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Motivation?


13 years ago 0 12 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hey there, elusivebreath -
I feel like you do, sometimes - like anxiety is just a part of me; ingrained so deep that it's no longer habit, it's second nature.  But you know something?  I know it's not.  Feeling anxious all the time isn't fun but you can do this!  I heard once that surviving isn't living and I realized that that is true.  Not wanting to go outside, not wanting to have fun because you're terrified it will get ruined by a panic attack - that's not living.  There are so many beautiful things to see and do that anxiety stops you from.  Find something that you love more than your anxiety and do the program for that reason.  I'm just starting myself and I really believe this can work . . . You sound like an amazing person who can do so much - I hope you realize that.
 
Good luck and best wishes!  Remember that you can do it, just start and roll with it from there.
13 years ago 0 517 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hello, elusive breath, nice to meet you. I certainly know what you are talking about. I've been planing on seeing a therapist for over a year now, but have not taken this initiative to full swing yet. The reason is I am afraid what may happen... the changes, etc. I know that I eventually want to do all the things I've planned to do without letting anxiety stop me... that is my ultimate goal. And I beat myself up when I feel lazy or afraid of keeping up with the challenges.. but instead, I am trying to take something good out of the laziness and fear that are some of the steps to get to my ultimate goal on the way. It may sound like an excuse, it probably is, but when I do forgive myself, sometimes, that takes me to the stage where I'm not so lazy or afraid. Things happen when I'm ready. Sometimes I can go looking for motivation, but there are times when nothing will work.. so I'll just be lazy.. and then poof something can just come my way to motivate me.
13 years ago 0 538 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Davit,
I love your motto..I wrote it down....(the English version) ....words to live by for sure!
Cleo
13 years ago 0 6252 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Cleo.

I have been seeing my therapist for over two years, I don't how long I have been on this site. Tracy is more friend than therapist, and some times that is all it takes too keep me on the straight and narrow. I certainly leave her office motivated.
Years of negative thinking will not go away over night, it may never go totally, but for most of us I think that being able to function and contribute in the world out side our safe circle is all we need. I just spent the last week doing something I never thought I would be able to do. I thirst for more of this. I want to live not just exist. This is my motto.
"non est vivere sed valere vita est." 
It translates in more than one way but basically is, life is more than just being alive.

We can all be well and alive we just need a reason. I hope my being well is your motivation. Your reason to keep going when the mountain seems insurmountable. Hope and hard work. Be well.

Davit,

Ps. Re reading is good sometimes things get missed the first few times. