Welcome- to those who are participating in the Attacking Anxiety and Depression home study program. I welcome you to the best thing I ever did for

myself.

Debilitating stress and anxiety do not get better by themselves-action, change, must take place and you've already started.

This program gave me understanding, education, tools, and life skills which enabled me to make the mental, physical and spiritual adjustments necessary to

rid myself of a lifelong struggle with anxiety, panic and depression.

Follow the program process (important word- process). We have been working with these materials for over 20 years. We know what works. You will find clear

directions in your guidebook. Following the guidelines will ensure that you get the maximum benefits from the program. Listening is not enough- do the

homework, make small changes as you advance through the lessons week by week.

And welcome to your Peer Support Group.

Only you and others who have signed up recently will be posting here. Everyone will be using the same section of the program and working with the same

topics, going through the same challenges and recovery steps. We hope you will think of this as your safe place for encouragement and support. No one is

judging you, other posters understand what you are thinking and feeling simply because we have had the same thoughts and feelings.

Making a personal commitment to use the program and participate in your peer support group daily is the best way to ensure your success and to achieve the

amazing changes in your life that you desire--and they will happen if you make this commitment. Going through the peer support process with a group will

yield much better results than going at it alone. There will be countless opportunities to help other people going through similar experiences, and there

will be plenty of times that you will draw strength from other participants.

Previous program users will also be sharing advice periodically. These program “Veterans” have been through the same process you are going through

now, and experienced the same fears and excitement. You’ll find their wisdom and support a true source of strength. And their progress a true inspiration of

what you can expect.

I will be checking in often as well...I love watching your personal growth. I have worked with the Center for over 20 years. In addition to having

recovered by using the same program you are using, I've facilitated group sessions, and studied this subject for many years...I've learned the MOST from

fellow travelers like you-please teach me more.

So I’ll be here if you need me. But my hope is for you and your group to actively participate amongst yourselves and to support one another. Please be a part

of it!

PLEASE POST something here on your first visit. Introduce yourself, tell us a little bit about you and your experience with anxiety disorders. What

part of the world do you live in? Why did you decide to try the program? How long has your life been negatively affected by anxiety and depression? What

would you like to do with the time you now spend worrying? ...

And PLEASE REPLY TO POSTS AND WELCOME OTHER NEW MEMBERS, AND REPLY BACK TO PEOPLE WHO REPLY TO YOU! Be an active part of the community. Supporting

others is a great way to support yourself. And remember to check back and participate daily!

Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your Peer Support Group:

1. Reply to a Topic

Introduce yourself, give advice, and keep the conversation going. Whether you help yourself or someone else, this is the fastest and easiest way to get

started!

2. Post a New Topic

Need support? Need advice or feedback? Start a New Topic!

Just click the “New” button at the top.

3. Visit the Main Forum

Our main program forum is used by thousands of program veterans and has information on just about any topic that you could possibly imagine.

We recommend that most of your time is spent in the Peer Support Group when you’re getting starting but we also encourage you to visit the main forum for

additional support and information. Just click on the community tab above and select “Online Forum”

4. Rate the Topics

Click “Rate This Topic” in the upper left-hand corner of every topic to rate it on a scale of 1-5, 5 being best.

5. Learn about others and give others a chance to learn about you by updating your Profile regularly

Check out someone’s Profile by clicking on their name.

6. And don't forget to have a little fun !!!

When I was going through the program I had the opportunity to speak with others who were also going through the program. You have that same chance by

participating here in your Peer Support Group. I’ll never forget how wonderful it felt to get the affirmations and advice from my peers and I also remember

how good it felt when I helped others in the group. There truly is no greater gift than the one you give to someone else.

If you read the postings in this group- your group, you’ll notice that everyone here has similar challenges, limitations and questions. You can help them and

they can help you. Please take a moment to introduce yourself, and then take one more moment to welcome someone else who is new. And please check in at least

once a day, and reply to posts when others ask for advice or feedback, and start a post when you’d like advice or feedback. And please be sure to reply back

to people who reply to you!

We have found in the past that those who get actively involved in their own recovery and that of others benefit beyond measure. Let’s all make an

effort to “speak” to just two other people in this support group- what a difference we’re going to make.

Welcome to a life changing experience, directed and controlled by you! (Please post now!)


You are brave, courageous, and a fabulous student.

Best regards, Carolyn Dickman, Education Director, Midwest Center, Oak Harbor, Ohio

Thank you for the welcome. My husband suggested I go through the program after he started a month ago. He could see my signs of anxiety from what he was learning as he went through. Thanks again.

I have been through this program. It is truly remarkable, and if you DO your session work, DO your homework, and DON'T STOP working on these new skills every day, you will change your life. Out with the old stuff that was not working, and in with the new stuff that does work. THIS works.

Thank you for the encouraging words. I've been dealing with anxiety for about 9 years and have been taking meds for most of the time which has controlled the issue until recently. All it takes is one attack and then I deal with anticipatory anxiety for weeks afterwards. :sigh: I just started the program 4 days ago and am hopefull that here I will learn the skills I need to successfully manage my anxiety.

quote:

Originally posted by pecos:
I have been through this program. It is truly remarkable, and if you DO your session work, DO your homework, and DON'T STOP working on these new skills every day, you will change your life. Out with the old stuff that was not working, and in with the new stuff that does work. THIS works.

