Stress Center Peer Support

Hi everyone,

I am writing to ask people to post their positive or trials of life change, whether it be career, relationships, family.. I am asking for sharing in this area because I am going through a major life change and moving out of my comfort zone, away from my current home, current relationship is ending (we live together but need time to find ourselves again hence my move) into a new place, alone with the many issues we all suffer from..

Any experiences will be appreciated as I know there must be many of them and I need the encouragement badly!

Thank you in advance everyone!

Hi Maeggie,

In the last 6 months I moved out on my own for the first time to live by myself. A few months later I broke off my relationship. These were both positive changes for me in my life but they also triggered my anxiety disorder. I've been suffering a lot with it. In the end I believe I will be stronger but it does not make it easier at the moment. I deal with a lot of loneliness and feeling alone which I hate and as you know experiencing this disorder makes one feel even more alone. If you believe your changes will benefit you in the long run then that's wonderful that you are facing the fears associated with change. You will only be a better person for it. I have anxiety, ocd and depression as well so I'm not going to lie that all these changes def. increased my stress and my personal issues. Don't let it stop you though.

Hi,
I've been thinking about the same thing lately. I've come a long way with my anxiety and still have a long way to go, but I was worried and still get quite frustrated that I have to deal with "this" and my life change at the same time. If I read your e-mail right, you're wondering the same thing and how it may go, etc...
I'm having my first baby any day now and as I've been thinking on this, I've decided I think it may be the best thing for me (and possibly you). If we view it in the right light and see it as a huge challenge where we can grow and really be forced to utilize these skills in a big way, then we can grow in a big way, too. Does that make sense?
I notice I was always scared and still am of huge changes and would rather just live life steadily while practicing my skills, but I just may need a big ol' bump in the road to master these skills and not fear the changes so much.

Hope that helped. It was somewhat theraputic for me to get that thought out so thanks!

I am new here - waiting for my program to arrive. But I read your post/request. And I can tell you that if only I would have understood that in order to step outside of
my comfort zone and to leave my relationship (that was not working) I had to have been much stronger than I realized. And furthermore, that it was a stage of phenomenal growth. So, give yourself a realiy check here. You are making a positive change that will positively affect everyone in your life - especially you.

Hi Faithfull,

can you help with the reality check, how do I do that?

I'm not faithful but I think maybe making a pro/con list might help you with that reality check. You know what you are doing is the right decision, otherwise you wouldn't be making it. Best of luck to you sweety!

I began the program in December 2007. I have made much progress simply from listening to Session 1. Realizing where my thinking and behaviors come from clarified things for me. I had been in denial about my family situations being the cause. I cried on and off for days. I don't hold blame. Session 1 was very productive for me. I am stuck in Session 12 as it discusses another primary problem area for me. I don't know how I'm going to overcome these problems. As suggusted I saw my doctor and am currently taking Lamictal for Bi Polar disorder. It is beginning to level off and I am having no side effects. In order to get a job, Ihave got to go out and present myself as a calm, confident, professional individual(who sweats profusly and shakes when nervous and is completely terrified of "freaking out) and I'm scared to death that I will not be able to accomplish this task.

Maeggie, Having twins just under two years ago and quitting my job to become a stay at home Mom was/is a major life change for me, and I was hit with anxiety/depression/OCD. Again.. To be honest, I knew it would take some adjusting and you know what? I'm adjusting However, I've got new skills in dealing with it, which has made the "change" more manageable.. Major life changes of any kind can be stressful..that's "normal". Even for the strongest individuals. I've said it time and time again in other posts, that this program is a life saver..I wish I had it years ago(when the initial onset of anxiety came about) My suggestion would be to continue posting here, reading others triumph stories and using the coping skills the program teaches. Take a deep breath and go for it! I hope this helps! Take care!

Hi..I too have been dealing with life-changes. My son (6) started full-time in school this past Fall, and I was excited and nervous to have 'all that time on my hands' during the day. He's my youngest, so no more babies at home to keep me occupied. I'm 45 and have 4 kids, two at home, one in college and still at home, and one on her own..sort of. So I know what your talking about! I take medication (Celexa) for Anxiety and Depression right now. It seems to help overall.

I just purchased this program and am waiting for it! Being able to read other stories is helping me immensely!!

Sonja