New to the program

[bluemtnbob]

I am new to the program and would like to hear from people who are new to the program as well. Does anyone know if it's OK to go through a session in less than a week if you listen to the CD three days in a row and do the workbook and some of the homework? I definitely need to get my anxiety and depression under control. It recently caused me to lose my job. Luckily, I have a loving and supportive spouse.

[Iwillbebetter]

Welcome Bluemtnbob, Although I wouldn't say I am "new" to the program, I am on session 7. I think you can do the program as you feel. I would be sure if you are going to do them in less than a week you feel you have gotten something from each session. I only say that because I know many are spending extra time on each session. In the beginning I did go a little faster I think about session 3 is where I started slowing down. either way we are all different, so I think it's ok to set your own pace, as long as it is one you are comfortable with. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress. I think you will be amazed at how the program can help you!!!

[bluemtnbob]

Thanks for the advice. I am going at my own pace. I think one of the CD's made reference to me checking in with my on-line support group each day. Is there some group that I am supposed to be a member of?
I am in session two. I am trying to be patient. Lucinda and some of the other people on the CD's keep talking about how they feel so much better and are in recovery. I have to keep reminding myself that I have to be patient with myself and the program and that change is not going to happen overnight. I am also dealing with negative thoughts that creep into my brain like, "What if this program isn't everything that it's cracked up to be, and I invest all this time and energy and hope and I am disappointed at the end because it really did not help me that much?" I definitely fall into that personality type that Lucinda describes. I over analyze everything and I "what if" everything to death. Right now I am feeling kind of hopeless.

[lisa2692]

I, too, was desperate for relief or a cure when I first went through the program. I did go through the first two lessons in a few days, skipped the exercise/nutrition lesson, and the med/alcohol section. The sessions that I spent plenty of time on were 3, 4, and some of the latter sessions. Do not rush sessions 3 or 4 because they are the foundation for recovery. Also, do not neglect the relaxation exercises because your body and brain need to be retrained to come to a whole and calm state. It takes a few weeks to break bad habits and establish new ones. Be sure to keep that in mind when deciding how fast you can move through the skills each session teaches you.

That said, I did rush through the first time, found great relief, then casually repeated the program at two week intervals. It helped solidify my learning. I also became of things I missed the first time because of my panicked mental state. Good luck and keep in touch!

[LyndaLu]

I too am going through the program for the second time and this time is going way better than the first.
I am taking each Session more seriously and concentrating more on what I really have to learn to succeed.
But, I too agree that you need to take your time and not rush, rush, rush with each Session. I have learned
that I need more than one week with each Session and I just move at my own pace. As soon as I "get"
the Session that I am working on and I understand it, I move on to the next Session. In saying that, it is
also not good to linger too long between Sessions, find a healthy balance. I have given up coffee and
candy, but have yet to give up sugar. I have been trying very weakly to get
the exercise in that I really need.
I don't drink alchohol and I don't smoke. I have been listening to the relaxing tapes and I have
been doing the journaling and I have been reading
a self help book. Music could be an important part of this therapy for some people, it is invigorating for
some and relaxing for others. These are just some suggestions that I thought may help out.
Lynda

[Naomi10]

I am also new to the program. Can anyone tell me how to join a group that is also new? I have done 1 week. Thanks

[mcorrea]

I just started also,Iam on week six.Iam going through a separation and this program has been sooooooooooooooo helpful being that I suffer from anxiety/depression since I was a kid.Iam finally getting control of my anxiety with the help of this program.Kepp us up to date on your progress.

[tina martin]

These posts cannot help but be very encouraging to everyone. Encouragement to stick with it, to do our part, to help ourselves along, is important and wonderful. Wishing everyone the best. Give it whatever time you can set aside for it.

[sun]

Hi I'm new to the program myself on week 2! I have been taking my time threw the program but now I understand why I have been feeling fatigue and have stomach upset. I had the program for 3 years before I started it...I didn't think I was depressed but when I wasn't happy for so long and ran away to the mountains and still wasn't happy that's when I knew something else was at work here. Thank God I finally sat down and listened to the program and couldn't believe I had anxiety causing my depression. On my way to recovery, after doing the first week I started to feel better because I at least know what was wrong with me and that I'm not alone.

[luvbarbie7]

I too am new to the program. I am in Session 1. Tomorrow I start Session 2. Did anyone else feel more anxious and panicky at first?