Sadly, I'm back and struggling bad again...

[SilverLining]

Hello everyone. I went through the StressCenter.com program in the fall of 2009. It helped me alot but I didn't quite ever make complete progress. I had many good months and then we had some stressors come into our lives and have moved twice. Now I am struggling (again) desperately with health anxiety and going places. I don't go hardly anywhere except dr appts., and local small stores, only if needed. I avoid almost all social activities including family gatherings as they are just overwhelming to me right now.

What happened to me? Has anybody else worked the program, seen some progress and then regressed back? I can't afford to go back to CBT therapy and honestly it wasn't doing anything for me - maybe now it would but I don't have it financially (one of the stressors). I also must say I am female and going through perimenopause and I know that is a huge contributor to alot of the symptoms I get but I can't seem to push past the fear and go out and do what I need to do. I started to listen to the CD's the other day and I happened to listen to the one where Carolyn shares how she had a heart attack due to stress - that was the last thing I needed to hear right now!! I KNOW it can happen but now I have myself stuck in this vicious cycle of stress/anxiety/fear and fear of what the stress/anxiety fear is doing to my body! Does anybody have any words of wisdom or insight? I feel like crying. Has this happened to anyone else? I've even scheduled an appt with a physiatrist as I sometimes feel like I am going to lose it. And I am sooooo tired all the time right now. I think my mind and body are pooped. But whenever I try to relax, nap or sleep, it feels like my heart is racing or pounding.

Believe me, I've been through so many, many medical tests and to so many, many doctors that I am weary from all that too. Everything has always come back fine: stress/echo, EKG, blood work, you name it but I still have this issue with health anxiety. Again, any input is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[newrunner]

Hi Silver Lining-

I'm sorry that you are having a hard time.

I am also a female going thru perimenopause and in fact, just got home from talking to my compounding pharmacist about my hormonal shifts, etc. and what are we going to do about this. What I am saying is..... many of the things you are talking about feeling CAN be from your hormones being out of whack. Of course, the MDs in the ER are not going to tell you that as that is not what they are looking for.

If you'd like, I could give you the name and number of my guy and maybe you could get some info from him or find a person like him in your area. Also look up www.womentowomen.com for info. on this subject, so that you can be reassured that you are not going nuts.

And, re looking at your information is a good idea. It does work, so keep at it. I also like a book from Dr. Howard Leibgold called "freedom from Fear".

You could have the big combo of hormone change and anxiety. I've been there and there is hope.

[SilverLining]

Thanks newrunner. It is quite a challenge. I have visited the womentowomen website and I am also a member of powersurge. That is a site for peri and meno ladies. That has helped alot. Thank you also for the offer of the name and number of your guy but I do have a great BHRT doctor who is working with me on the hormonal issues. And the compounding pharmacy has been very helpful. I guess the struggle lately is the return of so much of the things I thought were behind me. But I am pressing forward. I want to really live life and not let these years pass me by while I sit on the sideline. Thanks again for sharing your story and sharing. Redoing the StressCenter.com program is a must for me right now. So I'll probably be stopping in here more often.

[SilverLining]

Just curious.....when I used to post on here a couple years ago, it was a busy place....where'd everybody go? I 've been watching the site and there isn't much activity at all! Did alot of people leave or hopefully get better???? Like I said, just curious....

[worryguy]

Hey Ladies, I'm a guy and I'm going crazy thinking I'm sick. I get hit with triggers all around me. Every day I hear the word cancer connected to people I know....many times a day. I feel like a sitting duck and I am so wound up and stressed.... any advice or people who have this problem along with me...... I would love to hear from you!!!

[Layha Rae]

Dear Silverling,
I went through the program 4/09 & by 8/09 I was a different person I had joy & peace for the first time in my life. THIS PROGRAM DOES WORK we just have to do th e work. Remember we will never go back to where we were we know to much. I started the program over but I haven't been as diligent as the first time through. I will be 55 on the 31st of this month so I figure anxiety/depression/negative thoughts are all in grained in my being. I pray often to the Holy Spirit to help me change for I realize He can do anything. Get back on track & we'll be feeling great.

Good advice New Runner I too have hormonal/endocrine system problems. Working on our stress levels, listening to our cd's, eating well, exercising, & getting enough sleep are huge for us.

Worry Guy It is common with this condition to worry about our health. Are you working the program? Which session are you on?

Peace to you all
Lyla

[Paisleegreen]

Hi Silverlining and others-- I'm usually here, but been catching up on my yard work and other things. I plus did extra yard work and wore myself out and I have very sore muscles that I can't do anything. So today, I'm feeling a bit better and was able to so some light housework.

Some of the people you are not seeing because they actually are doing better, I know I am. I use a different relaxation CD, and it has really helped a lot.

You guys are lucky to get your Dr to compound you hormones for you. My Dr won't do that, he feels that the Pill works better, so I don't take the pill form and at one time went to WomentoWomen and got their vitamins and Progesterone cream. Eventually, I stopped getting theirs and got a local companies, anyway, I'm at a different stage than you ladies are and I weigh the pros and cons of HRT, but anyway that's for another day or PM.

I just wanted to say, "Hi" and let you know Silver that people do come here, but we seem to be busy with summer activities. I know I am so much better than I was a year ago. So there is hope...Paislee

[redbud]

I don't know if this is the place to start, but I am on Lesson 6 and feeling like I am going backwards emotionally. I was so excited to be out of therapy and feeling so much promise for this program, but IBS, panic attacks over short trips locally, negative thinking etc. is looming again and I am feeling so depressed. I am divorced after 33 years and moved back to my mother's house after she died in 2007. I have a son with Asperger's and is bipolar who I worry about a lot but is getting all the help he can. I am far enough from my daughter and son to feel the loss deeply and have no good friends left from the tiny farming community I left. This home has many hard memories of violence and fear of my father, but I am trying to overcome those and have had some success. I was a teacher -Learning Disabilities and Kindergarten for 15 years, but physical problems and my son forced me to quit early. My mind has started chattering again and I don't know how to stop it. I am with a wonderful man my age and he is so good to me, I don't want to bring him down too. How do I stop this descent into fear and depression??? Does anyone have an idea for a new person struggling to stay in the program?

[Paisleegreen]

Hi Redbud, Welcome to StressCenter.com. I'm sorry for your troubles, it is hard to leave what you use to know and go back to a home that has some unpleasant memories. Just by listening to the CDs and the relaxation CD or one that you have already that helps you is a good beginning. I just barely got a CD player that is portable that I felt comfortable listening to a relaxation CD privately and in my room where I can relax.

Eating foods high in protein such as chicken, tuna, sea fish, trout, salmon, eggs, nuts are what helped me the most as well as aerobic exercise such as walking or swimming, easy gardening, what ever gets you moving easily. Posting here made all the difference as well. I am so much better than I was a year ago. But didn't know about StressCenter.com until October and didn't get the CDs until late November.

So keep coming here and listen to your CDs and read your cards. I didn't have the cards until much later, except for what was posted online. Paislee

[redbud]

Thank you so much for answering me, Paislee. I have felt so alone for the last few years. It's nice to know someone is out there listening. I will try the things you suggested. I know I haven't listened to the CDs as much as I should, but I thought I was doing OK. This can sneak up on you so quickly-just with a phone call, I've found.
Thank you so much for the reply and advice-I have to try harder I guess. To all of you who wrote about the regression, I know it is hard and I feel for you. You are all in my prayers and I hope we all can get back to living in the present and remember how blessed we are no matter our situation. It helps me to have a blessing list next to my bed when I start feeling this way-my coach suggested it. Good luck to all. I have to go exercise-Ugh!