I'm sorry I haven't been on much but I'm sorry to read you are going through rough times. But it will get better! I know because I have gotten better. I was in a state of real misery when I first started and I thought I will never ever see true excitement from my life again, but I am really excited and motivated now. I am still having a lot of problems yet, I feel like I can make it through it and that is the real big difference I've gained through these tough months. I'm not sure how your condition is but I find that going outside and soaking up nature always help me. You are really doing a great job and you will soon see how much you have progressed. Just take all the time you need and keep writing here.
Hello Michael,
I'm sorry you had a relapse. I've heard a lot that we get tipsy once our life style structure changes. But I'm really glad to hear that things are not as bad as the first time through. Thanks for sharing!
I'm glad to hear that you felt a sense of relief and safety. It must be a wonderful feeling.
As you know, we are here for you. It is more than likely that many others have gone through or are going through the exact same thing you are. It is great that you are all able to support and encourage one another.
Strangest thing but I was actually just thinking about you the other day when I was posting... Wondering how you were as you were such a great sense of support when I first came.
I like you get a bit complacent when things are going great and then am a bit surprised when it sneaks up on me.. Really though we know it's because we haven't been keeping up. Lol.. it's just so nice to forget about it when we're cruising along.
This is just temporary though and already you're on your way as per your latest post. I wouldn't expect anything less.. ha!
I too am so thankful to have a place to share these moments.
Right after I posted today I felt a real sense of relief and yes even safety for lack of a better expression. What a great forum we have here where I feel I can say anything or better yet feel anything and have no judgement passed. It is so reassuring to have all of you available for support. My warmest regards!
Hmm I have more than one tape. They are audio tapes. They involve deep breathing and relaxing visualisation. For example, One of them guides you through deep breathing. then you picture yourself on a beautiful stair case, whatever is beautiful and peaceful to you. (This one is better done with your eyes closed!). And as you float up the staircase you shed one negative thing on each step. I feel much lighter and less stressed after that one. There are many visualisation techniques. Some involve visualising what you want to accomplish and visualizing yourself being successful at it... I think you just really have to test out what you like! I do think one can get better at this with practice.
I am not sure where to purchase them as mine were gifts from my mom. But I figure most New Age type stores have those kind of tapes (or CDs most likely nowadays!).
Happy to hear from you again but not so happy for you at the circumstance of it! Sorry to hear about the relapse. But as you said, it is easier then the first time around, you will get through this. Please check in with us so we can be here for you!
I totally get it though! When I get better, I want to just live and forget "all that anxiety stuff" because I beat this thing! Then it is easier to relapse. I totally get it! I think it is great though that you are coming back here and taking the right steps to get back on track.
It has been quite some time since I've posted and believe me it is time. I was doing so well with the program during June and early into July. I was very cognizant of my exposure practice and it was coming along fine. Then Summer hit. Most people would think that because it is summer and being a teacher it is all happy happy. Once my routine changed I found myself concentrating on anxious thoughts. I assured myself it was just a blip in the system however it has been a while now and I am still sometimes overwhelmed by them. Like yourself Dazed Mommy, I have been working the breathing and relaxation techniques, they really do help but sometimes the anxiety and fear really well up so much that I feel I want to run!!! Funnily enough I was doing so well when I was active in this group and daily working through the program. Perhaps I got a wee over confident and felt hey I've got this thing licked....man does it ever come back and bite hard just when you've let your guard down. The only real solace in all of this setback, relapse stuff is that it is never as bad as the first time! So onward and upward we hope ...thanks for letting me drone on!
Hi CM , i had to ask what box breathing was as well lol . Its just the deep breathing you do , i personally breathe in 4/5 and out 5/6 depending on how i feel . Or just work up to it . I do it every single day , well have to because of my tight throat thingy .
Im pretty rubbish at imaging a happy place when im having an attack . I keep flashing to one thing or the other which i found more distressing because i couldnt choose one . So i keep repeating in my head it will be gone soon , youve done this before .
