgery. I've now had 2 ultrasounds & everything seems to be in the right place & going well so far. Everthing has kind of gotten crappy with the daddy & I don't know what to do about that. My biggest concern though is with all my worrying & anxiety is that I'm going to miscarry. I have so much going on in my head I can't deal with anything. One of my cats decided she was going to get sick to the point where I think she may need a vet & that's got me so overwhelmed I'm making myself sick with worry. Plus I really can't afford a vet right now. As far as the program goes I got to the end of session 3 & there was a little bit of a conflict with the homework & what my therapist was working on with me at the time, so he suggested I stop the program for now. Has anyone out there got any suggestions for me. I'm truly feeling desperate right now & don't know what to do with myself. Help!!!!!!!!!

Hang in there. How long have you had your therapist? And do you really like them? Do they specialize in anxiety and stress and agoraphobia? How did they react about the program in the first place? I was just wondering because Lucinda mentions that if one therapst isn't working for you, then maybe you should check into another. You have A LOT going on right now and it's very overwhelming for you. Right now, you must focus on yourself so that little bundle in you has the best chance it can get. Decide that right now you're not going to deal with your old boyfriend because you have enough on your plate. If the father is causing problems, see about getting in a support group for single expecting Moms or the like. Start reading positive books and get into them. I found that was really helpful when you need to get rid of ucky thoughts- why not replace them with the good stuff. I personally have to swear by 2 things that have nearly recovered me, this program and God. As far as your cat goes, I know how dear animals can be to a person, my dear old Dog Keesha has been with me 12-13 years and is atrting to go down hill. As lovely as they are though, a pet is an animal. It can be sad but it's the truth. My pastor once said to me that if heaven is to be a paradise with all the lovely things, he couldn't see why the Lord wouldn't have things, such as a beloved animal there for us as well. That has helped me alot over the years. Right now, if it's nice out try to go for a walk or hang in the park- if that's not possible pick up a good book- but just get busy so you're not dwelling on everything- Wishing the best for you!

Hi,Staying Positive. Thank you so much for your response. I've really been struggling lately & your response actually brought me to tears. I don't have alot of support,especially from people who know what I'm talking about. I've had this therapist for about 5 years now & I don't think he really has a specialty. He's actually a psychiatric nurse & we get along quite well. I've been to various therapists over the years, groups, programs & I don't know how many different medications, & nothing seems to be working for me. When I told him about the program he actually went to the website to check it out. When I got it I took it into him & he thought at that time it would be ok for me to do both because we were kind of working on the same thing, but he's now changed what we're working on & it's now become a problem. I was actually thinking about going through the CD'S without doing the homework, but I don't know if that's the right thing to do. The only reason he told me to quit the program for now was that he's trying to work on my self esteem right now. It came at the same time that the program was asking me to keep track of my negative thoughts, & he thought it would be a bit of a conflict. It's really strange when I'm in his office he sees a huge improvement with me but as soon as I come home I fall apart. My appointments with him & my medical Dr. are pretty much the only time I've been leaving my apartment. I feel like I've gotten worse since I left the hospital in February. The boyfriend that was there for me while I was in the hospital & the one who actually bought the program for me, isn't there anymore. I mean he is, but he's not, ever since I told him I was pregnant at the beginning of the month. He's a totally different person & my symptoms have gotten worse & it seems like it's too much for him to handle. Wouldn't you know it when I need him the most, he's not available. I'd also like to say thanks for all your suggestions, but the book thing is out, I've tried a million times to read something, anything, but my head is so busy all the time I can't concentrate. I don't absorb anything. I'm not sure if my cat is getting better or not, but I did actually witness her drinking some water this morning. She's not even 2 yet, but my cats have become like the children I've dreamt about having all my life. I live alone & have way too much time on my hands is another problem I've noticed. I don't think I'm ready to go back to work & I'm finding it harder & harder to do anything. Anyways I've probably taken up enough of your time & would again like to say thanks. Colleen.