Hi,
Nice to read your story goofy!!
Like you, I am also work in progress. Actually I am starting to think I will be work in progress for the rest of my life, but that is not necessarly bad :)
I've been on the program only for a few months (started back in Jan 2011) but the change has been outstanding if I may say so myself! :)
Although I must admit my situation is 'easy' - my issues were mostly negative thinking, or what I know recognise as cognitive distortions, and poor lifestyle habits: high carb diet, no exercise, poor sleeping habits, etc.
I think its been little (or big) changes here and there, but I feel much better these days. There is still some negative thinking/stinking thinking but is WAY less than a few months ago!! That has been the major change I'd say. I went from believing that things were never ever going to get better for me, to having hope and suddenly realising that things are ALREADY better!
On top of that, my lifestyle is much healthier these days, I am now following a low carb eating style (high carbs and sugar spikes were contributing to my mood swings and depression that was related to food alergies), I exercise regularly (heck, I even got a biceps now! lol), I go to bed and wake up at the same time every day (I have noticed a huge difference from this), I have a good, healthy breakfast every morning (used to skip breakfast very often), and I try to avoid working during evenings and weekends unless is completely necessary. I also got a full health check up to rule out any physical diseases that could be contributing to depression and found out I had dangerously low vitamin D levels (which is directly linked to depression) so now I am trying to spend a little bit more time outdoors.
So everything has helped for sure, but is a huge relief to not be victim of the cognitive distortions anymore, I still get them, a lot, but now I am able to get myself out of the negative thinking circle much more faster...
Life is looking good and for the first time I feel hopeful again and I am even making some plans for the future... scary but exciting!!
I am truly grateful for this program, I am not exaggerating when I say it has changed my life, and I encourage everyone to follow the lessons and do the homework, this program works!!
Bless you all,
I.