Stress Center Peer Support

I’ve just done the first day of Session 1 and am using the relaxation CD. My symptoms probably fall in the category of mild Generalized Anxiety Disorder, but I worry a lot, have low self esteem, do a lot of negative self talk, and get very controlling with people around me. I retired about a year ago from an administrative job in the long-term care field, after working there for 25 years. My anxiety peaked during the last 6 months on the job when I had panic attacks and extreme anxiety while finishing up a construction project. Some of the anxiety was clearly related to my pending retirement, fear of the unknown, of time on my hands that I wasn’t well prepared to deal with. I was on Zoloft and used Xanax occasionally to get through, and saw a counselor bi-weekly. I’ve been addicted to counselors most of my adult life. Over the past ten years I’ve seen three counselors for extended periods of time, stopping when I felt better, and then starting with a new counselor months later.

During the past year I’ve kept myself fairly busy, stopped medications, but have low motivation. My negativity and need to control others creates enormous conflicts with my spouse. I have no close friendships. I started the program because I got into a very negative pattern in therapy sessions, and felt I needed to try something else. Over the holidays I needed Xanax a couple times to get through some very stressful days, and on one of those days turned on the TV and there was StressCenter advertisement. I felt it was intended for me, so I called and ordered the program. I am hopeful it will help me learn ways to replace the negative thinking and live more fully for whatever time I have left.

Hi Dave,
Good for you! Congratulations! I'm sure that learning new communication skills and thought patterns WILL make all the difference. I just started the program myself, and I can already sense a growing awareness within myself of my "weak areas" and that there is an answer that will start me on a better path.
I can't encourage you enough in dealing with your control issues. Having been married now for almost 30 years in a similar circumstance I know very well how difficult it must be for you to acknowledge and deal with. But for the sake of your wife as well as yourself, I am very encouraged and just know that you will make the necessarry adjustments so you and your wife with have a wonderful marriage, full of trust and acceptance.
All the best to you in your journey!