Welcome- to those who are participating in the Attacking Anxiety and Depression home study program. I welcome you to the best thing I ever did for

myself.

Debilitating stress and anxiety do not get better by themselves-action, change, must take place and you've already started.

This program gave me understanding, education, tools, and life skills which enabled me to make the mental, physical and spiritual adjustments necessary to

rid myself of a lifelong struggle with anxiety, panic and depression.

Follow the program process (important word- process). We have been working with these materials for over 20 years. We know what works. You will find clear

directions in your guidebook. Following the guidelines will ensure that you get the maximum benefits from the program. Listening is not enough- do the

homework, make small changes as you advance through the lessons week by week.

And welcome to your Peer Support Group.

Only you and others who have signed up recently will be posting here. Everyone will be using the same section of the program and working with the same

topics, going through the same challenges and recovery steps. We hope you will think of this as your safe place for encouragement and support. No one is

judging you, other posters understand what you are thinking and feeling simply because we have had the same thoughts and feelings.

Making a personal commitment to use the program and participate in your peer support group daily is the best way to ensure your success and to achieve the

amazing changes in your life that you desire--and they will happen if you make this commitment. Going through the peer support process with a group will

yield much better results than going at it alone. There will be countless opportunities to help other people going through similar experiences, and there

will be plenty of times that you will draw strength from other participants.

Previous program users will also be sharing advice periodically. These program “Veterans” have been through the same process you are going through

now, and experienced the same fears and excitement. You’ll find their wisdom and support a true source of strength. And their progress a true inspiration of

what you can expect.

I will be checking in often as well...I love watching your personal growth. I have worked with the Center for over 20 years. In addition to having

recovered by using the same program you are using, I've facilitated group sessions, and studied this subject for many years...I've learned the MOST from

fellow travelers like you-please teach me more.

So I’ll be here if you need me. But my hope is for you and your group to actively participate amongst yourselves and to support one another. Please be a part

of it!

PLEASE POST something here on your first visit. Introduce yourself, tell us a little bit about you and your experience with anxiety disorders. What

part of the world do you live in? Why did you decide to try the program? How long has your life been negatively affected by anxiety and depression? What

would you like to do with the time you now spend worrying? ...

And PLEASE REPLY TO POSTS AND WELCOME OTHER NEW MEMBERS, AND REPLY BACK TO PEOPLE WHO REPLY TO YOU! Be an active part of the community. Supporting

others is a great way to support yourself. And remember to check back and participate daily!

Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your Peer Support Group:

1. Reply to a Topic

Introduce yourself, give advice, and keep the conversation going. Whether you help yourself or someone else, this is the fastest and easiest way to get

started!

2. Post a New Topic

Need support? Need advice or feedback? Start a New Topic!

Just click the “New” button at the top.

3. Visit the Main Forum

Our main program forum is used by thousands of program veterans and has information on just about any topic that you could possibly imagine.

We recommend that most of your time is spent in the Peer Support Group when you’re getting starting but we also encourage you to visit the main forum for

additional support and information. Just click on the community tab above and select “Online Forum”

4. Rate the Topics

Click “Rate This Topic” in the upper left-hand corner of every topic to rate it on a scale of 1-5, 5 being best.

5. Learn about others and give others a chance to learn about you by updating your Profile regularly

Check out someone’s Profile by clicking on their name.

6. And don't forget to have a little fun !!!

When I was going through the program I had the opportunity to speak with others who were also going through the program. You have that same chance by

participating here in your Peer Support Group. I’ll never forget how wonderful it felt to get the affirmations and advice from my peers and I also remember

how good it felt when I helped others in the group. There truly is no greater gift than the one you give to someone else.

If you read the postings in this group- your group, you’ll notice that everyone here has similar challenges, limitations and questions. You can help them and

they can help you. Please take a moment to introduce yourself, and then take one more moment to welcome someone else who is new. And please check in at least

once a day, and reply to posts when others ask for advice or feedback, and start a post when you’d like advice or feedback. And please be sure to reply back

to people who reply to you!

We have found in the past that those who get actively involved in their own recovery and that of others benefit beyond measure. Let’s all make an

effort to “speak” to just two other people in this support group- what a difference we’re going to make.

Welcome to a life changing experience, directed and controlled by you! (Please post now!)


You are brave, courageous, and a fabulous student.

Best regards, Carolyn Dickman, Education Director, Midwest Center, Oak Harbor, Ohio

Hi All! My name is Tasha and I have not started the program tomorrow. I have three kids and thought that I would get a portable CD player so I could have a more intimate experience. I panic about most things...and they tend to be random. I worry about some silly stuff really. I just want to turn it off. I was hesitant about buying this program, it is pretty pricey, but I thought that I would just try it. What do I have to lose...nothing really and everything to gain. I hope to meet and chat with some of you...maybe we can help each other. I hope to make friends that can better understand what I feel everyday of my life. TTYL.

