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8 years ago 0 11218 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hi Ratna,

Great work! I love to hear all the work you have been putting into this - the reading and exercise -

This support group can be a great way to make yourself accountable. Share your goals with us and report back on how you did. It may not be the same as a boss looking over your shoulder but I find being accountable to a group can be just as effective. What do you think?
Ashley, Health Educator
8 years ago 0 4 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hi Ashley,
 
I am liking the program so far.  I have also been doing a lot of reading...books like Better than Before by Gretchen Rubin and the Happiness Equation by Neil Pasricha.  They both have elements of CBT it seems and also provide some insight into personality types and what might work.  For example, I have learned that I am someone who responds better to external motivations.  I work better with deadlines and have to "report" to someone.  The problem I run into is there is no one around that can hold me to things.  I have a very strong personality and a husband that wants the best for me but is very quick to back down if I push.  One positive thing is that I have exercised 3 days this week and am feeling quite good about it. 
8 years ago 0 11218 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hi Ratna,

It sounds like it has been quite a struggle for you. When you are dealing with mental health issues this is quite normal. Just keep working at it and looking for resources and you will get there. I think CBT will really help with the negative spiral you mentioned. Have you had a chance to check out this program so far? If so, how are you liking it?

Ashley, Health Educator
8 years ago 0 4 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hi Ashley,  Thanks for your response.  I am struggling with putting my needs before everyone else's.  I am also stuggling with guilt over putting my needs first.  My work is quite demanding and I am not looking for perfection but for some tools and techniques to help me manage when I get overwhelmed, which has been happening more and more often.  As of yet, I have not tried anything other than medication and am under the care of a psychiatrist.  But he and I know that medication is not the be all and end all.  I am normally a very high performer but feel a lack of motivation and anxiety around things like picking up my messages for fear that I have missed something.  I want to make a change and I know things like exercise and eating properly are essential but I just haven't been able to make changes.  I get a bit better but then it gets busy either at work or at home and then I am right back to step one.  Classic negative spiral lol
8 years ago 0 11218 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hi Ratna,

I am sorry to hear you are feeling this way. It sounds like you want to make your health a priority but you are not sure how. Well, I think you are off to a good start. I also think your idea of taking it one day at a time is great!
 
What have you tried so far in terms of treatment? This program is based on cognitive behaviour therapy which is the most evidences-based treatment for depression and other mental health issues. I encourage you to get started on it. Be sure to do all the homework as CBT takes systematic effort. You also might want to consider checking out www.paniccenter.net as it sounds like you have some anxious thinking that may be preventing you to go to work. That website is also based on CBT but the focus is on anxiety instead of depression.

I hear that you worried about messing up and client complaints. It is normal to want to do our best at work but sometimes as human beings we can mess up. Failure is a part of life - as long as you learn from it - it's a good thing. What is making this fear so prominent now? Was this always an issue or is it just surfacing now? If it is jsut surfacing what do you think triggered it?
 

Ashley, Health Educator
8 years ago 0 4 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
I was diagnosed with MDD a few years ago and it has been a real struggle.  I get better for a while and then things get worse.  I am really overwhelmed and have decided that I need to do something different if I want different results.  Time to put me first but I don't really know what that even means half the time.  I am currently taking time off work but already I am feeling pressure to go back but I am scared as my job can be very high pressure sometimes.  I know having the structure of going to work is good for me but I am scared of client complaints and messing up.  I guess I will take it one day at a time and go from there.  Right now I am confused.

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