All That Workbook Homework!!

[fenndeb]

It seems like there is a lot of what I call "homework" everyday. Keeping a notebook for this or that, logging in thoughts, writing in the journal, listening to the relaxation tape 3 times a day... etc. I'd like to know if someone has successfully gone through the program and not done everything it says to do. I've been 'mentally' using the techniques but not the physical homework (except for the excercise) and it seems to be working okay for me. It really hit me when I listened to Session 3 and saw everything it has added to what you're already supposed to do. Am I jeopardizing myself? Someone tell me I can do this without all that homework.
Deborah

[tina martin]

I am no expert here but thought I'd mention that there are other areas including "Attacking Anxiety & Depression Program" (click Board Index at the top left and scroll down) with specific threads for each session. I notice there have been some recent posts. Perhaps you can find some specific and direct help there.

Otherwise, from what I've read in this General Comments section, you do want to go slowly and try to follow the program as suggested as best as possible. Hoping you are encouraged to continue and get the help you are seeking.

[KAMO]

I have found the homework to be very helpful and if it will rid me of my anxiety attacks, I'll do whatever is required.

[tina martin]

KAMO, it is good of you to share this. Encouragement from each other means so much. Hope it's a productive Saturday.

[KAMO]

KAMO, it is good of you to share this. Encouragement from each other means so much. Hope it's a productive Saturday.

Thanks, it's been a good one so far - don't have to work this weekend ( I work at a hospital in the Critical Care Waiting Room), and my husband has all of next week off for vacation.

[tina martin]

KAMO, just know how wonderful you are at your work: caring, giving, attentive. You want to direct those attributes to yourself too. With your husband on vacation you can encourage him to help you deal with the anxieties you've expressed at his absence.

Best to you. Keep us posted. It is remarkable what we can do for each other as virtual friends. I've had the good fortune to be at it for several years. It only gets better.

[Suzie_Q]

All the homework is overwhelming to me also. So much that I "choke" on the overwhelming feeling of too many things to do and not enough time, causing me to not really be able to physically or mentally do anything at all. I know that the overwhelming feelings are a huge cause for my anxiety and ultimately my depression and physical pains as well. I will learn to heal from this negative thought pattern better if I am consistent with doing the homework. It's practice work actually and practice does make perfect. So far I've not really done the homework, not been so consistent with following the program timeline either. I need things to be at my pace and in a way that I can grasp without being so likely to quit due to it feeling like it's taking too much of my time.
Suzie Q

[fenndeb]

Susie,
That's kind of how I feel also. It's so overwhelming it puts me into a panic. I've been going at my own pace also. I just don't have the time to listen to the relaxation tape 3 times a days, write down all the times I have a panic attack (I'd be writing constantly), keep a journal, etc., etc. I'm really hoping that just listening to the tapes and doing what it says to do (without the homework) will work enough for me. On a positivie note, I am getting better, but I don't know if that's from the medication. I don't think so though because I am using some of the 'thought' lessons and they seem to help.

How about you?
Deborah

[moonie91]

The homework is really important. One thing to remember is that for you to be the best that you can be you have to take time for yourself. We all are strapped for time...so where in your day can you squeeze in time for the homework or relaxation tapes? I copie the discs to my iTunes...I have the program and the relaxation tapes whenever and where ever I am. I turn on my iPod and I'm good to go! Don't beat yourself up if you can't get everything done in the timeline suggested. You'll get it done and be all the better for it.

[Suzie_Q]

I do feel like I'm improving substantially even though I'm not doing the homework. I do have more confidence and can focus better. My thoughts are beginning to slow down and I'm feeling better about myself in many ways. Now instead of being able to accomplish tasks every 3 or 4 days due to overwhelming racing thoughts, I'm able to every 2 days. I am learning to expect less of myself and accept and approve of myself just as much on my less productive days as I do on my productive days. The program will take me a bit longer than 15 weeks working it at my preferred pace, but it didn't take only 15 weeks for me to get this burdened with anxiety and depression. I will heal from this!