Hi!
I've just completed Session 2. The Treatment Plan & Treatment Goals worksheets don't have very many prompts on them as to how to fill them out, and maybe I had trouble focusing on the info presented during the session itself. I'd like to go back and re-read some of it, but haven't managed it using the History feature on my browser (Firefox).
I get the instruction to focus on "behavior not feelings" when setting goals. Other than that I don't understand how to fill out the Goals worksheet. Maybe I'm having trouble focusing on the support board too. Any suggestions would be welcome.
Thanks!
Danielle,
Thanks! I was able to review all the session material and print what I needed today. Maybe there is sometimes a delay between completing the session and when it becomes available? But it's there!
Cricket,
I am also in my 2nd week of the program, and I'm having some of the same feelings about setting goals. I'm pretty much doing everything I need to do to find a job, and to do the part time temporary job I have, and am more or less keeping house. The problem is I'm overwhelmed with feelings of inadequacy, and it all seems so DIFFICULT.
Maybe for me the "pleasurable activities" part of the homework is the most important, and I should focus on it, since there are always many steps to actually doing them, and it's so easy to let them go.
It sounds like the things that normally give you pleasure aren't right now. Might it help for you to focus on the goal of having more fun, even if it means finding new, maybe simpler ways than the activities that aren't so fun right now?
I hope this is helpful.
Linda
Hi. I completed session 2 yesterday, and have been confused about setting behavioral treatment goals, since I'm pretty much doing everything I should be doing to find a job, which is key to most of my goals.
I kind of glossed over scheduling pleasant activities as being secondary to the "real" homework.
There's so many obstacles to doing anything fun, since there's always a lot of getting dressed, planning what we're going to eat, and that sort of thing in the way. So easy to decide it's too much trouble.
Right now the NYC free public pools are only open for 2 more weeks, and I'm setting a goal to take my daughter swimming today. I always feel so much better after I do that.
Wish me luck.
Linda
Danielle,
Thanks for the supportive words! Fatigue has been an ongoing problem with me for a long time, and due to health insurance problems (not having any, difficulty getting any) I have not been able to find out if there's another reason for it besides depression. I have noticed that sometimes giving in to the temptation to go to bed early makes it worse instead of better.
That day I stayed in the pool swimming until they called everybody out when they closed for lunch, so I didn't have a chance to dry off in the sun before getting dressed in the locker room, where they were also rushing us. That had something to do with why I was grouchy.
I have some good news, but I will save it for another topic, before I do my next session.
Mysty
I was offered a job I really wanted, & I accepted the offer! I start Monday.
I'm hoping to make some headway on clearing up mess at home & communicating with creditors before then. I'm still feeling tired & overwhelmed, but hopeful & more cheerful than in a long time.
Mysty
:)
I've completed my first 2 weeks. I think it's going very well. It's amazing how symptoms like fatigue & aching limbs have cleared up during those 2 weeks.
Beautiful news, Patrick!
I've completed my 3rd week at my new job. The thought records are helping me deal with feelings that come up, since there is a steep learning curve.
My daughter's 10th birthday was yesterday. One of my "mood change for the better" thought records this week was realizing I was actually looking forward to the party.
I'm cautiously optimistic as I notice that as my depression lifts, some of the physical symptoms I've been worried about seem to be lifting too (though i still plan to see a doctor asap!)
So far I am taking way more than a week between each session, and I know this is OK. I think it would be better if the "how was your week?" section of the session acknowledged that the period since your last session might be more like 3 or 4 weeks, and if the "best day" and "worst day" questions acknowledged this. As it is, I just keep it in mind and answer as best I can.
