Stress Center Peer Support

I have struggled with GAD and depression for about 10 years now. About 6 years ago I ordered the program and never got past session 4. Eventually, I kind of just tried to forget about my anxiety and just ignore it. I went on living everyday feeling anxious but I just tried to get through the day. I figured I would have to live like that forever. Well recently my sister had a baby. This is her first baby and I was so excited to see him. The problem was that she lives in Georgia and I live in Pennsylvania. Soooooo, I got this bright idea of flying down to see him with my husband. I have never been on an airplane before but I really didn't want to make that 12 hour drive...(it's awful for me) We booked the tickets and since then I was a mess!! About a week before our flight I really started getting anxious. I was having panic attacks and sleeping alot. But, I was going to force myself on that plane. On the day of my flight, I tried to back out about 4 times but my sister and husband talked me back into it. Everything was packed and in the car. My husband and I were pulling out of our driveway and all I could think was what if this....what if that. I had horrible scenerios in my head and couldn't get them out. We made it about 2 miles away from our house when I told my husband I couldn't do it. There was no way I was getting on that plane. I had myself so worked up! I came back home and just cried and cried. I was so disappointed in myself. I wanted to see my nephew so badly. I felt like I disappointed my husband..he was really looking forward to this trip. I felt like I disappointed my sister also. Then, I got mad. I told my husband I am not living like this anymore. The next day I called StressCenter and ordered the upgraded program. I am waiting for it to come and I am pumped about it. I want my life back. I am super excited to start it. But, I am also afraid that I am not going to finish it like last time. Does anyone have any suggestions about staying with the program and not getting too overwhelmed with it?? I really need to change my life. We have 3 small children and I want to have a full, happy and healthy life with them.

Hey Ooga !

I bought the program in 1999. It sat on the shelf until 2008 ! When I finally finished the program, I was mad about the time I missed out on. Congratulations on ordering the program ! Don't give up on going thru the program again. I ended up doing a few of the weeks twice or 3 times, but I never gave up on it because I knew that if I gave up on getting better, it meant I was giving up on myself. Don't be mad about the airplane thing......although I think you know that nothing would've happened had you gone on the plane ! A few of the weeks for me were really panic inducing. I had to face fears and even if I had to do it kicking and screaming, I was going to do it. It's been since January of 2009 that I finished the program. I go over some weeks now and then as I need them. I think the biggest reason I succeeded was the journalling. Some days I just wrote what came to mind. It may have been just jibberish, but I got whatever was bothering me off my mind for a while. Eventually, I've overcome full blown panic attacks. I can still feel them coming on once in a while, but they don't get to the point where I run out of a room or store or wherever I am. Just stick to it. If you have to do a week or 2 over again, it's no big deal. Just be kind to yourself and time and practice will help you get better !

Congratulations to you!! I hope I will be saying the same thing soon! One thing I have a problem doing is journaling....I never know what to write! I will sit down to write and only end up with a sentence or two. It always seems like my mind goes blank. Thanks for replying to me..I thought I was the only one who had the program and never used it! I want to feel better so badly, so I don't understand why I didn't use it. But, I'm going in with a different attitude this time. Thanks for your advice!

I'm sorry that the airline trip didn't work out. My advice would be Try, Try and Try. If something doesn't work, try it another way and never give up. Be gentle with yourself in terms of name calling, etc., but don't be gentle on letting yourself quit.

Your life is waiting for you.