Hi! I've just started the coaching program and I'm in week 2. I'm having a lot of anxiety and could use some encouraging words. Sometimes, when I practice the 6 steps, they seem not to work. This really worries me. Any advice or encouragement. Sometimes, the breathing exercise even seems to make me more anxious. I'm wondering if I'm doing it right.

I too am in the coaching program. I am in week 14! Yes, only one more week to go! I'm sure you are doing the coping techniques correct. It does take some time for you to relax and trust the skills. I have found that there are really good days and you think your recovered and then I get a "growth spurt" and It makes me second guess myself. It is a scary path to recovery but, we have to accept the good with the bad. More of the good will come with practice! Good luck in your recovery!

Hi. I'm also in the coaching program and it just takes some time to let go of all of the old familiar habits. Know that we all pray for each other and know that you can beat this. It takes time. All of us need to learn new skills that this program gives us. If you need to talk, let me know.

Fr Bob

You are doing fine. It helps to notice when u have doubts like that, to change the neg. thought into the positive one. I have been crippled by stress for years (home bound for almost ten) I needed to ignore my doubts and trust this program because, I had tried everything else, and I was just dying. This program, (though I am progressing slowly) has opened my eyes to what I have been doing to myself all these years. It will help u too. Just keep practicing, and you will notice it gets easier. You can do it! It is so wonderful to find joy in my day. You will find it too.

Dear Hopeful Mary,

When we initially confront our old habits, it is anxiety producing. It's like putting peroxide on an infection. Initially, it stings. However, after consistent hard work and effort our new skills "kick in" and our brain is re-programmed thus we respond much healthier resulting in increased confidence and self esteem. This Program works...if we work it...You cannot go wrong if you stay the course. Don't be concerned with the speed...just the direction in which your headed.........God Bless.........

Hey everyone. It's so relieving to know I'm not alone. I'm on week three and sometimes it gets lonely just watching a tape or listening to one. There are no programs in Rock Springs, Wyoming for anxiety so you people are like a godsend to me. Thank you so much!!
Tiffani

Do any of you have trouble staying home alone? If so, what are your suggestions for dealing with this. I'm finding this condition to be very isolating.

Very helpful today to just see that I am not alone...and know that someone is praying for me...i am also putting in prayers for you all...God Bless

Hi, I've just started this program and I'm now into week two. I'm having a huge problem with isolation. It's hard for me to even call me friends. Any advice?

Being the victim of sexual and emotional abuse I found it hard to be alone also. I purposely got a one bedroom apartment so I would have to face my fears. I also didn't like being around men. I purposely go places where I know there are going to be men like my gym or to a friend's birthday party. But I make sure that I hang around the right kind of people and always have my mase. I take kickboxing, lift weights, run, etc. If you're lonely, go to church and join a group to meet people. If you don't like a certain church, then find a church you do enjoy. Don't give up, God will never leave you.