Stress Center Peer Support

I'm new to the program (in my second week) and was wondering if anyone has taken time off of work to get themselves straightened out? My work I believe is the cause of my anxiety and depression. I used to love my job but in the last 3 years I've been under a great deal of stress and pressure and now I can hardly get out of bed to go to work. I feel anxious constantly and finding myself becoming more depressed. I have a small business that I'm barely keeping going due to my condition as well. I've spoke to management at work and they have agreed to give me a leave of absence to take care of myself. In the program they say not to avoid what makes us anxious, so I'm not sure if I should take a leave or not. With a full time job and my business I'm finding it hard to concentrate on the program, I feel this is my last chance to help myself. Does anyone have any advise for me?

Dan

Hi Fingers Crossed: I think it really comes down to money. If you can afford to take a leave of absence, it might be a great thing for you at this time. I've been under a huge amount of stress this summer with my father dying last month and my dearest closest friend, my chosen mom dying this month. My sister died in March. I can't imagine having worked all summer through this. I couldn't concentrate at all. I am up walking at 6:30a.m. to see the sunrise. I am spending my mornings journaling, reading, praying, dialoguing, playing the guitar and piano and just taking care of me and I'm getting through this. If I didn't look after myself and put myself first I'd be in the hospital. No one can tell you what to do. But I'm hoping my sharing will be a blessing to you. What would you say to your very best friend if they were in your shoes? Blessings from Bunny

Thank you for your thoughts Bunny! Yes that dang money is always an issue isn't it.

I just received the program yesterday and I am so ready for a change in my life. I listened to session I last night - and did the workbook -can I move onto session II - or do I have to wait a week?? - I am really struggling with sleep and anxiety these days - to include panic attacks. I listened to the relaxation CD also - what is the best way to pace yourself with this program so that I get the most out of it. I feel like I am rock bottom and need a lift very soon! I've been struggling with this for over 10 years, take medication (through a psychiatrist) and am now moving onto acupuncture which is starting to help. Any advice?

My personal opinion is to keep working but you'll need to make that decision on your own. Maybe dial back a bit and do your best to concentrate on one thing at a time. For me work is hectic but it is a welcome distraction, when I'm home I have too much time to think and that gets me into trouble. Try to find positive things with your job, pretend your a new employee. Ever notice new employees always think it's great because they just started there. Good Luck and keep working the program!

Hi Stelo: I have found that spending a week on each lesson is important because it gives time for the material to sink in till it becomes second nature. I listen to the same lesson at least 3 or 4 times, I write out prayers for help on each problem area, I write out cards, affirmations, journal about the lesson, talk about it to another person etc. At the end of the week I am ready to move on to the next lesson usually. I also read other books I have related to the topic at hand. I figure it took me a long, long time to become the way I am today. It's going to take time to change my thinking and behaviour so I can feel differently. Hope this is helpful to you. Blessings from Bunny

For me the best ,is to leasing to the lessons as much as I net it if i want to goo back to specific one i will and I believed that is what help-me is a tool for you to be OK,with out medications.

iam new to the program and so far its helping me iam amazed ! at first i thought it sure takes a long time to get from one session to another but each time i listen i find out more and more about myself an why i do what i do i have anxiety with traveling in a vehicle, train ,plane, boat , sometimes i get so anxious i make myself sick and it sux !!! its hard to explain to some people they just don't get it and i have said many times if i only new how to change this i wld because there is no one who is more miserable than me i hate it and iam ready to fight back !!!! i have not even driven a car for 15 yrs and iam only on session 2 and i am making progress i fill so much relief i got along ways to go but i didn't get there over night !!!!