Hi Tasha, nice to meet you my name is Angie and I have no small children I have raised my own and a few others though. I hope you will work the program if not for you then for your kids.I wish they would have had this when I was younger but when I was growing up no one could even mention anxiety or depression. People thought you were crazy if you did. I admire younger people who admit they have a problem and do something about it. Best wishes and I will be glad to talk when ever you need and ear. Take care.

Hi, I'm waiting for my program to arrive. I want to enjoy life again and am hoping this will help.

Hi Angie, and reinventing me so pleased to meet you. I am going to work the program, I am a little hesitant, but the introduction said that was normal to feel. How has the program been for you? I'm going to get the portable CD player today. I look forward to getting to know you all.

Happy Monday- (if there is such a thing ) I look forward to starting the program shortly when it arrives. The ability to reach out and search out help itself makes me feel better.

Have a Great Day

I am now 27 and have struggled with anxiety since I was 16. I was on medication for a few years, but refuse to go back to it. The most problems I have are mostly obsessive, scary thoughts. I'm not sure if it's more OCD or GAD. I heard the commercial for this program at least a couple times a month on the radio, and figured it was a sign to order it. Hopefully with the help of this program, I can overcome these obsessions and scary feelings. I started the program last Monday.

Hi There! My name is Monica and I am 22 years old. I have just began the program yesterday (Sunday). I am so excited to get started and to get rid of my constant anxious feelings. I began having panic attacks about 2 years ago and have not been the same since. I always feel "on edge" and worrying about aimless things as well as ALWAYS what-ifing. It gets so old and like many, I just want it to stop. I am so thankful I am taking control of this now and beginning a brand new life of happiness! I look forward to talking with all of you more!

Hey everyone. I'm Mim and will be starting the progrm as soon as it arrives! I'm 39 and tired of being gripey and grumpy to my kiddos all the time. I want joy in my life again... or would it be for the first time? I've always been one of those people who smiles big on the outside but am screaming for help on the inside. I have 2 bological children. Kyle is almost 15 and Elissa is 12. My step-daughter, Holly, has been living with us for a week at a time since I married her dad about 2 1/2 years ago. she'll be 12 in December. Not only do I want to be my best when I hit the bit 4-0 in February, but I want to help others around me tha are suffering from anxiety and or depression.

I'm ready for the journey to begin. It's even better with traveing partners!

Blessings!

Hello, I'm Mona, just order the program and can't wait to start. I would love to enjoy my life again. I am 53, have a very supportive husband, 3 grown sons and 3 grandchildren. 6 months ago I had my first panic attack, I was at work when it happened. It scared me so bad that I had my boss call the paramedics. I didn't know what was happening to me. EM's told me they believed I was having a panic attack.
My boss called one of my sons to come and get me to take me to the hospital. My poor son he looked so scared. He called my husband (who was out of town) and told him he was taking me to the hospital.
I spent 2 days there while they ran test on my heart and lots of blood work. My heart is in good shape.

I am so happy to know I don't have to do this alone. And that there is hope.

Hi everyone.. I have not started yet, but should be in the mail and on it's way! I am excited about this new journey and have struggled with anxiety/panic attacks for several years after I went through depression in college. I have my good days and bad, but just ready to not have to worry anymore!! I am recently married and have a wonderful husband who knows all about my condition. My panic attacks first started when I was driving and have found that is when I get them the most..Anyone ever have one in the grocery store and just want to get out of there???? I think I have a fear of being trapped for some reason and it really gets my heart going.
Anyhow, I am very optimistic for the outcome and hope that we can all be a great support system for eachother.. Know that you are not alone and not crazy makes me feel so much better. Good luck to everyone and know that I am here if anyone is needing to chat.

Hello All my name is Jim and I recieved the tapes in the mail last week. I have been a lets say hyper person my whole life (I am 41 now) I would sit at the dinner table and bounce my foot until my dad would yell at the and send me to my room. He did learn to live with it over time. I over-react to everything, even loud noises make me jump. I am sooooooo in tune with 20 things at one time i get overstimulated and that leeds to my anxiety, i think....

I could go on forever about my little issues but can tell you that in Lucinda's intro tape when she explained how she was before she got help is me to the exact tee! I am here to kick the but out of these feelings becasue i have a whole lot more to offer life than what i am producing right now. I like to motivate and would love to get a group together to talk on a regular basis about how we are going to use there tapes to rid oursleves of these lousy feelings and get out lives back in high gear!

who is with me??

Theia- as i said i am new to this so where is the best place on the site to have back an forth conversations?