Claudette -
I'm so glad that you have found this thread to be helpful. Encouragement is so important to our recovery and this is a wonderful place to share it. We often don't give ourselves nearly the credit we deserve because we're so used to thinking negatively. It's so easy for us to spot our failures and ignore our victories.
You've clearly had many victories and successes during your recoveries, especially if you've done it twice. You can do it again. You have all the tools. You know what you need to do. And as you said there will be setbacks. It's okay and it doesn't mean you're starting all over again at the beginning. You've already got a huge head start from the first and second times. I guess "third time's the charm" for you!
So whatever your goals are, we're here to support you. We can get through this.
Jamie
One More Step
Dimitra -
I'm glad you have someone close that can help support you through this. I do rely a lot on my parents, in fact probably too much. At this point in my recovery I'm trying to wean myself away from them so that I can face these fears by myself. As Lucinda says, we are our own safe person; we are our own safe place.
I can't imagine doing all of this while taking care of a young child at the same time. I don't know how I would be able to balance everything so hat's off to you for trying. You know it's okay if you have to do this in pieces. So what if you only made it to Session 3 last time? Just do a quick refresher by skimming the manual and then start up right at Session 4. You already know the material in the first three sessions and you can always go back later.
The important thing is to keep moving forward. I know that we generally don't like change and are happy (in some way) to stay right where we are. But if we want to fully recover, we need to let go of our fears and anticipation and start moving. Repeating what others have said, "the only way out of anxiety is through." So as unpleasant as it sounds, we need to face our fears and become accustom to them. With more and more exposure, the less they affect us and the more we are willing to do. Eventually, they won't affects us much or even at all.
Start slow and steady and just keep building up momentum. As you have read in the prior posts there will be good days and bad days, but the general direction will be towards recovery. Don't beat yourself up when things don't go the way you planned and be sure to applaud yourself for everything that goes right. Set some goals and make it happen!
Jamie
I'm glad you have someone close that can help support you through this. I do rely a lot on my parents, in fact probably too much. At this point in my recovery I'm trying to wean myself away from them so that I can face these fears by myself. As Lucinda says, we are our own safe person; we are our own safe place.
I can't imagine doing all of this while taking care of a young child at the same time. I don't know how I would be able to balance everything so hat's off to you for trying. You know it's okay if you have to do this in pieces. So what if you only made it to Session 3 last time? Just do a quick refresher by skimming the manual and then start up right at Session 4. You already know the material in the first three sessions and you can always go back later.
The important thing is to keep moving forward. I know that we generally don't like change and are happy (in some way) to stay right where we are. But if we want to fully recover, we need to let go of our fears and anticipation and start moving. Repeating what others have said, "the only way out of anxiety is through." So as unpleasant as it sounds, we need to face our fears and become accustom to them. With more and more exposure, the less they affect us and the more we are willing to do. Eventually, they won't affects us much or even at all.
Start slow and steady and just keep building up momentum. As you have read in the prior posts there will be good days and bad days, but the general direction will be towards recovery. Don't beat yourself up when things don't go the way you planned and be sure to applaud yourself for everything that goes right. Set some goals and make it happen!
Jamie
"Common things occur commonly. Uncommon things don't. Therefore, when you hear hoofbeats, think horses, not zebras." -- C.J. Peters
ManOfMusic -
Glad to hear about your exercise. It sounds like you are getting a good workout. One recommendation I would have is to either eat a healthy snack before your walk or bring one with you to eat partway. A granola bar or Clif bar would probably do the trick. That way when you're finished with your walk, you'll be less hungry and therefore more likely to be able to say no to the fast food cravings.
If WW worked well for you in the past, that's a good idea to try them again. Anything you can do to change to a better easting and exercising lifestyle is well worth the investment (except perhaps some of those crazy things they sell on infomercials that will burn away all your fat in only three minutes a day).
I also like you're idea of posting your weight loss. I think that will provide two positive things for you: first, it will give you more motivation to reach your weight loss goals and second, it will give you a history of how your weight has changed over time. If you include how you ate and what exercise you've done with each post, that will give you even more information so you can better understand what's working and what's not. Plus, it will give us a bigger foothold into your person life, LOL!
I might have to try your approach too. Goals and weight. Hmmm...is Big Brother watching?
