This is my first posting and any feedback is appreciated. I just received my materials today and will formally begin the program tomorrow.
I'm the typical man who people look at and think he has his act together. I have so many blessings in my life that it amazes me that I live in a semi-constant state of anxiety and blackness. Nothing sounds good, nothing brings pleasure.
I guess I was just wondering if there are others like me out there and if you are finding rewards from the program?
Many thanks,
Mike
25 years of depression/anxiety
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Hi Mike in Phoenix,
So many people here know how you feel. Depression has been a taboo condition for too long. We don't discuss it, and we certainly don't admit we are depressed. I've been a therapist for 30 years, and believe me. I'm sure I have had many bouts of unacknowledged depression during this time. Working in health care fields, we absolutely understand it is a taboo subject. (Therapists do not go to work and announce to colleagues or patients that they are depressed). But the more people who suffer from depression put on the "act" and get through the day, the deeper they slide. I finally had to deal with depression last June. I'd lost both my parents within a 9 month period of time, and then watched a long term relationship go south soon afterward. I was so far gone I did not recognize days of the week. I worked through this program, one day at a time, one session each week, doing all the homework, sometimes doing sessions longer than a week, until I finished a few weeks ago. I am not depressed today. I am doing wonderfully. Life continues to happen, and it never gets easy. But that's life, and it is so much easier when we aren't also dealing with depression. You hang in here. Don't give up. You cannot imagine how much better you can be, if you will just stay with the program. I wish you courage and strength. I didn't have much of either when I began, but this community helped me find both.
So many people here know how you feel. Depression has been a taboo condition for too long. We don't discuss it, and we certainly don't admit we are depressed. I've been a therapist for 30 years, and believe me. I'm sure I have had many bouts of unacknowledged depression during this time. Working in health care fields, we absolutely understand it is a taboo subject. (Therapists do not go to work and announce to colleagues or patients that they are depressed). But the more people who suffer from depression put on the "act" and get through the day, the deeper they slide. I finally had to deal with depression last June. I'd lost both my parents within a 9 month period of time, and then watched a long term relationship go south soon afterward. I was so far gone I did not recognize days of the week. I worked through this program, one day at a time, one session each week, doing all the homework, sometimes doing sessions longer than a week, until I finished a few weeks ago. I am not depressed today. I am doing wonderfully. Life continues to happen, and it never gets easy. But that's life, and it is so much easier when we aren't also dealing with depression. You hang in here. Don't give up. You cannot imagine how much better you can be, if you will just stay with the program. I wish you courage and strength. I didn't have much of either when I began, but this community helped me find both.
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Hi Mike & everyone...I'm Dena in Washington State. Everyone thinks I've got it all figured out, too. Surprise...I'm worried I can't fit in 3 sessions of relaxation a day! Anyways, you are not alone. I'm happy to have others to help & receive help from. Support it needed to all. Here we go on our journey! I've always been a positive thinker. If ya need a ray of sunshine, just holler.
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Hi Mikeinphx and to Pecos too.
Yes Mike, there are rewards in doing this program! I have had panic disorder with crippling panic attacks for about 18 years. I have had good times and horrible times, but this time has lasted over 10 months. And this time I had the depression but had horrible side effects from meds so those were oout. Since beginning this program I have less frequency of panic attacks and have even been able to drive the freeway three times in 2 weeks without an attack! I think this program is the answer even though there is a lot to do. I'd rather spend the time on the program though than sitting around having a panic attack. Stay with it and this forum is a great support tool! Best of luck!
Pecos,
I am also a therapist and I know what you mean about not wanting to admit that. How does it look that I couldn't cure or help myself! And yet I was able to do my job and help others. Weird isn't it? The strange thing is if I had a physical problem I wouldn't have trouble telling someone but if it's emotional there seems to be some sense of shame in it. I have been more open and told peole and they have been so understanding and supportive.
In fact, they even think it makes me a better therapist because I know how it feels. Maybe they are right. You seem like you are doing really well. I read your encouraging posts all of the time. Best of luck to you and akll of us who struggle with this. We will get better!
Yes Mike, there are rewards in doing this program! I have had panic disorder with crippling panic attacks for about 18 years. I have had good times and horrible times, but this time has lasted over 10 months. And this time I had the depression but had horrible side effects from meds so those were oout. Since beginning this program I have less frequency of panic attacks and have even been able to drive the freeway three times in 2 weeks without an attack! I think this program is the answer even though there is a lot to do. I'd rather spend the time on the program though than sitting around having a panic attack. Stay with it and this forum is a great support tool! Best of luck!
Pecos,
I am also a therapist and I know what you mean about not wanting to admit that. How does it look that I couldn't cure or help myself! And yet I was able to do my job and help others. Weird isn't it? The strange thing is if I had a physical problem I wouldn't have trouble telling someone but if it's emotional there seems to be some sense of shame in it. I have been more open and told peole and they have been so understanding and supportive.
In fact, they even think it makes me a better therapist because I know how it feels. Maybe they are right. You seem like you are doing really well. I read your encouraging posts all of the time. Best of luck to you and akll of us who struggle with this. We will get better!
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Hi Mike, This is Jasmine. When I finally told people about having anxiety and being unsure of myself, they were pretty shocked too. I have had manic depression ever since I can remember. I have always been like this up until 2 years ago when I finally decided to get help. Everyone always said that I look like I have it all "together". They were even times when people thought I was conceited since I didn't talk to anyone. Just to let you know that I am on week 13 of the program. I had to start all over from week 1 just to refresh everything and now I just finished week 4 the second time around. It helps to go back and refresh your memory with the tapes. You definitely get much more out of it the 2nd time around.
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Hello Mike I am Lorraine and I suffer from depression with symptom like you describe. I have such lack of interest in things which bring "normal" folks much joy. I signed up for the online program last August and I have learned so much about how I got to this point. I am grateful that I discovered it. Remember we did not get this way all at once. I have found such a great group of folks from all walks of life and many times I felt like giving up and aways some dear heart manages to help me out of my slump. If you have this program it will become one of the best things you will ever do for yourself and those who love you.
God Bless you all!
God Bless you all!
I had my first panic attack on the night of my honeymoon 33 years ago. I have struggled with depression/anxiety every since. I am thankful that at least it is not 100% of the time as it seemed in my twenties. But it steals joy from me 40% of the time. The outside world (even my husband) doesn't know it when I am walking through it. I have become very good at disguising. If you asked most people would describe me as "extremely optimistic, outgoing, positive, happy person." And that would be true except when I am walking through a bout of depression/anxiety. I just have never been able to understand why. I saw this on tv (which I hardly watch) and of course, I instantly stopped and listened. I am walking through it right now, so I decided "why not." I'm still surprised I actually called and requested the tapes. I'm not an easy sell to products at all.
I felt so alone for twenty years, thinking nobody else would understand. The last ten years it is finally coming out in the public that millions of people suffer. However, sometimes, I still think I'm the only one. My life is very good, so I've never been able to understand why I would be depressed or anxious. I oftened wondered "What would I be like if I had had a rough life?" Anyone else out there think most people would be shocked if they were found out?
I felt so alone for twenty years, thinking nobody else would understand. The last ten years it is finally coming out in the public that millions of people suffer. However, sometimes, I still think I'm the only one. My life is very good, so I've never been able to understand why I would be depressed or anxious. I oftened wondered "What would I be like if I had had a rough life?" Anyone else out there think most people would be shocked if they were found out?