Hi...I am on week 6 of the series and trying to stay focused on continuing on. Fortunately, I at least know the next session is on being assertive and confident which is something that I need to do.

I am in a very difficult work situation where my partners are being unsupportive and they are turning my employees against me one by one. I am having a difficult time dealing with this.

On top of this, my wife is expecting a baby any day now and I feel so disconnected from that expereience.

I want to start feeling better! I want to get off the medication that I am taking (Effexor and Xanax) and begin to lead a normal life.

As many of us experience, I worry about everything...money, my marriage, being liked and am having a difficult time getting over it.

Any advice out there?



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One suggestion is to not beat yourself up over being on medication.

A baby is a big change - but let me tell you - it's wonderful. I wouldn't go off medication at this time - I'd wait until you're used to the baby change in your life. (One change at a time, so to speak.)

Helen

Hi Jfagan,
It sounds as though you are having a rough time. Whatever you do don't quit. I am on tape 7. A long time ago when this first started with me, I was 34, and I went to a program in Orange County much like this. It helped me so much I can't begin to tell you. It was for your spouses too, It was called Terrap. It lasted 22 weeks and we went once a week. It was a trip because all the people that went , the ones you thought had panic disorder didn't and ones the ones you didnt think had it did. We had alot of men in the group. The reason I'm doing this is I have a driving struggle. I was doing great and I had gone 1 year without an attack, cus I was working that other program, and then I had a bad one. I didn't know at the time I had hypoglocemia, and bad PMS. That kinda threw me for a loop, and for some reason, that setback I let take me back real far. I shouldn't have let it bother me like I did. All I could think of was what it took to get where I was before it happened, and I didn't want to put myself through it again. Iam working on it again now! I never quit driving I just have set boundries for myself. The program helped me in all other areas though. I used to not be able to go in restaurants for a year, I couldn't do lines, grocery stores, shows, etc. I have recovered from all those areas. So anyway that's why you can't quit. You are on the road for recovery. So whatever you are doing keep up the good work.We have been n 7 cruises and traveled alot, also competed in west coast swing dance contests.
I hope I have been some encouragement to you. God Bless you, and congradulations on your baby to come. I will write you again..Bye Backcomb

quote:

Originally posted by Helen:
One suggestion is to not beat yourself up over being on medication.

A baby is a big change - but let me tell you - it's wonderful. I wouldn't go off medication at this time - I'd wait until you're used to the baby change in your life. (One change at a time, so to speak.)

Helen

Stop beating yourself up over what you know in your subconcious mind...you can lead a normal life! Anyone can you just have to take the time you have for life and LIVE>>> I know that it is easier said than done but if you keep on with the program you will be fine. Try to get off the medication. Don't think about what will happen just go ahead and do something for yourself. I think that most of us know that we are the reason we don't take care of ourselves...becaues we just get afraid and give up...Please don't give up and if you fall I will be here to pick you up It is important that you see how great you are as a person for realizing you get scared and doing something about it. In the same fasion it is ok to wonder just don't let it get the best of you. Keep your head high and be strong for that knew baby girl or boy because they need you to be yourself not the person you think you have to be. You can be anything and everything that you want...JUST KEEP YOURSELF AT POSITIVE. Think about how great you are and turn it in to who cares what anyone thinks I am me and I can do anything I want because I said so and that is how I want things...because you are here for a purpose...we all are...just keep motivated and control those demons as I call them. You can do it cause I said so but more importantly cause you know so

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First, I just want to offer my congratulations on your expected baby! It's the most wonderful thing, and I hope you don't miss out on the actual birth...it's absolutely incredible and will help connect you to your wife and baby and the whole experience. And do remain open with your wife about your concerns; she'll likely view your acknowledgment of your issues as a strength.

I'm on lesson four and am struggling, too, so I don't have a lot of advice. But you know that you're going in the right direction, and that's something to feel good about. You're not there yet, but you're on the right path, which means you will get there. I think Helen's right: not too many changes at once. Maybe after you've developed a routine with your new little one, you can work on getting off the medication. Congratulations on taking action to overcome your problems, and many blessings with your child!

Hi all...

thanks for all of the support and great advice.

Just as an update...my son was born on Friday, March 2 at 12:01 am. He is a wonderful little man and his birth has taken a lot off my mind.

Thanks again to everyone.

Yeah! A healthy baby boy! What a wonderful blessing - congratulations!