Jamie
Glad to hear about your exercise. It sounds like you are getting a good workout. One recommendation I would have is to either eat a healthy snack before your walk or bring one with you to eat partway. A granola bar or Clif bar would probably do the trick. That way when you're finished with your walk, you'll be less hungry and therefore more likely to be able to say no to the fast food cravings.
If WW worked well for you in the past, that's a good idea to try them again. Anything you can do to change to a better easting and exercising lifestyle is well worth the investment (except perhaps some of those crazy things they sell on infomercials that will burn away all your fat in only three minutes a day).
I also like you're idea of posting your weight loss. I think that will provide two positive things for you: first, it will give you more motivation to reach your weight loss goals and second, it will give you a history of how your weight has changed over time. If you include how you ate and what exercise you've done with each post, that will give you even more information so you can better understand what's working and what's not. Plus, it will give us a bigger foothold into your person life, LOL!
I might have to try your approach too. Goals and weight. Hmmm...is Big Brother watching?
Jamie
"Common things occur commonly. Uncommon things don't. Therefore, when you hear hoofbeats, think horses, not zebras." -- C.J. Peters
So how did I do with my goals? Well, I guess I missed the mark by just a little bit...
1) I made it into work only one day this week. My anxiety and depression were out of control. But I know that I have times like this and I know that I get through them and get right on back where I left off. So I'll cut myself some slack and keep pushing ahead. It's brutal, but maybe I just like the punishment...not.
2) See section 1. Same story.
3) Exercise stopped abruptly on Wednesday. See section 4 for more information. The remainder of section 3 is down for repairs.
4) My doctor started me on a new med and upped the dosage on another to help get me through this rough spell. It's totally knocked me on my butt and I've been sleeping about 18 hours per day. So I guess the question goes back to HotRod: does unconscious count as relaxation? I guess in this case I'll say yes since I have trouble sleeping so much of the time.
Therefore my goals are, guess what, the same as last post! Yay for me!
1) Go to work every day.
2) Work 35 hours for the week.
3) Exercise every day.
4) Do relaxation at least once every day.
I'll also join ManOfMusic and post my weight goals. I'm currently at about 180 and want to be down to 150, so let's say my goal is 30 pounds. Since I started my post a few minutes ago, I haven't lost anything so I'm going to begin with 0 pounds lost today. Let's hope tomorrow goes better...
Jamie
1) I made it into work only one day this week. My anxiety and depression were out of control. But I know that I have times like this and I know that I get through them and get right on back where I left off. So I'll cut myself some slack and keep pushing ahead. It's brutal, but maybe I just like the punishment...not.
2) See section 1. Same story.
3) Exercise stopped abruptly on Wednesday. See section 4 for more information. The remainder of section 3 is down for repairs.
4) My doctor started me on a new med and upped the dosage on another to help get me through this rough spell. It's totally knocked me on my butt and I've been sleeping about 18 hours per day. So I guess the question goes back to HotRod: does unconscious count as relaxation? I guess in this case I'll say yes since I have trouble sleeping so much of the time.
Therefore my goals are, guess what, the same as last post! Yay for me!
1) Go to work every day.
2) Work 35 hours for the week.
3) Exercise every day.
4) Do relaxation at least once every day.
I'll also join ManOfMusic and post my weight goals. I'm currently at about 180 and want to be down to 150, so let's say my goal is 30 pounds. Since I started my post a few minutes ago, I haven't lost anything so I'm going to begin with 0 pounds lost today. Let's hope tomorrow goes better...
Jamie
"Common things occur commonly. Uncommon things don't. Therefore, when you hear hoofbeats, think horses, not zebras." -- C.J. Peters
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forever young 06
- Posts: 284
- Joined: Sun Jun 25, 2006 5:19 pm
samcat,
sorry to hear about your cat.I know what you are going thru,I also lost a cat that was 17 yrs old.he was my daughters cat when she was a child she had since married and left home and left him with me since her husband had a dog and this cat hated dogs. he had the best personality and nature. He too died of renal failure he was very sick and his last day was in alot of pain he died rather suddenly so we didn't have to put him down but you did the right thing it is selfish to leave an animal suffering just because you can't let go I am glad I didn't have to do that but the loss is sad this was about 3 yrs ago, we still talk about him and have pictures of him on our tv.He was a part of out family and will always be.
