concerned about my thoughts and symptoms

Mike4635 · Post by **Mike4635** » Sun Apr 13, 2008 11:56 am

Hello,

My name is Mike, and this is my first time visiting the online community. I am 27 and had previously suffered greatly with depression, anxiety and obsessive thinking. I first started to have symptoms during college, and I struggled greatly during my time in college and thereafter. This condition affected every aspect of my life and I did not have much energy to do much. My mom purchased the program for me after seeing it on an infomercial and I started the program in November 2004. Working with the program has helped me so much, and I have gained skills to help me cope with controlling my thoughts and with helping me to have a positive attitude. I continually try so hard to have a positive attitude each day and to try to be calm, peaceful and humble.

Last year I decided to go back to school to re-take classes that I needed to get into grad school. These classes were very challenging, and I had to work very hard and be able to handle the stresses that went along with taking the classes. I also needed to do well in order to get into a competitive field, so I felt a little added pressure. I can honestly say that I don't think I could have achieved the success that I had without gaining skills I had learned in the program. I was accepted into a graduate program for physical therapy, and I will be starting my classes in June. I am excited about this opportunity because I'm interested in learning about the human body and, most importantly, helping others to overcome physical difficulties and have a better quality of life. I will be moving to a new city and meeting a whole new group of people. I completed my pre-requisite classes in December, so I have just been working a limited term job until I start school.

Over the past couple of months my symptoms (obsessive thoughts, a little depression and social anxiety) have returned, and I'm concerned about this. I have started doing the relaxation tape again and listening to some of the tapes. I have never really had someone who I could talk with about my thoughts, and so I thought maybe someone here could help me to stay on the right path or give me some motivation. Another concern I have is that during my day I work alone, and I also do not have many friends or a girlfriend, and so I have not been very socially involved with others. I would like so much to be able to become more socially involved with others, but sometimes I'm not sure how.

Mike

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Apr 13, 2008 12:22 pm

mike; i just started today. i am here if you need to talk. believe me i am 20x times worse than u.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Apr 13, 2008 12:29 pm

Hey Mike,

I also work alone and don't have many friends. You're not alone. I moved across the country a year and a half ago and it was scary! So I know what you are feeling.

Nick

Bakedpears · Post by **Bakedpears** » Sun Apr 13, 2008 2:57 pm

Hi Mike,

First off congratulations on your success with the program as well as with your education! thats great! very encouraging and inspiring

I would think your 'symtoms' are coming back because the recent stress of everything. Anticipating starting in June perhaps? Stress will trigger old habits like worry which will wake up the obsessive thought beast. I would practise your skills again, especially sessions 3, 4 and 8.. everyone wanders off the track, perhaps you should view this as a challenge to 'shape up' again.. observe yourself and see if you find yourself falling into any old patterns, then correct them

As far as the social phobias go, I am with ya! wowee am I ever! I was thinking the same thing tonight actually. The best thing to do to become social is get out there! put your foot through that anticipatory wall and the best place to do it is through local gyms, clubs, rec leagues, sometimes even finding a good local bar and going to watch a game and have a beer there could spur friends, the best one for me has been gaining a part time job where I have to be social, like bartending or serving, you will meet tons of people at work and coworkers too!

Good luck Mike!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Apr 13, 2008 3:16 pm

Never give up. It has worked in the past and it will work again. This is my first time in the program and I am on session 2. Feeling some relief already... Remember never give up...