Stress Center Peer Support

From the advice of a good friend here, on these boards, I am going to share my present experiences of anxiety that I am going through.

First I want all of the "newbies" here to know, that it IS POSSIBLE to go through ALL of lifes "ups and downs" with "normal" anxiety and NO panic! This program truly DOES work, but I have to be honest and say that it doesn't work one sided. YOU must be diligent in completing the necessary steps from beginning to END!

I give ALL the glory to my Lord and personal savior Jesus Christ!!! Without him, I am NOTHING and can do NOTHING!

As of May 5th, my husband took a job offer in Dallas Tx. As it is posted in my profile, I am from Washington state. Yes, we will be moving 2000 mi. away. This includes moving away from my Two sisters, both of our parents(which means taking the twins away from both sets of grandparents ) and last, but certaily NOT least, moving away from my four older children. This will all be happening on May 24th..just 11 days away. I have been packing since the day we found out! I am tired, excited, sad and exhausted all at the same time.

During our vacation, I was given the news that my second son just enlisted into the Navy and my third son is joining the Army..needless to say, unbenouced to me and my husband.

My mother is suffering from a Schizophrenic episode and I am blaming it on myself. She was very upset when I told her we would be moving. Although, she tried to assure me that this was not the case. She says that she goes through it every three months or so. She had her meds. changed and perhaps it will get better soon.

Change has ALWAYS been scary for me, so this move has been bitter sweet. The fact that my sons are taking such a big step in joining the military has added more stress and fear. My mother, Father, Mother in law and Father in law are distraught about their children and grandchildren away..adds to all of that, HOWEVER, I am handling AlL of this differently You may ask me if I am feeling the effects of all of this???? Sure I am! and it's NORMAL!!! I am NOT afraid of feeling "afraid", I am not "freaking out" about fast pace breathing, nor feeling shaky inside. I am "embracing the feeling" as it is a part of ME(Thanks Ms. T Bones for making me realize this awesome TRUTH) I used to "fear, fear itself", but now I know that "fear" is an emotion and it's okay. So is anxiety and depression. It's NOT okay when we try and fight these feelings..it's than that we make matters worse! I'm learning to be okay with ME!

I will leave everything in the hands of God! He is my comforter and my Rock! Nothing is impossible! All things are possible!!! Thank you Abba Father for loving me FIRST!

I haven't been posting here lately... and I realize that I have learned so much, that I can actually use these "tools" in every situation. Please continue on folks! I promise, you won't be disappointed!

I will have my good days and bad days...such is life for every human being on this planet earth, the difference now is...I have confidence and strength

God bless you all

Momof6....I was sooo surprised to see that you had posted a thread!!! You are awesome!!!

I know exactly what you are talking about when you say that you can have anxious feelings, and not panic about them. They really are no big deal, and are just caused by stress, and negative thoughts...We do this to our own selves!!!

I used to fear "fear" with all of my being. I could not have been more terrified of that panic attack, if someone had a loaded gun to my head!!!

I know all about that word "stress"...I have been "stressed" for at least 2 weeks, now. I just don't stay stressed, because I know how to calm myself down, and find some humor in things.

Momof6, you are soooo kind to post this thread.
Your mother having a "relapse" has absolutely nothing to do with you. My dad has had sooo many of them, that, I couldn't count them all. Every little bit, they are adjusting his meds...
So, let this one go...This is normal for schizophrenics...

This is NOT your fault..Please trust me on this one...Our family has been through this with Dad for years. In fact, I was only 12 years old when Dad developed this disorder!!!

I realize you are moving sooo far away from all those you love, and I know that it would not be "normal" if you didn't experience "stress" as well as, anxiety!!!

I am sooo proud of you...You really are handling all of this better than you could ever know...This move is a drastic change, not counting all the other changes in your life, right now!!!!

You are one tough cookie!!!! I would bet you that someone who never had one "ounce" of anxiety their entire lifetime, would experience these "symptoms" under your circumstances!!!!

Again...I am sooo proud of you. I am sure that your "posting" will help soooo many others on this forum!!!!

Love You Bunches...May God Richly Bless You and Your Family Is My Prayer!!!!

BTW...You are soooo welcome sweetest Momof6!!!

you are the BEST Ms T Bones!!!
I do understand that the "feelings" I am experiencing are NORMAL "And this too shall pass"! We prayed for this move for almost two years, and we left it in Gods hands...and here we are, getting ready for what God has planned out for us
When I am "feeling" anxious, I just look back on my life and appreciate how God is working in our lives. With every "change", things have always gotten better!!! My life is so good right now, I CANNOT even begin to imagine what is in store for us. God is truly AWESOME!

Lastnight I had a very in depth conversation with my 18 yr. old. I know that he has my traits(and for this I'm a bit sad). He is "stressing" about graduating this year, his transmission in his truck blew, and he has yet to find a job. He's upset about not having a cell phone, in which he cannot even afford one(and I refuse to put him on my plan, because he was on his fathers plan, once, and went over his minutes and texting by over 300.00 in which my ex had to pay) He's afraid of not having "back up" if things don't work out here for him, since i am moving so far away. I could easily take this on myself and feel "guilty" for leaving him, but he was given the chance to move with us or move back to AZ. with his father. He declined both, now that he has a girlfriend. he has two older brothers here, and two sets of grandparents, two aunts and one uncle still living here. He is not being left to fend for himself, which is the impression I got lastnight. He has always been able to manipulate his father and I. If you've read previous posts, he has always been able to make me feel guilty and sorry for him. I am NOT getting sucked into that again. We already assured him that he would have another car BEFORE we leave, but he's putting the pressure on, that he NEEDS one this weekend. He has a way to get to and fro, school,etc. BUT, he doesn't want to take those options..why??? because it's not COOL..UGH I have come TOO far to go through this again! I do understand this is hard for everyone, but this decision was made a long time ago and they all knew that eventually it would come to past. This is Gods "perfect timing" and I KNOW everything will turn out just fine.

I've learned the art of being "assertive", and this situation has given me the PERFECT opportunity of using my new found skill I could easily crumble with all of this, but I REFUSE!!! I know everything will be OKAY..how can it not when God orchestrated the whole thing???

anyways..I've got to get back to packing..thank you for your response Ms. T Bones..I always look forward to hearing from you. Your friendship has been a blessing and it's been consistant..and I LOVE you for that!!!

Take care and God bless....I am still praying for you and your situation. We may not see the "whole picture", but we know that with God, ALL things are possible!!! He's got it all under control, my friend!

Love ya

Momof6...It feels awesome to see you posting threads. I am sure you are a great inspiration for all!!!

I love you too!!! You are the best!!!!

I am soooo thankful that you are standing up to yourself, without putting a guilt trip on yourself...

There is only so much we can do as parents. We have to allow our children space to grown up in, and learn their own lessons. It is difficult because we love them, but, this really is the best for them, as well as, us....

That art of "assertiveness" sure seems to be working for you...Guilt trip, I won't buy the ticket!!!

Love Ya Bunches...God Bless

BTW...Thank you sooo much for your prayers. I will continue praying for you and your family also...God Bless

your story is very touching, thank you for the advice, I am a newbie but I am glad I found this site!