wish I could post that I am doing better but at the same spot didn't take my ride last weekend so really need to this weekend if I want to move forward.I really should start doing it by myself that is the biggest scareist one can go a little by myself but standing still results in going no where no pain no gain
sorry to hear about your cat.I know what you are going thru,I also lost a cat that was 17 yrs old.he was my daughters cat when she was a child she had since married and left home and left him with me since her husband had a dog and this cat hated dogs. he had the best personality and nature. He too died of renal failure he was very sick and his last day was in alot of pain he died rather suddenly so we didn't have to put him down but you did the right thing it is selfish to leave an animal suffering just because you can't let go I am glad I didn't have to do that but the loss is sad this was about 3 yrs ago, we still talk about him and have pictures of him on our tv.He was a part of out family and will always be.
wish I could post that I am doing better but at the same spot didn't take my ride last weekend so really need to this weekend if I want to move forward.I really should start doing it by myself that is the biggest scareist one can go a little by myself but standing still results in going no where no pain no gain
Jamie and forever young,
Thanks for your kind words. They help. Forever young, you know what we faced. The vet said it is like a freight train coming at you and you know one day it is going to get there. Renal failure is an awful disease and I have lost three cats to it. It feels like there is a hole in your heart. But that is part of life and loving a pet and I will be really sad for a while, but I'll get through it like I have before.
Both of you hang onto your goals--you can do it. The human spirit is strong.
Thanks for your kind words. They help. Forever young, you know what we faced. The vet said it is like a freight train coming at you and you know one day it is going to get there. Renal failure is an awful disease and I have lost three cats to it. It feels like there is a hole in your heart. But that is part of life and loving a pet and I will be really sad for a while, but I'll get through it like I have before.
Both of you hang onto your goals--you can do it. The human spirit is strong.
SeaRunner, (and anyone else!)
Thanks for your kind and helpful encouraging words. You write so well and give great advice. We seem to be the hardest on ourselves yet we are the first to build others up. Thanks.
I have been a high school Music and French teacher for the past twenty five years and have loved working with teenagers, building their self esteem, watching them grow into fine young people. I have been blessed with my career yet I know now, my teaching days in a "classroom" has come to an end. And I've finally come to peace with that. It's taken me 3 years of trying to get back into it. It's not the kids. It's the whole job package. I had never heard of Generalized Anxiety until I was diagnosed with it. Like for so many others, it turned into depression. I told myself after the first time doing the program, (and feeling so much better), that I would never be judgemental to those who suffer, with "anything" for that matter. I get it. It hurts, it takes time, strength and willingness to heal. Boy, oh boy, does it take TIME to get the body back into balance.
For me, I'm like Ken in the program, even though it is my third attempt doing the program, and I'm very proud to do it again,I still find myself obsessing over my body symptoms, more than anything else. Ah yes, the more I dwell the worst it gets. It's ACCEPTING the feelings, floating through them ect...I know, I know, we know, we know.
I'm not here to complain but I wanted you guys to know a little bit of my background. We all have our stories, most likely very different from one another yet ending up at the same place. Thank God for this sight.
One of my goals is to stop fighting the body symptoms and accept that they are part of my anxiety. And that's okay, they always pass. They went away before and they can MOST CERTAINTLY go away again!!! Boy, oh boy, it's all about patience.
I wish you well on your medication. I am on a low dosage of Remeron which at first made me feel very very tired but it has improved a great deal. With time, you too, will feel a lot better.
I am also planning on starting the relaxation CD at least once a day.
Let us know how you're doin'.
SamCat- My deepest regrets. I wish you comfort.
Thanks for your kind and helpful encouraging words. You write so well and give great advice. We seem to be the hardest on ourselves yet we are the first to build others up. Thanks.
I have been a high school Music and French teacher for the past twenty five years and have loved working with teenagers, building their self esteem, watching them grow into fine young people. I have been blessed with my career yet I know now, my teaching days in a "classroom" has come to an end. And I've finally come to peace with that. It's taken me 3 years of trying to get back into it. It's not the kids. It's the whole job package. I had never heard of Generalized Anxiety until I was diagnosed with it. Like for so many others, it turned into depression. I told myself after the first time doing the program, (and feeling so much better), that I would never be judgemental to those who suffer, with "anything" for that matter. I get it. It hurts, it takes time, strength and willingness to heal. Boy, oh boy, does it take TIME to get the body back into balance.
