Stress Center Peer Support

I thought I was better and I suppose I am in some ways, I've not had a panic attack in about 4 years, but reading through the traits in session 1 I still currently have them all like

Guilt ridden
High expectations
obsessive thinker
analytical
low self esteem

That is just a few, I currently have them all, yet I though I was better, I suppose I am not. Its at least shows there is so much more to an anxiety disorder than just panic attacks.

Anyone? Does this mean I am not better?

I don't think I ever had a panic attack, but yet 80% of the descriptions fit me. I would take all my stress and over analize ,blame myself,rationalize it was happening because I wasn't good enough. That would lead to me being angry at the world,depressed,and isolation.
Am I "getting better"
YES, I am understanding having stress is universal, that I am not alone in my poor self esteem,its ok to feel bad,I also have great qualities,there are tools to help me deal with negative thinking.

Most important I am receiving knowledge and as I keep my mind open I am becoming more hopeful.

So just you realizing and admitting to yourself you have poor self image,that is the first and biggest step. YES YOU ARE GETTING BETTER!!!

kNOWLEDE IS POWER

If your panic attacks have subsided, in that respect you are already better. This program helps us look at ourselves and gives us the tools to modify the traits you listed. These traits get in the way of a happy ,healthy life. As you modify the traits you will get better and better.

I don't think that 15 weeks going through a program like the Stress's is enough for permanent change if you've had the problem for years or decades. It begins the process of change, but you have to stay with it for an extended period of time in order to see lasting change, in my view.

I suspect you are better in some respects but may need to work more in the areas you have mentioned to see more results. And could your post be a form of all or nothing thinking? Just asking. You're either over it and all better, or your not? Is there any gray area here, any improvement at all?

i second don's response.

i think the difference between personality traits (which everyone has), and an actual anxiety disorder is huge.

sometimes i think that alot of mental health is manufactured. by that, i mean that i think mental health professionals and pharmaceutical companies need employment, and there are always new "disorders" being "identified".

this is not to say that i am talking conspiracy theory, but i would make it a point to not think too hard about this kind of stuff. if given to their own studies, even the psychologists and psychiatrists have "issues".

for example, you would think that a psychologists children would be the most well adapted, intelligent, emotionally secure people on the planet. The reality however, is far from that truth.

we are all human, and all have our flaws.

now, a disorder is just that: it is bringing disorder to your life (i.e. can't function, can't go to work, are stuck at home, etc).

if you are solely looking at personality traits that aren't "perfect", than join the crowd. we all have them. thats what makes us all so unique .

if you are able to function in society, then forget about the personality traits and enjoy life!

and don't put too much into self-esteem.

it came on strong in the sex, drugs, and rock-and-roll 60's and 70's, but sadly it is extremely difficult (dare i say impossible) for a group of "experts" to get along as to not only what self-esteem means, but how one "builds" it.

its overrated. much ado about nothing.

to err is human.

(obsessive writing here)

by not worrying about self-esteem, i read a good book recently called Forgive for Good (you should look into this- it will help with your guilt).

in this book the example is given that not only is self-esteem not understood, too much is actually harmful. arrogance and narcissism are the bad side of self-esteem, and we all have come across people like this.

(who really wants to be like that?)

don't worry. be happy. to doubt is human. to fall is human. mistakes happen. stop being so rigid. LET GO.

You heard "go with the flow"? think about applying that to your life, my friend. and stop worrying about self-esteem.