MelodyAM75, Here is the link for the missing application needed to run the IM buddy on your computer. http://download.microsoft.com/download/a/a/c/aac39226-8825-44ce-90e3-bf8203e74006/dotnetfx.exe Simply click on the link, download the application and you should be all set. If you have any further problems, please do not hesitate to contact us via the feedback section. Hope this helps, Danielle _________________________________________ The Depression Center Support Team

MelodyAM75, Welcome to the Depression Center, we hope to be able to give you the support you need. Start working through the program and don't hesistate to ask questions or for advice. Check back soon, Danielle ___________________________________ The Depression Center Support Team

Hi. I tried to download the instant messenger, but I kept getting an error message about my window's installer not working right. Do you have AOL IM. My AOL IM is SpecialTeacher75. My computer will probably show that I am online all the time since I have DSL so if I don't respond I am just not at the computer. I hope you will be able to finish your master's soon because that will help a lot with your job search. My first college major was psychology, but I changed majors when I realized that to really make money in psychology you need a doctorates and I wasn't ready to make that kind of committment. Have you thought about school psychology? There is a growing need for psychologists in the public school system. Well, I hope to hear from you... Melody

Melody, Thanks for getting back with me. You are the first person to respond to my replies since I joined last week. Have you set up the CBT buddy messaging yet? If you do maybe we can chat on it sometime and have a conversation. I'm like you and worry a great deal, not so much about dying, but growing old and having regrets. I have a lot going on in my life right now as well and trying very hard not to get so overwhelmed. I have been out of work for 3 months and have been looking for a job for about 2 months. I have a BA in psych/sociology and 3 credits shy of a Masters in Education. I have limited experience in the field of mental health and finding it difficult to find something that pays decent. I was offered a job at a behavioral health center as a CSR but the pay is low and I have to commit to the position for 1 year before I can move to a different position. The interview went very well but I was really discouraged by the HR recruiters that said I had too much education and they felt I would quickly get bored with the job. I'm not sure what to do. I told them I would get back to them on Tuesday with my decision. I tried to negotiate for a buck more an hour but they said they couldn't do that. I don't understand that at all. I can't believe how hard it to find a job and get paid for what you're worth. Anyways, with regards to medications I think they can help alleviate some of the debilitating symptoms-especially worry. It is definitely something you should talk to your doc about. It could help you manage a little better. Currently, I take Wellbutrin XL for depression and Xanax for anxiety. Wellbutrin gives me energy but I have a real problem with sleeping at night. I still feel depressed a great deal but I think this is because I have so much going on. I have tried so many medications and there are some good ones out there. However, the problem I had is that meds like prozac, cymbalta have some unfortunate sexual side effects. Lexapro is a good anti-depression though w/limited side effects. Well thanks for listening and let me know if you wanna chat on the buddy messaging. Maybe we can be of help to each other. Take care, jluv :)

Hi jluv, Thanks for replying to my post. Yes, I do have a lot going on right now. I am teaching summer school, finishing an internship in school psychometry, and buying a house which is being built currently. The stress of choosing things for the house and worrying about getting financing and paying the mortgage note are causing a lot of anxiety right now. I keep telling myself that in a few months things will be settled down and I will feel ok again, but truth is that I havne't really felt ok in years. I worry constantly, especially about things like dying which I have read is common for people with GAD. I hate that...the worry is the worst! I can't enjoy the life I have because I am always worried about life being cut short. I am hoping this CBT program will help and I am seriously considering going back to my doctor to try new medication. Well, I hope to hear from you again. Melody

Hi Melody, Welcome! I was reading your introduction and it sounds like you have been through a great deal and have a lot going on right now. How are you managing? I am taking graduate classes as well, mental health professional. I think my own experiences with depression and anxiety have better prepared me to help others going through the same thing. It sounds like we have some things in common and could possibly benefit from talking with each other. I look forward to it. Take care, jluv :)

Hi. I am new to this web site today. I just finished Lesson 1 and according to my test answers I am severely depressed, have terrible anxiety, and obsessive thoughts. I basically knew all that already. I was diagnosed with anxiety disorder in 2002, but I think I have had anxiety problems for a lot longer. I really started to notice problems when my older brother died in a car accident in 1995 and then my anxiety escalated to causing panic attacks when I was pregnanct with my son in 2001 and then after his birth. Finally, after having several panic attacks, I went to the doctor. I have tried Paxil and Lexapro, but didn't take either of them for very long. I am already overweight and didn't want the Paxil to make me gain more and the Lexapro gave me terrible headaches, so the last time I took them was a year ago. I am not agoraphobic yet, but I am worried that I starting to have thoughts related to that because I don't like to drive places with my son because I worry that I could have a heart attack or pass out and then he would be stuck in the van. I also don't like to drive over bridges, which is bad since I have drive over 3 of them to get to the next city where I take graduate courses and to visit my parents. I still go, but the last time I had to go I worried all day about the bridges. When I was first learning to drive at 15-16, I wouldn't drive over then at all...I would stop the car and let someone else drive. Overall, my problems with anxiety and depression and obsessions has not affected my job. I am a special education teacher and I am even teaching summer school this summer. I also take graduate classes in psychology of all things because I am working on getting a license to give IQ tests in the schools. During the work day, I am usually fine if I am busy, but if I have down time then I start to feel anxious and obsess. My problems intensify when I am at home because I have time to think, think, think... That's when I start feeling all the aches and pains that go along with depression and anxiety and start obsessing about heart problems, etc. It doesn't help that my dad had a heart attack and by-pass surgery before he was 50 so that worries me since there is a family history. I also have a family history of depression/anxiety.