calling it quits

ellkay · Post by **ellkay** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 1:04 am

I have been doing what I am supposed to do with the program - in fact this is my second time around and I don't feel any better. I am anxious every day regardless of whether I listen to the relaxation tapes, journaling, doing each lesson as I am supposed to etc. I still get body symptoms everyday whether or not I am having a good day or a bad day.

Maybe this isn't for everyone....I am not a quitter (in most things) however, I just need relief from anxiety. I can't help but wonder if my body is trying to tell me something since the program that I paid SO much money for doesn't seem to be doing the trick.

I have tried to email the stress center and Carolyn Dickman but haven't had any responses from them.

Does anyone feel the same way I do??

So frustrated.....

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 1:27 am

I'm just on Session 2 but remember Lucinda saying some people need meds too and thats okay. I have been on meds for years and they help keep me from crying all the time. Lucinda recommends we get a physical in the beginning, have you done that? What anxiety symptoms are bothering you the most, can you pinpoint what you are thinking when it happens? I'm sorry you are still have the anxiety, I would love to help.

jillzmind · Post by **jillzmind** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 1:33 am

I was on zoloft for a year then tried to get off of it - thought I was ok. but its been about 4 months without and I am just miserable.

I honestly don't think I am thinking about anything except why is my arm tingling or why am I light headed. that of course scares me and gives me anxiety.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 2:10 am

I would try E-mailing again, because every time I've E-mailed I've gotten responses within 3 days at the most, so perhaps it did not go through. I know how it feels to want to give up. You may want to get a physical also, because no, the program isn't going to "heal" anything physical. (I have PMDD/hormonal imbalance & a family history of mental illness), SO... I look at this program as a catalyst - a support tool - not a "cure-all" or "magic pill" type thing. It has some great strategies, coping ideas, tools etc. etc... but it is not "THE" only answer to all that ails us. I hope the best for you. I know I almost did quit after I think it was Session 3 or 4, and I still cannot bring myself to go to the dentist or fly, but I'm just starting Session 6 today & also, I only was able to cut down on caffiene & not yet able to give up sugar... so, some of that's on me. Best to you & please don't give up.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 2:37 am

I have been to the doc soooo many times I cannot count. So I have proof that I am healthy (physically) but mentally I just can't shake it. I just want to cry. I am trying to be strong here - just so frustrated.

I cut out caffeine and sugars, I excersize 3-5 days a week. I do all the steps that I should according to the tapes and workbook. I just cannot get rid of the anxious feeling or body symptoms.

Thank you dearly for your support.

Gman5256 · Post by **Gman5256** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 2:48 am

ellkay,
how long has it been since you went to the MD? Maybe you should try something other than Zoloft, if you haven't already. or maybe you need a bigger dose of Zoloft. Good job cutting out the caffeine, i still can't do that. this tells me you are on the right track.. don't give up.. call the center if they don't respond to email...I did and they talked to me and made me a lot more at ease about spending the money.. as a single parent it is a lot, but they even gave me a discount. I find that talking my problems out are most effective for me, incorporated with the program. The center has lots of people available to help with these types of situations...hope this helps.... don't give up!!!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 3:31 am

about a year and a half ago I was put on zoloft. it worked pretty well. I also got the program to help me gain skils to cope with anxiety. I stayed on the zoloft until 4 months ago. I felt fine at first but the last month and a half I have been constantly anxious.

Don't get me wrong its not that I think the program doesn't work - I just wonder if its for me. I have done the program twice. The first time maybe not as thorough as I should but I did it. The second time I am doing EVERYTHING it suggests.

I have an anxious feeling about me no matter how my day is going. I have been getting different body symptoms. Of course they scare me - but I truely am not concerned about anything other then the body symptoms. They freak me out.

I can't help but ask why???

I was at the doctor 2 weeks ago - he says I am fine. Also checked with a cardiologist about heart health and he says I am perfectly fine. I get blood work every 6 months or so for my thyroid - its fine too. The cbc is always normal. So I have proof that I am healthy but I constantly get body symptoms - again that scare me.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 3:50 am

Have you ever thought that maybe it's from being OFF the Zoloft? I've often gotten so frustrated about my physical symptoms that I've stopped taking my meds altogether, and I have epilepsy. After the withdrawal effects, being off of them made me feel even worse and I think it was mainly due to the fact that I had been on them for so long.

Would you like to take the Zoloft again if it worked well for you?

Or..

Would you like to try doing the program all over again without medication?

...I just thought I'd throw those two things out there for you to contemplate if you haven't already.

I wish you all the best! xoxo

rose_thorn98 · Post by **rose_thorn98** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 4:01 am

I can so relate to your post. I just went through the same thing. I've been through the program twice and then with a phone counselor. It helped but didn't get me where I wanted to be. I decided this was the year I was going to beat this anxiety and the anxiety came back on me hard. I haven't been this anxious in years. I decided to go see a psychologist. I think having a person sitting in front of me to talk to helps me more. She tells me the same things that this program tells me, she got me to actually start a journal to find my triggers. That is helping me tremendously. She is teaching me relaxation techniques. This is all stuff I know from going through the program and reading books but, for some reason, have a live person sitting in front of me and telling me this stuff really makes a difference. It's not cheap though. I hope my insurance will help with some of it.

I hope you find what works for you. I've known people that this program works wonders for and then I've known people that do better on meds or with other treatments. I think you have to find what works best for you. Just know you are not alone out there. Good luck.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Mar 06, 2008 4:07 am

Elkay- my email address is: carolyn@stresscenter.com

Begin to feel better by taking the wonderful suggestions you've received and implimenting them. It is amazing to me how much a brisk walk every day helps.

Have you talked with your doctor?

You could also schedule a support call...it does come with a fee, but we are Very generous with our minutes.

I wish you nothing but happiness. Have you heard of the book: YOU CAN BE HAPPY...no matter what. by Carlson...find it and take small bites each day. Love and Peace, Carolyn