Hello all,

I have completed the Program last week and I am so happy to finally feel more in control, more educated, more comforting to myself, more loving and open to family and friends.

I am also happy to feel less stressed, less anxious, less depressed, less hopeless. I recognize all of these traits are results of a bad habit of thinking myself into a downward spiral.

Is recovery possible? Well, my definition of "cured" has changed dramatically. First of all, we can never go back. I can never be at the point I was in Febraury. I was scared, numb, totally sleepless and my mind seemed to be racing at all times. I felt all the effects of high anxiety and depression...night sweats, severe weight loss, listlessness. It was all too much to bear.

Now, with the help of my family, my doctor, my friends, and especially this program and the good people on this forum, I can now see that I am better than I have been for a long time.

It doesn't mean that I am perfect, and that is OK to me. I still have sleepless nights, I still have some depersonalization. They are still annoying, but no where near as scary as I made them to be just a few short months ago. I have learned to not over-react to stimuli. I have understood that my sensitivity can be viewed as a gift, as well as a burden at times.

I have literally ran the gamut of recovery, and my life has changed so much. I reach for things I never thought possible, and although I fear the future sometimes, I "feel the fear and do it anyway". I am running in the Chicago Marathon this October and it will be my first. Is it scary? Yes. Is it impossible? No. How do I know? Because I believe in myself more and more.

I will also be starting this Program again. My new attitude is still foreign but nice and it will be good to do these lessons again with new eyes.

My story is not unlike many of the people on this forum, but I have found out that my recovery is unique to myself only. I am still recovering, but I firmly believe in myself to reach for the "more and less" in life.

Thank you to Lucinda for her books, this program, and the opportunity to share my stories. A big thanks to Carolyn for doing a terrific job of being a supportive professional on a daily basis! Also, another than you to Tammy for a wonderful book and her supporting words.

Keep going everyone!

-Eric

Hi Kyeric...congratulations on completing the program! It's an amazing feeling when you find the control you've been seeking for so long. I too feel like I've changed so much since I started and I now feel like no matter what happens, I'll never allow myself to be in the same place I was when I started the program. I too believe that it is possible to fully recover, and I do believe that a full recovery is unique to the individual..everyone's idea of what full recovery means can only be applied to oneself. I'm happy that you are feeling so much better and extend warm wishes for a peaceful future for you. Regards!