Today is my last day of Session 1 (tomorrow I start Session 2) and I just wanted to say hi and see how everyone else is doing with it.

I've listened to it 3 times, done all the homework/action assignments, watched the coaching video, and worked hard on paying attention to my personality traits that contribute to my anxiety. I'm not a big fan of the relaxation CD but I have another relaxation CD I've used in its place to practice relaxation. Just working with the program brings me comfort.

Overall, I am extremely excited about this program and have faith that it will teach me the tools I need to manage my anxiety and live a happy life again, free from worry, negative thoughts, and general anxiety. I feel impatient sometimes...like I really want to keep going and learn more but I know that healing and learning takes time.

I wish all of you good luck with this. We totally can do it. WE are the one's with the power to get our lives back. We deserve to be happy again!

Thank you for the uplifting words of encouragement! I have just started the program and believe it is so important for us to become aware of ourselves and why we think what we think/why we do what we do. If anyone has any suggestions as to what you found most helpful in getting started, please share them with me.

Hi gracey!

It sounds like you are on the right track already. Acknowledging that WE have the power to change the way we think and the way we talk to ourselves is HUGE!

I'm still a beginner myself but I've found that just doing the steps of the program give me some comfort. I particularly like the Introduction video. It REALLY gives me hope that I can overcome this debilitating feeling. All those people who were JUST LIKE ME are now living happy, unrestricted lives! I know sometimes it's hard to believe the feeling will ever go away (trust me, I know) but it is imparitive that we keep reminding ourselves that anxiety won't last forever, it WILL pass, and that we DO have the strength to make it through (and we deserve it!).

I also bought a book called What to Say When You Talk to Yourself by Shad Helmstetter Ph.d. ($6.99 paperback). I read it whenever I can (about half way through) and I can't even tell you how good it makes me feel...like I do truely have the power to change my programming!

My acupuncturist suggested that I use the "Rubber Band" trick. I wear a rubber band around my wrist all the time. When I start to think of a negative though or start "what if" thinking, I snap the rubber band and think of a positive thought. I've actually gotten to the point now, after only a few days, where when I snap the rubber band, it immediately triggers a calming feeling, even before I think my positive thought. It sounds kind of silly but it totally works!

How are your eating habits? Do you smoke? Drink? Exercise?

missgsr, You sound like my inner twin. I will start session 2 Sunday, done all the work, assignments etc. I found it very hard to relax at first but it gets easier everytime. Good luck to you also. We can do it..

quote:

Originally posted by 681024:
missgsr, You sound like my inner twin. I will start session 2 Sunday, done all the work, assignments etc. I found it very hard to relax at first but it gets easier everytime. Good luck to you also. We can do it..

So, it sounds like you and I are working at exactly the same place in the program. You are right. It is really hard for me to relax. I know it will get easier but the waiting is so hard! We can do it...and this program is key!

Keep us posted on your progress!

Wow, week 2 has made a great difference. It is strange to realize I can control my reactions to others but I cannot control how others act. I'm not saying it comes easy, I'm practicing and have to do a lot of positive inner talking, but it's getting there.

I started the program today and am really excited about what the future holds. I was wondering if anyone had any tips on managing anxiety in social situations because i am a college student and i feel like im missing out on so many great things. Any advice would be great!

Hi Ryan:

I would say that I am doing very well. I am more upbeat. I know what I have now. I can recognize it in situations I am in. I don't like my anxiety when I talk to people but I am confident that once I feel more confident, it will get better. My struggle is building my confidence back up. I work at home so am by myself a lot. Life is easy by yourself but when you step out and have to talk to someone, anxiety hits ya. And I can't even explain why. I have tried, I am very analytical. My advise to you is to keep putting yourself out there. Allow yourself to feel uncomfortable and tell yourself that you are not..whatever you tell yourself. I have done that and found myself saying, I don't care what they think. And I don't think they thought anything at all. It is all just the anxiety. So, with that said. Have a great day and relax, be happy and stay positive about yourself.

Thank you for the support finding happiness. I have felt real good lately after listening to sessions 1 and 2 i have realized that i am not actually afraid of anything except my anxiety! I always thought that i was actually afraid of the party or the mall but in reality i was afraid of how i would react when i got there. I have great solace in knowing that i can now control my symptoms so i do not have to worry about how im going to feel when i get there. Now its just about actually going and doing it! Easier said then done.

quote:

Originally posted by Ryan Lee:
I have realized that i am not actually afraid of anything except my anxiety! I always thought that i was actually afraid of the party or the mall but in reality i was afraid of how i would react when i got there.

This is exactly how I feel. I'm not afraid of doing things. I'm afraid of having anxiety when I do them!

This is where the positive self talk comes in. I'm on week 2 also and find comfort in knowing that I have the power to calm myself just by changing the way I think.