For me, I'm like Ken in the program, even though it is my third attempt doing the program, and I'm very proud to do it again,I still find myself obsessing over my body symptoms, more than anything else. Ah yes, the more I dwell the worst it gets. It's ACCEPTING the feelings, floating through them ect...I know, I know, we know, we know.
I'm not here to complain but I wanted you guys to know a little bit of my background. We all have our stories, most likely very different from one another yet ending up at the same place. Thank God for this sight.
One of my goals is to stop fighting the body symptoms and accept that they are part of my anxiety. And that's okay, they always pass. They went away before and they can MOST CERTAINTLY go away again!!! Boy, oh boy, it's all about patience.
I wish you well on your medication. I am on a low dosage of Remeron which at first made me feel very very tired but it has improved a great deal. With time, you too, will feel a lot better.
I am also planning on starting the relaxation CD at least once a day.
Let us know how you're doin'.
SamCat- My deepest regrets. I wish you comfort.
Oh yeah, I wanted to share something I heard from one of the "recovered" coaches from StressCenter. She told me that recovering from anxiety and/or depression is like recovering from a major surgery. It takes about a year or so to fully get your body back into balance. It sure helps put this condition into perspective!
To all of our RECOVERY and WE WILL!!
To all of our RECOVERY and WE WILL!!
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manofmusic
- Posts: 711
- Joined: Wed Jul 01, 2009 12:07 am
- Location: Canada
Had a problem getting on this site for the past few days. I don't know why, but I'm back !
SamCat, sorry to read about your cat. I hope you're coping.
Well, I made it a week with no caffeine or extra sugar. My body did a detox, but I think it's actually learning how to live without it....for now. If a craving comes along, I'll deal with it then.
I didn't start WW last week like I promised. I will go this week.
This is the salt detox week. This is going to hurt, so if I hit the caps lock button when I type, don't take the yelling personally. It has nothing to do with anyone on this forum. I'm making sure to flush the excess salt from my body with lots of water. I've worn a trail from my chair to the bathroom. I feel lighter already. I almost caved in on the first day. I found a bag of chips. I didn't just throw them out....I crumbled them up and flushed them. I did this because I've been known to garbage pick. LOL I didn't even lick my fingers after crumbling up the chips. I went dirctly to the sink and washed them.
I've heard that it takes 21 days to break a habit. If I can go 3 weeks without the caffeine, sugar and salt, maybe I have a chance ! Until then. I need to be so careful.
Hope everyone is doing well with their promises.
Claudette - I deal with the body symptoms still too. Not nearly as much as I used to, but I still have my moments. It doen't matter how many times you go thru the program. As long as you get something from it each time. It's a life long thing.
SeaRunner - This too will pass. If you need a little help, there's nothing wrong with that. The only shame is in not asking for a bit of help. Just picture all of us cheering you on. When was the last time you went for a run ????
SamCat, sorry to read about your cat. I hope you're coping.
Well, I made it a week with no caffeine or extra sugar. My body did a detox, but I think it's actually learning how to live without it....for now. If a craving comes along, I'll deal with it then.
I didn't start WW last week like I promised. I will go this week.
This is the salt detox week. This is going to hurt, so if I hit the caps lock button when I type, don't take the yelling personally. It has nothing to do with anyone on this forum. I'm making sure to flush the excess salt from my body with lots of water. I've worn a trail from my chair to the bathroom. I feel lighter already. I almost caved in on the first day. I found a bag of chips. I didn't just throw them out....I crumbled them up and flushed them. I did this because I've been known to garbage pick. LOL I didn't even lick my fingers after crumbling up the chips. I went dirctly to the sink and washed them.
I've heard that it takes 21 days to break a habit. If I can go 3 weeks without the caffeine, sugar and salt, maybe I have a chance ! Until then. I need to be so careful.
Hope everyone is doing well with their promises.
Claudette - I deal with the body symptoms still too. Not nearly as much as I used to, but I still have my moments. It doen't matter how many times you go thru the program. As long as you get something from it each time. It's a life long thing.
SeaRunner - This too will pass. If you need a little help, there's nothing wrong with that. The only shame is in not asking for a bit of help. Just picture all of us cheering you on. When was the last time you went for a run ????