Stress Center Peer Support

Hi, all.

I really want to hear from those of you that have completed or are far along in the program. I have a problem with depression and anxiety, although not agoraphobia, and have gotten as far as session 4. However, as the program progresses, I feel that its demands do so, too. I'm a full-time college freshman living away from home for the first time & I've found that working with the program creates more stress for me. I worry about doing it right & am often times too lazy to take all of the suggestions in the workbook. In the long run, I know that I'm doing a disservice to myself, but it is just too hard to have to worry about completing this program on top all my other mounting concerns. Writing this, I realize how silly this must sound. Still, I was wondering if any of you had the same problem getting started or keeping up with the program, for whatever reasons. How did you deal with this? Was is worth the added stress in the long run?

I really want live to my fullest potential, but sometimes I am just hopeless that I will ever achieve this aim.

I would greatly appreciate any insights that you have to share.

Hi Suzyblue.

I had to do the program twice because I did the program and stopped somewhere in the early chapters because I started feeling so much better and I assumed I could stop. Then the anxiety came back worse.

You have to do everything the program says, just like it says, taking chances and all.

Your question on if it is worth it? Well if you mean is it worth it to get rid of those anxious feelings and thoughts, getting rid of those body symptoms and fears, then I would have to say yes.

I had so many fears and body symptoms. I was a mess and now I feel great. Every now and then I still get a little anxious when I get a little too stressed, but no where near what I use to be. So I'll say YES, It's worth the work.

Take care. DeeDee.

I've been there too. When I went through the program the first time it didn't work as well as I wanted it to because (you won't believe this) I was trying too hard. It was like if I didn't do it 100% right all the time it wasn't good enough and I wasn't going to get better.

Well, that was a complete lie! In fact, that made it harder for me to get better because I was beating myself up over something new. So, I learned to relax about it, but kept up the schedule, listening to the CDs, doing the workbook, watching the videos. I guess I learned to be nice to myself which is one of the biggest things for me.

Stick with it - it is worth it. Even when it feels like it's just 'another thing' to do. Remember that when you start feeling better you won't feel quite as overwhelmed and you'll look at things differently - it makes it worth it.


Ronda

Thanks you, Ronda Knowing that someone else had the same experience but prevailed really makes me feel better.

Originally posted by Ronda E:
I've been there too. When I went through the program the first time it didn't work as well as I wanted it to because (you won't believe this) I was trying too hard. It was like if I didn't do it 100% right all the time it wasn't good enough and I wasn't going to get better.

Well, that was a complete lie! In fact, that made it harder for me to get better because I was beating myself up over something new. So, I learned to relax about it, but kept up the schedule, listening to the CDs, doing the workbook, watching the videos. I guess I learned to be nice to myself which is one of the biggest things for me.

Stick with it - it is worth it. Even when it feels like it's just 'another thing' to do. Remember that when you start feeling better you won't feel quite as overwhelmed and you'll look at things differently - it makes it worth it.


Ronda

Suzy- Do your best at this time. You are a very busy young woman and it is understandable that you are starting to see the program as a stressor. As you've seen in lesson 4 we always have 3 choices when it comes to stress...1-can we eliminate it? (in your case maybe not-school is stressful, college life can be stressful all by itself-then you've added another "class").
2- Can we modify it? I think you can. Take a less serious approach- relaxation tape 1-3 times a day can be down while getting ready for class-eating lunch - going to sleep at night..., physical exercise should be a part of everyone's day and I know you can weave in 30 min...You can Do it Speaking to yourself with kindness and respect always telling yourself the truth, is something we can make a habit...practice with just the most nasty comments you make-take just one a day and put the essence of it on paper and then in detail acknowledge the truth and tell yourself what the positive is...in your mind throughout the day-notice when you don't feel well and then check out what you've been thinking about and make sure it's the truth-if it isn't-change it and reassure yourself that you are learning and soon the positive truth will be the way you think. 3- we ALWAYS have this third choice, even if we can't eliminate the stress nor modify it...we can always choose our attitude toward it.

Suggested inner dialogue: "I am feeling stressed by the program,however, I am so incredibly proud of myself for taking this on. I am confident in my ability to learn new and better ways of thinking. I am intelligent and a great student. I don't have to do this perfectly, but I Choose to do this for myself. I am worth the effort."

When you finish the program (and perhaps it will take you 30 weeks to finish rather than 15...so what! ) When you finish take a couple weeks off and maintain the good habits you've learned and then do the program again at your own pace...you will hear with new ears.

I promise you can do this and will be so happy you did.

I did the program 21 years ago and have had many stressful things happen over the years - I am so grateful that I did it. It enabled me to change from an over reacting, depressive to a fulfilled woman. I wish the same for you.

Blessings, Carolyn

Thank you so much, Carolyn. I really appreciate it. I'll do my best to take your advice.