It really does help to hear people confirm that this program really does work. We really will be happy again.

Yes, thanks Pecos for the encouraging words of support.

Carolyn, Thank you for the welcome, and encouraging words. I look forward to your program, and interaction with staff & peers.

Pecos & missgsr, thank your for the encouragement, and postive outlook. Have either of you had any set backs since you completed the programs? If yes, what did you do to get back on track?

Thank you for your welcome...right now I am a bit overwhelmed as I have just begun the program as well as just been diagnosed with Thyroid cancer. I am not familiar with chat rooms or how to use them most effectively. Any input or suggestions would be great. I tried to get onto my October group without success. Looking forward to progressing and using any and all the tools I learn to overcome depression as well as the anxiety that comes with a cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Thank you,

unquenchable courage

FCR, yes, I have setbacks. That's life. We always are going to have setbacks. But in later sessions, you will learn some excellent ways to catch them, stop them, look at them, and turn those setbacks around so that you don't dwell on them. Hang in there.

Mikki, I am so sad to hear about your cancer Dx. I don't use the chat rooms and cannot offer any help there. My computer is too old, and does not have enough memory. I wish you the absolute best and hope between your cancer treatments and this program, that all works out for you. Best thoughts to you.

Oh, FCR. How I wish I had already completed the program. I actually just started four days ago on 11/1. I'm just doing everything I can to knock out any kind of negative thought that comes into my head. A couple little things that have helped me so far are...

1. What to Say When You Talk to Yourself by Shad Helmstetter, Ph.D. It's a paperback book for $6.99 and everytime I pick it up to read a bit, I feel a little bit better; like no matter how hopeless I feel sometimes, I do actually have the power to change the way I think. I would strongly recommend this book.

2. I've been going to acupuncture since my anxiety started back up again. I've never done it before and, frankly, was pretty freaked out about it but from the moment I walked in the door, I just felt safe. The acupuncturist (Sun) was SO warm and comforting. I immediately started crying to her and felt like she truly cared. I was scared of the needles but they are sooooo small you can barely feel them...sometimes you can't even feel them. She puts them in, puts a heating lamp over me, and, oh, it's so warm and relaxing (sometimes the ONLY relaxing part of my day). I would highly recommend trying it. If you happen to be in the South Bay, CA area, let me know and I'll give you my gal's name (she's been practicing for 20 years!)

3. A little technique Sun gave me is this: Put a rubber band around your wrist. Think of two or 3 really positive statements like, "I WILL get better! I deserve to be happy! I am a wonderful person!" Whenever you have a negative or worrysome thought pop into your head, snap the rubber band on your wrist and think of your positive statements. I've found that snapping the band instantly pops the positive statement into my head and actually induces a calming feeling.

4. EAT! I, personally, am having a really hard time eating because of the constant knot in my stomach (have lost 8 lbs. in a week and a half). I'm SO weak but have absolutely no appetite. Today, however, I realized that not eating is contributing to my anxiety. Last night I made a soup with organic chicken broth, onion, ginger, and carrots. Today I've forced myself to eat a little bit every hour or two and it has made a significant difference!!! Sun recommended easily digestible foods so, just as Lucinda tells us, no sugar, no caffeine, no crappy food.

Okay. I think that's all for now.

WE CAN DO THIS!
WE DESERVE TO BE HAPPY!
WE WILL BE HAPPY AGAIN!

Thank you for the welcome. I am just beginning this program and have had generalized anxiety, worry pretty much my whole life (I'm 36). I really tried to not think about my background but my father was an alcoholic and very abusive to my mother. Looking back, I would worry every night if he would fight, etc...So that started at a very young age. And, now, I realized he was suffering with severe anxiety and is now a hermit due to severe depression. I truly feel positive about this program and hope I can use these skills to help me get better and on with my life.

I've never done this before, but am looking forward to live a normal life again. I'm in week one and it has made me smile that I'm not alone or crazy. I'm looking forward to week 2.

Thank you Carolyn for the welcome, you're an angel sent by God. He truly sends caring people to those who need it. I am starting session 4 and am not sure of whether I'm ready to go on. The importance of positive self talk, I'm not sure if I'm grasping it correctly.
How do you know. I need some confidence on this. Thanks

i am also new this is my second week. i was diagnost with bi polar anxiety and depression. my life is a constant battle. if i am happy im happy and everyone in my life is happy if iam miserable so is everyone else. i just want a normal life. huh what is that? i will try the gumband treatment. sounds like it might work. i didnt realize how bad i was till i tryed the relaxation cd. (which dont work for me) i am trying a different aproch tonight. i feel super stressed tonight because i am taking a test tomorrow for manager of a department. every one keeps saying calm down. what the heck is that? i am trying. i look forward to going through this with all of you. i need positive words. because i realize how negative i am. sorry. i need words of affrimation. we need a list of them. or maybe the be addatudes from the bible.