Please help

jules722 · Post by **jules722** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 4:42 am

Hi- so I have been suffering from anxiety since I was little- extremely dysfunctional upbringing and child abuse plus an alcohlic mother. I got the program 3 years ago and just havent been able to stick with it. I got off meds last September because I couldnt remember to take them and after 3 years of inconsistency with them I decide to just stop taking them. So just as I got off them, I met my now boyfriend of 7 months. Things are GREAT, but my thoughts have never been this bad..like out of control. Scary obsessive thoughts all day, every day. Here is the thing- they are mnostly about my boyfriend and what willI do when webreak up and I can never focus on the now. I also have thoughts of death ALL the time. Like I'll think, "wow, things are great but what if I die tomorrow.?" Sounds crazy, right? : ( So I recently thought maybe I should go back on meds while I restart the program??? I don't want to but these thoughts are awful, I know deep down that I canb control them but if they are this bad, will the positive thought replacement even help?? I often imagine my being anxiety free and happy but then think that I'm too far gone to ever improve. Im just looking for some hope and encouragement. Would appreciate ANY feedback. Thank you!!

monty'smom · Post by **monty'smom** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 6:12 am

Hello Jules,
I'm so sorry you are going through all this but please trust me when I say you can overcome all this negativety and worry.
I'm living proof of this and was suffering from deression and having severe anxiety attacks. I went off all my meds last summer and ordered this program in the beginning of september. I found I felst worse during the first few sessions but then I began feeling better as time went on. I finished the program in December and am living the life I thought I would never live. I'm not depressed even with all my physical pain, I have had no panic/ anxiety attacks, I don't have any negative thoughts at all and feel mentally great. I can deal with all things that have come up since November. I was just diagnosed with an incurable disease andeven that didn't get me in a tail spin. I can handle things that just months ago I would not have been able to do.
I wish this for you and hope you will work hard on the program every day and by saying nice things to yourself and not READING ANYTHING THAT MAY CAUSE WORRY OR UPSET, NOT LIOVING IN THE FUTURE BUT RATHER MOMENT BY MOMENT, NOT THINKING ABOUT ANYTHING BUT FEELING BETTER AND enjoying what is happening now, in the present that brings feelings of joy, accomplishment and makes you feel good inside and about yourself you will be a person who can love life and enjoy all that nature and life has to offer.
It's all about baby steps, being kind to yourself, loving each good thing that he=appens even the tinyest things and if you can make your brain think of all the bad things you can retrain it to believe good, healthy, comforting, happy thoughts. I did!!!!

I wish you all that you desire but it all comes from within yourself and is there if you really work at it.

Just look at all that God gave us to enjoy. We are surrounded by natural beauty.

Hugs and positve thoughts for you!

Leopolda · Post by **Leopolda** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 8:33 am

I am so happy for you. I hope to some day write what you have written. I am working each day on getting over the severe anxiety that I have. Continued best of luck, Leopolda

jda_lds · Post by **jda_lds** » Mon Mar 16, 2009 3:18 pm

"Real obstacles can be overcome, it is the imaginary ones that are unconquerable." I've found that prayer works and I pretty much say this: "Heavenly Father, I'm having a really hard time. Please help me through TODAY." I know it can really feel overwhelming when you have a thought that keeps going round and round...and round! You literally feel like you can't break the cycle. So here's a suggestion: stop trying. Here's where externalize and distract is so helpful. AND, living in the present moment. The precious present moment! No thought gets your attention that deals with tomorrow. Don't get stuck in orbit around conquering your obsessive thoughts. Let them run their course. Float with them. It must seem absolutely strange to do the OPPOSITE of what you think you should do. Accept your scary thoughts. Laugh at them. Accept them. When you're done getting to know each other, say goodbye. Acceptance is the key. Don't fight them, accept them. Act like they're an annoying neighbor who keeps knocking at the front door. Don't hide inside the house! Tell them, "Come on in! The door's open!" And do your thing in another part of the house. After awhile, your thoughts will get bored of the house, and leave of their own accord because it's no fun when you're not around. Externalize and distract.

Good luck. I promise you'll make it. Yes, you can. You are. You will. Smile!