New to the program

thepopoman · Post by **thepopoman** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 5:21 pm

Hello, I am new to the program.

I don't have Agoraphobia, Generalized Anxiety Disorder or panic attacks but I do have fairly severe Depression and Social Anxiety. I don't have a social life. I am almost 50.

I have a lot of complex issues and problems. Some are completely unexplained and are real bottlenecks. I need 10 hours of sleep and my stomach is so sensitive that I can't take medicationss or vitamins or anything without hurting it. I've had a tough life.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 6:44 pm

Welcome,

I am new also. Just started Thursday.

Well,now you have a social life. I think that I have already figured out that one of the most helpful parts of this program will be taking part in this online support. I feel that I don't have much of a social life anymore. I have
pulled away from most of my relationships lately because pretending everything is alright is too hard, takes too much energy. This is a pretty good way to actually reach out to other people and share your thoughts and feelings since we are all going through similar things in our lives...no need for pretense... no worry about being judged or misunderstood.

So jump right in. No matter what you are going through, I am pretty sure there will be quite a few people ready to befriend you and offer some help.

By the way ,I am 48. I noticed that a lot of us on here are around this age. There is something about this age that really makes you stop and think and look around for a better life.

I just saw a report on TV the other night that made me feel better. There have been studies world wide that show the time in life when people feel the lowest or saddest is in their 40's and then it starts to get better in their 50's and the best according to this report is yet to come. People are more satisfied and happy in their 60's and 70's than at any other time.
Hope this helps a bit.

Denise

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 7:07 pm

Well thanks Denise for sending me a reply and for those good optimistic positive comments. It's appreciated.

Don't laugh but I'm also hoping for technology to help out in the near future. Not going to wait for it but I like the thought of a backup.

Seems like there should be "programs" where you can get a loan and not have to work for a few months and live in a dorm or something and just focus on getting well. Hmmm.

Dave

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Feb 01, 2008 7:16 pm

I can also relate to what you said about pulling away from relationships because it's too hard to "pretend" everything is ok. If you say how you feel the fair weather friends won't want to hear it and will just quit making contact anyway. Either way...

It makes me mad that all my friends are too ignorant or afraid or something to reach out to me. They want me to pretend. Most of them anyway.

But maybe we need to force ourselves to re-connect even though it's not easy. Hmmmm. Isolation is probably one of the worst environments for socially anxious people.

Dave

Tamara Hubbard · Post by **Tamara Hubbard** » Sat Feb 02, 2008 6:53 pm

Hi Popoman,
I live in Bremerton! Not far from you.
I intend to start the program tonight by listening to the relaxation tape. Then After I use that for a few nights then I will start the video lessons.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Feb 03, 2008 3:53 pm

My Mom and Sister live in East Bremerton. I use to live there too. I'm not sure if this is the right program for Social Anxiety even though she says it doesn't matter. I'm not sure of that. But I will listen to all the video DVD's for sure and then check out the CD's.
I have no doubt that success is going to be based on how much dedicated effort we all put into this and how much we are going to be willing to take risks and challenge our fears.
Time and Focus are big issues for me.

Hope it goes well for you.

I know it's going to be worth it in the end.

Dave