I have been frozen. I got the box and it took 5 days to open it. That was 2 weeks ago!
This morning I got up and decided that I was going to listen to session 1 before I do anything else. I've finally started!

Anyone else have an increase in symptoms when listening? My heart is just pounding but I will not allow that to stop me.
Hope everyone is well today.
Lea

Yes, my anxiety has had increases and listening to session 1 & 2 caused some panic. I think this is because we are finally dealing with the issue head on! I am still not convinced that all my symptoms are ME! I need to keep working on acceptance.

I finally opened my box after about two weeks. I have been listening every day on my way to work. I have noticed over the past two weeks that I have not had to take any of my Xanax for anxiety. I am using some of the techniques that are taught, i.e., self-talk, accepting the anxiety, etc. and I really think that I have made progress since I started listening to the tapes. I have finished Lesson 1 and plan on completing the workbook for Session 2 this weekend. I am actually really looking forward to beginning Session 3 next week.

I got my box 3 weeks ago and today I am just now listening to session 1 too. I was excited when my box came. Opened it up to see all that was inside and watched the introduction video with my husband, was feeling anxious about it. 4 days went buy and I tried the relaxation cd. Thought it was kinda corny in the beginning and couldn't get into it. But once I got to the end of it I had relaxed some and really enjoyed and visualized walking in that forest. After that I have just been so overwhelmed with life I havent had time (well I have actually, but I just didnt FEEL like getting out the box, opening the case to get out the cd, finding a quiet moment to sit down and jsut get myself to do it) to listen to it. Have had some ups and downs and just didnt have the disire to try it. I've even doubted it will help ME. So today I basically forced myself to do session one. The cd was ok. I related to a lot of it. I'm eager to getting to FIXING it. I know what I have. Now the workbook I really enjoyed. I liked writing it all out, It actually felt like a lil relief to jot down what I was going through.

If nothing else, do the relax CD at bed time. No TV, No hanky panky, when you are lying down and feel the need to sleep, play the cd and listen closely, I always fall asleep before it is done and I do think it works. But like anything else you must keep doing it.

I had a different mindset when I received mine. I had already decided that i'd almost give my left arm to be rid of such a life-limiting thing as anxiety and panic. I was *#$%^ tired of 'IT' determining where I could go and even when I could go! My friends that is NOT life!
Jessica said what I want to say, the workbook is good and it is THE KEY! there is sooo much in it.
Decide within yourself to either stay in fear, extremely limited life or get rid of anxiety and Finally LIVE!
Think your too UNIQUE for it to help? so did I, but I was very wrong I am gladly to say! I go where I want and do what I want to do and interact with people everyday. Life is sooooo much more enjoyable and i now actually have FUN!
You Don't have time? YES YOU DO, many of us find excuses because we're afraid of the changes, and I say WHY be afraid of a Happy and fulfilling life? You are N O T beyond help.
FIND the time for the program and stay in it.

Take care,
Rod

RodH,
I am with you. I am done. I am so done with depression, anxiety and panic. I want a life! I want so much from life. I will keep on track with the program. On to week 3 for me after revisiting session 2 one last time and rereading my workbook. Please keep us all in your thoughts!

Everyone of you are in my thoughts and Prayers! I am really proud of every one of you!


Rod

I am listening to session 1,relaxation tape,video,reading relaxation info in the book. I will keep on,praying tha6t it helps,lissten to relaxation tape in bed also, I have parkinsons, and this may be part of it.

I got the kit last week (Monday). This is day 5. I listened to the cd in the car on my way to and from work, and I can identify with most of the people on the cd. I rarely have a panic attack, but I have had one.

Like mentioned, I thought the relaxation cd was corny, but it did help me clear my mind. The breathing part still makes me feel like I am suffocating, but I just try to relax and listen to concentrate on just the CD. Feels like my head only goes 1000 mph and fills with thoughts the minute I stop, so the cd helps there.

I read all your posts and hear how yu all say how much better you are now. I want to believe, I just am not there yet. I feel more anxious this week, but perhaps that is because I am focusing on it. At times this week the opposite is true too. Did you ever want to show somebody something and when you go to show them , it doesn't happen? Part of me feels this way too. I read many of the posts and say "I haven't felt that bad" or "I feel ok now" and think I overreacted. I know I didn't, but it is the mind playing games.

I've listened to session 1 and 2. I feel stuck...second guessing myself if I am getting all of the information. I have listened to session 2 - 5 times. I have had anxiety attacks, but not many. I am just anxious all the time and beat myself up.
Since listening to the sessions, I feel worse and better. It feels good to write down my symptoms, etc. in the workbook. It is helping me to pinpoint my anxieties. ...but I wonder if I will ever feel better, as have lived with anxiety all my life.

I can fully identify with where you at now. I've been putting in a full effort on this one and it does get better if you work it. My biggest problem has always been low self esteem and I just started session 3 which deals directly with that issue. Its going to take a lot of hard work on my part but I'm taking this seriously, I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired. I don't want to cower and live in fear the rest of my life. I need to get my confidence, self respect and self esteem in check and start repairing the damage and taking responsibility. So far I truly believe this program is the way to accomplish all that. The alternatives for me (reading self help books, medications...)basically don't quite cut the mustard. I will have to say one of the most helpful tools has been keeping a journal. The thing about this program is that it gives me something to try to achieve and work on daily. It give me some real time tested tools, it's track record is pretty impressive and most important of all I've determined that my depression is directly linked to my anxiety. Since working this program and reducing the internalized anxiety the depression has all but vanished.

I really want this program to work...so I guess it depends on me. I am trying and putting alot of effort into this. So I guess I have to keep plugging along. I don't want to go on anit-depressants, was on them once and they weren't the answer. They were just a bandaide for me and didn't really address the real problem. I am so happy to have found this program. I so identify with many topics discussed on the disc's and feel that this is a move in the right direction. )

I can't possibly begin to start to tell all of you how I came to this desperate time in my life. All I can say right now is that after 10 years of suffering I want my life back. I really feel that I made that first step by starting the program yesterday. Even though I feel scared, I somehow also feel more secure now. How can that be?

Hello All,
I am on my third day in the program. It took me a week to start and I'm glad I did. I am an artist in Los Angeles and am glad to hear everyones experience. I want to move on to the second one already. I'm having a lot of anxiety and I want to learn those techniques. Reading my weekly flash card is helping and I am still getting used to the relaxation part. All I can say is I want to keep going forward. much love to everyone.