I have been earnestly working the program since Sept. 21, 2005. I can honestly say that I have done everything the program asks one to do - I am at work today and not feeling confident or good. I feel just about the same as I did when I started. I am discouraged and feel that I should have known better. After 30 years of feeling severe anxiety and depression I just felt it was probably too good to be true. I just do not seen an improvement and am not sure I am going to continue on with the program.

Discouraged in Ohio

kw,

I am sorry you are not feeling well today. I know this whole process can be frustrating. I am still a little unsure some days as to if it is "really" working. I started about the same time you did. I actually got worse and stopped the program for a little bit. I am slowing down with the program and going at my own pace and seem to be doing better MOST days. I still struggle some days but definitely not like I was before the program. Some times in the morning and then I'm better for the rest of the day and sometimes it's all throughout the day. BUT, I can tell you that the program has made a difference for me, however it took me at least 2 months of hard work. I mean fighting tooth and nail against my thoughts and feelings and tackling each and every negative, scary thought that entered my head. I have a whole lot more anxious free minutes/days then I did when I began.

Are you doing the relaxation? Are you talking yourself out of every single negative thought you have. It has to be every single one. I know when I let one little negative thought bounce around in my mind then I start feel anxious. BUT the good news is I can get out of it more quickly and not let it go into an all day affair and make me sick like it used to. It is a slow process and progress sometimes feels so minute BUT over time you will see results. It is important we are diligent with reassuring ourselves that we are getting better and the skills are helping us achieve a more peaceful state. You have to believe this or unfortunately you will continue to feel anxious/depressed. Right now your mind believes all the negative. With practice and constant reminding you can achieve positive.

If you read my post "I HOPE THIS HELPS" and can honestly say you do those things on a daily basis then maybe you're right--This program is not for you and that's ok. Do not fret, this is not the only way to heal. This is not your last hope. It is my opinion that there are many roads to recovery. I do believe with my whole heart that relaxation is the key to overcoming this. Try and find a relaxation cd/tape that will bring you through systematic muscle relaxation. I have found this to be the most helpful in my recovery, along with feeding my mind honest statements that I could believe. For example, "It's ok that I feel down right now - I know this is not permanent, I am going to find something to be thankful for and know that I have good things in my life" "I am thankful for (comforting books, a relaxing cup of chamomile tea, the smiles on my children's face, etc)" "I am taking good care of myself by working on my skills, I know I will see the results of my hard work soon" "I am getting better and better every day" "It's just anxiety, those thoughts are lies" "I am a caring, loving, nurting person". Those are some examples of how I worked through some of my negative thinking. It helped me because I could relate to them and they brought me peace and comfort. Find statements that will bring you peace and comfort. I got some affirmation books to help me. Maybe that will help you. It is important we change our attitudes and our outlook in life. Slowly I am getting better but I have to stress that it's not always easy. Some days I have to fight with all my might to get the thoughts from taking over me. But we are stronger than these thoughts and feelings! I promise if you are more stubborn than your anxiety you can get through this. I'd be happy to help you firgure out why the program might not be working if you want to e-mail me back and draw out for me a typical day of working on the program is for you. What are the steps you take each day towards your goal to achieve anxiety free days.

Best wishes,

{{{{{kw}}}}}

I'm sorry you're feeling so discouraged. I know how very hard that is. I got the program in the late 90s, and it's just this past year that things have sunk in really well for me. I also used medication, counseling, coaching, and other self-help books, too.

And I still work on it every day. If you look back on the posts here, you will see that I recently had a growth spurt. The difference? It lasted two weeks instead of 6 months. Anxiety used to consume months and months of my life. Now, I can get back on track so much faster.

The key for me was realzing what I was getting out of staying anxious. For me, it was (and still is sometimes) a kind of magical thinking that I used to try to keep myself safe.

I also had so much negative thinking that I had (and still have) to deal with. I hear a lot of it in your post, and I understand it, but it also has to be worked on.

I hope you will keep working on this program. I think it can help anyone have a better life. But if the program alone isn't enough for you, try some other resources. I truly believe that everyone can recover from anxiety, that there is hope for everyone. If you are like I used to be, you just thought, "Everyone but me." I mean even you, especially you. And you deserve to be free!
Julie

Julie,

Thank you for all of your help. Last Thursday when I was writing how I felt I was indeed having a bad day. After reading your encouraging reply I have rethought the whole program and questioned myself as to how much I am devoting to the program. I must say that my most difficult thing, like you, is coming up with a positive statement to overcome the negative. I feel like I am in a battle with one part of me saying all kinds of negative, self defeating thoughts and then the other part of me if fighting back saying not that is not true and replace with a positive thought. It too takes all my might to achieve this.

My typical day is: get up, very hard to get up b/c I am so fearful of the day ahead. I immediately put on my walking shoes and walk for 3 miles - usually 4 5 days a week. I take the Lesson tape that I am currently on (lesson 6) on my walk. I come home and eat breakfast and immediately try to hurridly go about my day trying to accomplishing as much as possible - always find myself hurrying - I have been telling myself to slow down when I find I am hurrying and espcially at this time of the year when there is so much to be done. I listen to my Relaxation Tape in the AM, again in the afternoon and again in the evening. I usually take some quiet time in the afternoon to read my Lesson I am on and relax and slow down for about an hour. I keep my 4 x 4 cards with me at all times to refresh myself when panicky anxious depressing thoughts come. I feel badly that I sounded so discouraged when I last wrote but have a little coaxing has sure helped. I am continuing with the program. I pray for all the help I can get to fully get the concept. Thank you again for your help

Dear kw,

I noticed you had two posts up earlier but they are showing up blank on my screen. I wanted to let you know I am glad to see you have decided to keep trying with the program and I'm glad Julie encouraged you because you do deserve to be happy. The recovery process is sometimes very intimidating for me. I too struggled with trying to find healing, nurturning positive statements. I can post some of the ones that have helped me and maybe you can fiddle with them to suit you.

I am making the right steps towards recovery. I know I will be feeling better soon.

I am trusting the skills I am learning and know in time I will start to see positive results.

It's just anxiety and I am more powerful than these feelings, body symptoms and thoughts. I am relaxing now and my body is returning to it's natural peaceful state.

I am patient and know recovery takes time. I have faith that all my work will be rewarded and I will feel well again.

Every day I feel better and better. (I said this alot when I felt depressed).

I trust life and I am on my way to feeling more and more confident.

My body and mind is returning to healthy functioning.

My mind is calm now. I am at peace now.

I'm not sure what types of thoughts or body symptoms you struggle with but I'd be happy to try and help you find some comforting statements if you'd like. You can e-mail me privately if you feel more comfortable. I sure am glad you are feeling better. I hope the best in your recovery.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: hope4peace,

Hi kw,

I see you responded but again, for some strange reason, it's not showing up on my screen. All I see is quote and then reply but no messages. I didn't want you to think I was ignoring you.

I hope all is well with you. Best wishes,

I don't see anything either hope4peace. hope you are okay kw!