Stress Center Peer Support

I listened to the relaxation CD for the first time today. About 20 minutes after I listened to it and did the exercises I had a full-blown panic attack. I think that hearing it say how you should feel strong, healthy, confident just made me lose it. I want to feel like that, but it has been so long since I have felt that way, it seems to me it is impossible to ever feel strong and healthy again. Has anyone else felt like this after listening to this CD? I ended up taking a Xanax and going back to bed for a few hours. Is it crazy that the "relaxation" CD would have this affect on me? The CD had some very good ideas, but it just didn't turn out to be a good relaxing moment for me. I really want to just feel normal again.

Keep at the relaxation CD. As the days go on, you'll be able to get all the way through. It sounds like you don't actually believe you're a strong person. Give at a few times. Maybe listen to it with your eyes open instead. That way, you're not so into it the next time. If you make it through it that way, try it again with your eyes closed and go through the motions. If you feel an attack coming on during it again, stay where you are and fight through it. You can do this. Just breathe .......

Ellie Lou, it scared the devil out of me the first time I listened to it but after a few times that feeling went away. I went on and completed the program over 2 years ago and am fine today. I do try to stop in once in awhile and help out here though.

At first you may be a little panicky but trust me, as you move through the program, you will get much better.

I had panic attacks daily before the program, in the past year I've had 2. You're going to do fine. Just smile.

I think that hearing it say how you should feel strong, healthy, confident just made me lose it.

After reading this sentence, I think i understand what's going on here. I believe there is a misunderstanding here. This is very normal to misunderstand things while our minds are running like rapid with thoughts. The part mentioning feeling strong, healthy and confident was about picturing yourself how you'd like to be. I can completely understand why you'd get a panic attack if you are expecting yourself to feel all these things. This isn't completely reasonable to expect yourself to feel all these things if you aren't used to them. If it makes you feel better, picture yourself not suffering from anxiety & depression and how your life would be. I bet thats when you'd feel strong, healthy and confident.


Mike

<span class="ev_code_PURPLE">Hello, Ellie Lou,</span>
Good for you for getting the program, firstly. Congratulations also on putting on the relaxation CD, too.

These are big accomplishments that demonstrate your strength. I can understand that you hope to be stronger, and I believe that will come--especially since you got on here, explained your situation, and sought help and encouragement.

Please don't put too much pressure on yourself at first when listening to the CD. We all come to the program with different levels of stress--and some people, like me, just let it play in the background a few times while lying in a relaxed position. I did this for awhile and gradually paid more attention and was able to complete the excercises. So keep at it. And go easy on yourself!

ellie lou
i know exactly what you are talking about. i am just in session 2 an i have only listened to the cd 3 times. i get more anxiety listening to it then not. i called the 800 no. she told me that i may need to find another way to relax that the relaxation cd dont help every one. i am going to try it again tonight. i had a panic attack when i listen to it each time. i like to listen to indian chant music to relax. but it aint telling me what i really need to hear. and i have a hard time hearing all those positive things because i was told for so long by a abusive NOW ex husband that i was no good an all of the above so i am with you girl. we can get through this together. email me any time

I haven't had any attacks while listening to the CD but I definitely don't feel like it's relaxing me the way I wish it would. When I listen to it at night, when I'm already exhausted, I can fall asleep fine but when I wake up (the hardest time of day for me) and listen to it, I get frustrated like, "Why isn't this working??" I think we just need to hang in there and keep at it or maybe just find another guided relaxation CD (could be that easy).

Thank you! I appreciate all the advice given to me about this. I think I need to just get a grip and keep going. It is so nice to finally be able to talk with others who know exactly what I am going through. My husband and family try to be helpful, but really just don't understand. I feel guilty that they have had to go through this with me. I just want to enjoy life again without all the fear.
Thanks again!

Ellie Lou

Don't feel guilty about it. I'm sure that they feel bad that you're going through this. Make sure your husband reads the work book too. There's information in there for him to read. As the weeks go on, you'll be back to your old self again.....if that's what you want ! LOL

i found another relaxation that is a free download and it worked for me last night better. the site is brainsync.com it is only 7 min. long but i was able to get into her voice better. like i said the people on the phone suggested i find another way to relax. i searched free relaxation or meditatin and it worked. also there are cd out there that are just nature sounds like the rain or frogs or things like that that can also be relaxing. nothing better then a soft spring rain on a tin roof try this it might work for younz