doing the program a second time

enzo80 · Post by **enzo80** » Sun Dec 13, 2009 12:28 pm

I ordered the Combatting Stress and Depression Program program about 10 years ago i made tremendous personal progress. I am 29 years old and after some life changes found myself back using old habits. I recently ordered the program again, as i had lent my old one to a freind, and am feeling like i shouldn't be here, as if i failed or something. I know thats the kind of thinking that keeps us stressed and depressed. I guess i just need to hear that im not the first one to find myself in this situation. I feel like i've lost a lot of hope

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Dec 13, 2009 1:52 pm

Trust me...you are not the only one! I did the program almost three times...once with a StressCenter.com coach, and twice by myself.. I think it is a continuing process. I have to be aware and "work" the program every day. The difference for me is that now I have the tools to deal with the anxiety and depression, and I can hopefully turn it around and learn to look at it and myself differently. I, too, used to think of myself as a failure, because this program wasn't the "miracle cure" for me the first time around, or the second, for that matter. But I can't stress strongly enough that you are not a failure. It is that thinking that has gotten us into trouble to begin with. Take it one day at a time, as they say, and be as kind to yourself as you would be to friend. I know you can do it. Good luck!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Dec 15, 2009 2:50 am

Same here Enzo, but like Esther was saying, this program just teaches you the tools (it doesnt cure us because theres nothing to be "cured" from) and after time I think its easy to slip up and not use the tools and forget them. Did it help you before? If it did once I'm sure it will again. Plus if you're anything like me the difference in mindset from the age of 19 to 29 will be huge! I'm sure you will see some parts of the program in a different light now that you're wiser. Just my 2 cents...

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Dec 15, 2009 3:45 am

enzo80, you're definitely not the only one who's had to complete the program more than once! I know exactly how that "I'm a failure" feeling feels, though: I went through the same negative thinking when I needed to complete the program again. That's why we buy the program: We get to keep the CDs so that we CAN use them again!

You know what? I bet even Lucinda has to remind herself to think positively and be gentle with herself sometimes.

Keep on keepin' on!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Dec 15, 2009 5:23 am

I am dealing with the same thing right now. I am currently on Lesson 10. It is my second time through the program. Recently I have been having scary obsessive thoughts. I do not remember having these the first time. I have some rough moments when I wonder if I will grow anymore. My biggest fear is wondering "What if I do not get better? Could I handle living fearful and depressed my whole life? But eventually I find my true voice and I remind myself that this is only a growth spurt. This program works and I am the proof. I am proud to say I don't fear panic attacks anymore. I never thought I could ever not fear them. My expectations are probably a bit unrealistic and I want to get faster results. Don't we all haha?

Sometimes I wish I was in the area of StressCenter. Sometimes listening to the lessons and doing the workbook feels a bit lonely. I would love to be a part of some of those group sessions. I am so glad this forum exists. We can all share our experiences and see we are not abnormal or alone.

Hang in there enzo80. It is only anxiety and depression and it will pass. It always passes.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Jan 06, 2010 6:33 am

I finally checked in since my last post, it's comforting to hear that you guys can relate to my story. I really appreaciate the support and encouragement. The skills in the program work, and if they didn't, i would not have ordered it a second time, i remind myself that. The peer online support group is something new for me and i can see that I definately need to utilize it, thanks again everyone!