I have started in the program. I am working on session 2 for a few weeks now and the beginning of session 3. I am good to track my moods on paper, not good at getting them posted in here. I am using the format of the worksheets provided through The Depression Center. I utilize these with my therapist and psychiatrist. It is very helpful to them in helping me as well. As an aside, I have also seen my doctor who has diagnosed me with those medical conditions and is treating me for them as well.
As I have the mood tracker documents in my daily planner(calendar) I will go back and input data to see the results.
I suggest that you speak with to your family physician regarding the physical issues you mentioned if you haven't already. In terms of your negative thinking, have you begun going through the program? Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a large component of the program. Moreover, CBT is only effective when you do the homework. Worksheets help you track your homework exercises and CBT is a lot of work!
As you move through the Depression Program the worksheets will change as you change. Make sure you give yourself time to do the homework properly - you know your depression best so it's really up to you to decide how often you do your homework. Take your time when you do your homework, there is no rush!
Each session in the Depression Program is based on previous sessions, and if you track your mood with your Mood Tracker (and keep notes in the spaces provided) you'll see much improvement over the coming weeks.
At the beginning of each session we give you a Weekly Review, which allows you to see how far you've progressed. We save your Weekly Review results in your Session Diary, so you will see a collection of results, which are all based on what you write in your worksheets.
CBT is a lot of work but the good news is that if you follow the program it will all come together for you as you start to feel better.
Members, how do you challenge your negative thoughts?
Can't type too long, gotta go soon but I did want and stop in really fast. I have those issues. I have acid reflux and too much stress or depression makes my immune system crash. I get tension headaches. I get tired and require more sleep then most... etc...I do want to say though, that when my depression or anxiety (whichever plagues me at the time) is worse, the symptoms are worse, but when it is better, those issues get better too! I find I get long periods when health issues are no worse for me then for anybody else. Plus, I am truely learning to live with things the way they are. Despite it all, this year, I managed to graduate from University and work! So hang in there, it really does get better.
I guess I may ramble a bit here. But it seems that the more stressful a situation, series of events, days in a rows, etc, that I have the sleepier I get and more sleep that I require to recuperate. It also seems that if a string of stressful events occur which cause this it breaks down my immune system and I get some type of viral or bacterial infection. I'm not selective, it is what is going around at the time.
Another issue I have is with co-occurring health issues like IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), abnormal vestibular functioning with nystagmus (means I get dizzy - even with no medications), GERD (gastroesophagal reflux disease) and migraines. I never had any of these things until after the onset of the MDD All but the later have a higher incidence in persons with depression/anxiety than in the "normal population", or so I have read.
These things add frustration to my depression and are part of that vicious cycle of negative thinking. When I have a flair up of the dizziness, for example, I think, well, you know what I think. Those thoughts I am trying to get rid of here. I've been told that even though the depression gets better that these things won't "go away". Anyone else have issues like these and how do you handle the negative thoughts and feeling that go along with it. I am thankful I have something I can live with...that's my positive self talk....lol, help, I need more!
