couldn't get on the airplane!
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- Posts: 3
- Joined: Fri Mar 21, 2008 4:35 pm
I have struggled with GAD and depression for about 10 years now. About 6 years ago I ordered the program and never got past session 4. Eventually, I kind of just tried to forget about my anxiety and just ignore it. I went on living everyday feeling anxious but I just tried to get through the day. I figured I would have to live like that forever. Well recently my sister had a baby. This is her first baby and I was so excited to see him. The problem was that she lives in Georgia and I live in Pennsylvania. Soooooo, I got this bright idea of flying down to see him with my husband. I have never been on an airplane before but I really didn't want to make that 12 hour drive...(it's awful for me) We booked the tickets and since then I was a mess!! About a week before our flight I really started getting anxious. I was having panic attacks and sleeping alot. But, I was going to force myself on that plane. On the day of my flight, I tried to back out about 4 times but my sister and husband talked me back into it. Everything was packed and in the car. My husband and I were pulling out of our driveway and all I could think was what if this....what if that. I had horrible scenerios in my head and couldn't get them out. We made it about 2 miles away from our house when I told my husband I couldn't do it. There was no way I was getting on that plane. I had myself so worked up! I came back home and just cried and cried. I was so disappointed in myself. I wanted to see my nephew so badly. I felt like I disappointed my husband..he was really looking forward to this trip. I felt like I disappointed my sister also. Then, I got mad. I told my husband I am not living like this anymore. The next day I called StressCenter and ordered the upgraded program. I am waiting for it to come and I am pumped about it. I want my life back. I am super excited to start it. But, I am also afraid that I am not going to finish it like last time. Does anyone have any suggestions about staying with the program and not getting too overwhelmed with it?? I really need to change my life. We have 3 small children and I want to have a full, happy and healthy life with them.
Hey Ooga !
I bought the program in 1999. It sat on the shelf until 2008 ! When I finally finished the program, I was mad about the time I missed out on. Congratulations on ordering the program ! Don't give up on going thru the program again. I ended up doing a few of the weeks twice or 3 times, but I never gave up on it because I knew that if I gave up on getting better, it meant I was giving up on myself. Don't be mad about the airplane thing......although I think you know that nothing would've happened had you gone on the plane ! A few of the weeks for me were really panic inducing. I had to face fears and even if I had to do it kicking and screaming, I was going to do it. It's been since January of 2009 that I finished the program. I go over some weeks now and then as I need them. I think the biggest reason I succeeded was the journalling. Some days I just wrote what came to mind. It may have been just jibberish, but I got whatever was bothering me off my mind for a while. Eventually, I've overcome full blown panic attacks. I can still feel them coming on once in a while, but they don't get to the point where I run out of a room or store or wherever I am. Just stick to it. If you have to do a week or 2 over again, it's no big deal. Just be kind to yourself and time and practice will help you get better !
I bought the program in 1999. It sat on the shelf until 2008 ! When I finally finished the program, I was mad about the time I missed out on. Congratulations on ordering the program ! Don't give up on going thru the program again. I ended up doing a few of the weeks twice or 3 times, but I never gave up on it because I knew that if I gave up on getting better, it meant I was giving up on myself. Don't be mad about the airplane thing......although I think you know that nothing would've happened had you gone on the plane ! A few of the weeks for me were really panic inducing. I had to face fears and even if I had to do it kicking and screaming, I was going to do it. It's been since January of 2009 that I finished the program. I go over some weeks now and then as I need them. I think the biggest reason I succeeded was the journalling. Some days I just wrote what came to mind. It may have been just jibberish, but I got whatever was bothering me off my mind for a while. Eventually, I've overcome full blown panic attacks. I can still feel them coming on once in a while, but they don't get to the point where I run out of a room or store or wherever I am. Just stick to it. If you have to do a week or 2 over again, it's no big deal. Just be kind to yourself and time and practice will help you get better !
Congratulations to you!! I hope I will be saying the same thing soon! One thing I have a problem doing is journaling....I never know what to write! I will sit down to write and only end up with a sentence or two. It always seems like my mind goes blank. Thanks for replying to me..I thought I was the only one who had the program and never used it! I want to feel better so badly, so I don't understand why I didn't use it. But, I'm going in with a different attitude this time. Thanks for your advice!