I'am on my 11th week of the program. I feel realy good. I have taken only one ativan in the pass couple of weeks, I'm sleeping, eating, being independant. We are even trying to get a mortgage(talk about stress). Three months ago I was thinking about giving up and now I feel like I can do alot of things. I'm realy happy about all this.

i can really relate to how you feel, i have learned so much about anxiety, things that i needed so bad to know, i had figured out myself that maybe i should just float with it instead of fighting, but wasnt sure that it would be safe to do, I had even ask a psychaiatrist, is it okay to be anxious and is it ok to not fear it, and didnt really get a response, i told her that all i needed to know is that it is ok to float with it, no response, I was told I would have to take medication the rest of my life, my reply to her was that I am determined to get off these meds, and with the help of this program, i am just that, i havent taken any valium or antidepressants in 4 weeks now, i dont even think about reaching for them when im anxious, i have finally seen that it is ok, and i will be fine using my skills from the program, what a great feeling, I am driving again, and feeling so much better, I thank God and Lucinda everyday for the education I have received, What a great feeling Lucinda must have, helping people the way she does, enough about me , keep up the good work, it feels really good to be sharing good feelings with others for a change. Take care and keep up the good work..

Havehope and DEBRA BOOTH,

Thanks for sharing your successes with me. I was also told by a psychiatrist that I would have to take anti-depressants for to rest of my life. I am on my third week of the program and I haven't been to work in a month. I was planning to go back tomorrow but I am feeling really anxious about it. I have only had one ativan in the last week and I am hoping to make it through the night without having to take one. After reading your stories I have hope that I can beat this disorder without medication.

Thanks,
Don

Deb
Thank you for your very nice words. It does feel great. I still have work to do, but I think the hardest part is behind me.

Don,
My Dr. said you don't have to take Antidepresents for ever he recommends after 6 months of feeling good that you can then taper off. Everyone is different when it comes to this disorder.If you still need the Ativan you should take it until the program starts to sink in, for me about the 6th week.
You will get better. I know that now.
Keep it up.

mr Don,
I understand the fear of going back to work, but let me give you some advise, if u wait until u feel like the anxiety is gone and that u r ready to go back, that want happen,, you have to realize that if u do feel anxiety that it is ok, and go back to work, and work through the anxiety, you can do it, if i can , i surely know that u can. After you go back it will get easier and easier, trust me and mainly yourself, YOU CAN DO IT . I hope i am not sounding like a know it all, but I truly know the feeling and I made it, and because I have been there, I really know the pain of it and i sincerely would love to hear that your pain has eased also. so dont give up, working through these fears is what causes you to recover, it is hard, but after u see for yourself that it is truly ok to be anxious and that u still can function with it, it gets easier. God bless u and take care

Havehope and DEBRA BOOTH,

I thank you both for your words of encouragement and advise. I didn't make it to work on Friday but I didn't need the Ativan either. I will go to work on Monday and I feel confident that I have the skills to handle it.

Thanks again,

Don