Good on you for getting a haircut!! Is amazing how small things can make a difference in the way one feels. For me isn not just the actual pleasuring/rewarding activity itself, but the 'taking care of myself' factor... I did not know how to do this, so these days, even if I do not feel like going to the dentist for example, and I still do not enjoy the drive there, the parking, dealing with people, the consultation, etc. when I am done I have this sense of satisfaction that I just took care of myself and just gave myself love and care and kindness :) and that itself feels very good.
Thanks Wellandhappy. I think it will be helpful, it's the changes in lifestyle that are difficult in the midst of everything but I need to focus on the little gains each day. Today I achieved a goal, getting out and getting a new haircut - as per the CBT - behaviour before motivation. It was hard, I'm not driving much at all, nor public places without my hubby and I ended up there way longer than I planned. But I got through it, a little extra anxious afterward, it was hard to do this, but I did it. And I have to admit that the fun haircut made me feel good in other ways. So going to take it easy the rest of the afternoon and evening.
Welcome to the forum, this program has helped me SO MUCH and along with changes in my lifestyle, I am really feeling much better and the sense of dread, the catastrophising, the lack of enthusiam, etc. are less and less.. yay!
I hope is as helpful to you as it has been to me :)
Jewel, those are "unlocked" as you move through the sessions. If you look at the sessions at the bottom some of them will "unlock" the ones at the bottom. I hope this makes sense. If not, just let me know.
I am am having trouble clicking on the 'program reference tools' (under 'program tools'). I click on them but there's no link. Anyone know what the problem might be?
Thanks Goofy and Samantha. I appreciate the encouragement and the practical resources. Ive start on a low dose anxiety medication so I can cope during the interim while I receive counseling. It's also great to hear that others have been able to overcome these challenges. I'm looking forward to getting my life back, but a fuller life... and trusting that this process will help me grow and be a better, happier person.
You started at just the right place. When I was initially diagnosed the anxiety was the problem though the depression was there too. I felt like I was going to jump out of my skin but didn't have any energy to do it. I think I read most people with Major Depression also have an anxiety disorder. There are medications that can help with the anxiety. There area variety of other things too because most of the medications for anxiety that I know of have highly addictive properties. I use meditation, deep breathing and progressive relaxation. I wish I could tell you where but I think all of these are in this program but if not a google or bing or whatever of each topic will give you some techniques.
It's really hard when we are anxious and can't put a finger on why....are depressed and can't put a finger on why. I gave up on that and have just accepted that I have Major Depression with anxiety and I have to learn to cope as best I can.
I commented in the Mod's corner today about Samantha's Post on exercise. I can't tell you how much that keeps the depression a little less (even at its worst) and the anxiety as well.
Keep posting and work through the things that Samantha mentioned below. It is an awesome program. I've been around for about two years though I worked through the whole program some time ago. I am back at work and active. The Depression/anxiety are still there, medication alone was not enough for me.
Thank you for sharing your story and support with us. There are many people within this support group that share the same questions and concerns as you. We are all a group of individuals who support each other.
If you look to the left of the screen under "TOOLS" you will find many supportive tests. These tests are not diagnostic tools and are not a replacement or substitute for a physician's advice. The purpose of these tests is to prepare you with information that you can present to your physician. When you're finished the test, you can either print your Final Report or email it directly to your doctor.
We also have developed a Program. This program is 12-weeks and involves the tools mentioned above. Each session is based on the previous session, so we strongly advise that you work slowly through the program and not jump ahead.
These tests may or may not be for you but they are "free". If you have any question or concerns with our “TOOLS” feel free to ask using the feedback section. We are the Support Specialist for The Depression Center and are open to any questions or concerns you may have.
Please continue to strive forward and lean on us for support.
Well, I'm not sure how to start. I had depression about 15 year ago and it was severe to say the least. I recovered for 15 years and just recently become majorly depressed again and it came on suddenly and heavily, it was awful. I think maybe from work stress, everything else has been going well in my life, other than quite a hectic pace. I'm beginning to realize that I have been feeling the symptoms for 6 - 9 months but didn't recognize them as depression. I've started on a medication that has been helping but I am so paralyzed by the anxiety, social and just in general. I have always been a bit of an anxious person but it's really bad right now. I've needed to take some time off work and hoping things will get better. I've got referral for counseling, mental health support and beginning the CBT program on-line. Anyone else end up with immense overwhelming anxiety overshadowing the depression? The anxiety has become more of the problem and feels unmanageable. Wondering if there is anything that might have worked for others to move forward.
