Hey--It's been a while since I've posted on here, and I thought I would see if I'd recognize any posters from months back...Somewhere, somehow, I got really sidetracked. I left off at Week 7, and pretty much didn't pick up--I should have been finished by now. I have been under a 'cloud' of depression for a while now, and I can't seem to 'snap out of it'. I seem to lack focus, discipline, and pretty much feel like I 'drift' from day to day. The unemployment rate here where I live is the highest in the nation, and--though I survived a layoff, I find myself being affected by the days' events--the news especially. I've even started to question this program and whether it's really effective at healing depression.

Hi Jack. I think we both may have been going through the program at about the same time awhile ago. But, like you, I have also stalled on completing it. I'm on Lesson 9 right now and have been there for a long long time!

I'm sorry that you are feeling depressed right now. Sometimes with all that is going on in the world it is difficult not to feel depressed. I am having trouble in that area right now too. But, still, deep down I do think that the program does work and will help depression. But, I'm pretty sure I will always have times in my life where I will still feel depressed or sad. I think, for me, that is part of life. I guess what I am looking for is to be able to recognize it and know what action I can take to help bring myself back out of it. Taking action and making myself stick to a routine does seem to help me get out of the blues when they hit. I know there are things in life that are bigger than that, but it does seem to help. Of course, right now I haven't been doing any exercise, nor eating right. But, all I can say is I think I do know that all of those things and other things suggested by this program and others like it will help me if I focus on them.

I think I may have suggested this before to others but I really do think it helps - stop watching the news if you can. I know for me I just can't watch and hear about all the sad things happening throughout the world without getting depressed that there are so many people enduring pain and suffering. Watching the news or listening to the news is not even an option for me anymore.

It is good to see you posting here again. I hope you are feeling better soon and are able to pull yourself out of this. I know it is difficult, but it is worth the effort. You are worth the effort!

Take care, Zoe

Jack,

Please jump right back into the program! I know that it does work. The only reason I feel that I have trouble with anxiety is that I stop doing the things the program suggests. When I make myself redo a tape or two, I immediately remember that I haven't been doing what makes me feel better. It's a behavior modification thing and when you go back to your previous behavior, you don't feel good.

Take the time, make the time to begin again. It does work, it's just frustrating when you realize that you need to put time and effort into it.

You've inspired me to listen to a tape or two today to get back onto the right track. Good luck and take care!

Don't give up, Jack....ask God to help you. Lucinda often refers to prayer. God will help you with the program. I was all messed up the last few days. I knew that I was suppose to go to a bible study last night, and I did not want to go. I finally decided to go, and Ive been at peace ever since. I know for myself, I have to keep my focus on Christ. I certainly dont mean to preach on this forum, but I can simply tell you that when I keep my focus on the Lord, my problems become very small, and I have PEACE.

I am in the middle of a growth spurt. It started out pretty minor with some minor anxiety and a sleepness night. I managed to pull myself out of it for a few weeks but each week for the last 6 weeks has gotten progressively harder. Now I am sleeping a lot less. I do feel better with all my other symptoms but sleep is a major issue. I can't get out of the rut. Any suggestions