Okay, so I was reading through all these forums trying to find one that would help, and I couldn't find what I needed. So, here I am for the first time. I started the program about five weeks ago. I'm stuck on lesson four. The first three weeks were great. I was on that "I'm going to fix it this time" high. I was beginning to feel good. My thoughts were finally changing, and I was beginning to feel like a "normal" person again. About two weeks ago, the new was going away, and the thoughts were creeping back in. I then went into the "beat up" self mode because I am allowing myself to go backwards. I know I need to go on to lesson five, but I don't know if I should since I'm going backwards. I haven't been doing the relaxation part of the program near enough. Does it truly make a difference to do it everyday? I know the tapes say it does, but I need to hear from someone that had trouble making themselves to the relaxation tapes. Maybe then, I'll make the time to do it. I'm a school teacher, soccer coach, and preacher's wife that doesn't have all the time in a day to get in everything done I know I should. Therefore, I then go into "beat up" self mode again because I know what I should be doing.

If any of this makes sense please help me. I want to overcome this, but I need some pointers from someone who understands. I am truly overwhelmed, and the thought is always in the back of my mind that I will have to learn to live with my anxiety and symptoms. Is is possible to truly overcome????

Hello

I see that you are a busy person, and seems to me what you are involved in, you are expected to do a lot. One thing I've learned to start to recover is that I needed to take care of myself. Yes, I had to do my daily routines, but I've changed my attitude remembering what can I do for myself. The relaxation tape was good for me, right before I went to bed. I know they say to listen to it more offten, but like you said where is the time, and now I don't even listen to it, because it has became a routine for me, to clear my mind, and strech those muscles. I do everything that the relaxation tape taught me, but now I do it as a routine. Good Luch with all your improvments, but remember it's not going to work over night, and you'll have some backward moments, but remember what you said,"I'm going to fix it this time", and someday we all will be fixed Take care!

When I first got the program, I just listened to the tapes, "skimmed" the book, and listened to the relaxation tapes a couple of times. I thought that was enough. IT WASN'T! I'm back to where I was and am starting the program again at a very slow pace, being patient with myself. I'm like you, a very busy person. I work as a Legal Assistant for an extremely busy attorney - I'm the only one who works for him and he has trials most every week so I'm stressed, but I love the work. I'm also Chair of our Church Council and care for my aging parents who live 1/4 mile from me. You sound like me - you do for others, always putting your needs last. It's time to change that! Your post really reinforced to me that we need to put ourselves at the top of our "to do" list! And YES, the relaxation tape is important, even if you listen once a day, or half the tape once a day - just do whatever you can - SOMETHING is better than nothing! Practice deep breathing whenever you can (driving, while you're teaching, coaching, sitting in church) - every bit helps! Good luck and remember, you are NOT alone!

Thank you so much for the encouragement. I know I need to put myself first and take some time for myself. I think I've been putting others before myself for so long that I don't know how to put me first. If I have a few moments, which is rare, it is almost like I don't know what to do. I did my relaxation last night before going to bed, and I woke up in much better spirits. I'm going to take you advice and make that a daily routine. I also think you're right blonde about something being better than nothing. I think the perfectionist in me comes out and the attitude of if I can't do it all I won't do anything comes out. It is sooooo good to know that I'm not alone!! Our last soccer game is today, and I already feel better know I'll have some more time to devote to the program.

Thanks for caring! Good luck to both of you! Maybe we can all take more time for ourselves and.....slow down.