session 1 & the relaxing cd

Bob-o Bingo · Post by **Bob-o Bingo** » Wed Dec 22, 2010 5:50 am

Hi Paisleegreen,

The three months I've been waiting on the court system to process me has been "interesting." I had no idea there were so many court hearings: Formal charges against me, Bail Bond hearing, Plea Bargain Hearing, Sentencing Hearing, etc. I'm not officially a convict yet and I'm out on bail... waiting... waiting... waiting. And each time there is a hearing announced, the two local newspapers smear my case across the front page (small towns!) with all the horrible charges against me and such. Extremely stressing.

I thought "knowledge is power," and I endeavored to prepare for jail by googling "survive jail" on YouTube. Big mistake! The results I found on there stressed me to the extreme! At least I feel better prepared for my time there, and I'm going to do my best to learn and grow into being a better citizen.

I'm only on Session 2 right now, but already I've found that The Stress Center program has been very helpful. It's going to be an "interesting" experience--I know that for sure. I feel much more positive about Jail or Prison than I did before when I was in the lock up for two hours (that seemed like two months!) I've Googled lots of info on state prisons and feel pretty ok about things. God bless as you work thru your issues!

Bob-o Bingo · Post by **Bob-o Bingo** » Wed Dec 22, 2010 7:43 am

Hey Jon B,

I can't say how long I'll be in--haven't had the sentence given yet--but there is light at the end of the tunnel... no life sentence.

Our state doesn't let people out early for good behavior, but they can extend the term for bad behavior--LOL. Every state in the US has different rules for everything.

I'm gonna be good anyway, just in case things change. In the meantime, I'm learning new skills to help reduce stress and anxiety. Thanks for your good wishes--much appreciated!

Molly77 · Post by **Molly77** » Thu Dec 23, 2010 10:39 am

I am borrowing my boyfriend's program..so I don't have the pills or the relaxation CD but I do meditate once sometimes twice a day. Do you think that will count?

Paisleegreen · Post by **Paisleegreen** » Thu Dec 23, 2010 2:40 pm

I think the meditation should help some. Do you have access to the library or store to get a relaxation CD of some sort. Someone on here posted a link to some relaxation recordings to put on an IPod or listen to via the computer.

Are you talking about the vitamins they offer as the "Pills"? You can take a good B-complex vitamin or B-12 and B-6 plus calcium and magnesium.

Heather Lea M. · Post by **Heather Lea M.** » Fri Dec 24, 2010 10:40 am

I just received my program yesterday. I worked through the first session and am hopeful. It seems as if I may be in a "worst case scenario" category. I have only left my house a handful of times in the past two years since being laid off for the second time in ten years. I have not driven my car in two years either. It is difficult to conceptualize a world where I can feel like a "normal" human being again.

The only person I see on a regular basis is my husband. He has been very supportive, but does not know what to do to help me. I cannot remember the last time I felt true joy.

But, for the first time in a very long time, I feel hopeful that there is help for me! I look forward to taking this journey with all of you.

Paisleegreen · Post by **Paisleegreen** » Fri Dec 24, 2010 11:36 am

Hi Heather Lea-- Welcome! You will feel better...I have and I've only been here a short time and only had the CDs for a month now. Just recently bought Lucinda's From Panic to Power book. So that is helpful since I don't have the workbook.

There are quite a few of us that have difficulty leaving their houses. So we applaud everyone's effort to even get dressed and go out the door!

Anxiety is not fun that's for sure. But it can be managed...and since you have been able to hold a job and use to drive. I think things will get better day by day.

Paislee

I'll be around since I now get to have my adult children home to open presents and eat Christmas dinner. I haven't done that for at least a year. Well, I hadn't had a Panic Attack until last spring, so this will be a new adventure for me tomorrow as it wasn't planned for me to host having the family over for dinner.

So I'll be around my computer as I gradually straighten things up for company that are pretty friendly but stressful enough that I'm anxious about it.

Keep posting if you can...

Paislee

Heather Lea M. · Post by **Heather Lea M.** » Mon Dec 27, 2010 4:20 pm

Thank you so very much for responding to my post. I hope that your family hosting went well. This Christmas, I avoided my family by telling them that I could not attend. I was devastated, as was much of my family.

The last time we were together, I ended up crying almost uncontrollably and had to excuse myself from their presence. I know that they love me and would have loved to have had me there. But, I was so afraid of ruining their good time and/or embarrassing myself that I could not attend.

In addition, I have not driven a car in two years. Riding in a vehicle with my husband is terrifying to me. What was I to do? I love my family beyond measure . . .

I truly hope that you and your family had a fabulous time together. Thank you so very much for taking the time to write to me.

Heather Lea

Paisleegreen · Post by **Paisleegreen** » Tue Dec 28, 2010 7:40 am

Hi Heather

We had a great time! The family consisted of my own grown children and some grandchildren. I pretty much haven't entertained the family as I have in the past, so this was last minute and it went well and we all had a good time.

I sometimes feel better if I'm driving, not my husband. As sometimes, he starts to go too fast. Other times, he waits at the right corner where you can turn, and that drives me crazy!

Otherwise, I trust him, just don't like it when he leaves the cruise control on and tail gates another car, when it is obvious that the poor car in front of him can't move over due to another car in the lane. His way of driving had really changed from when I first met him.

But I would rather be with him than anyone else, as he knows how to drive in the snow.

What do you think makes you cry...when you are with your family? Paislee

JonB5150 · Post by **JonB5150** » Tue Dec 28, 2010 9:28 am

Im glade to hear everyone had a great Christmas. mine was great also! i had very low anxiety! im going to start session 3 today or tomarrow. im pretty sure the program is helping!
so.. congrats to heather lea m. for getting the program. take your time and enjoy it like lucinda says.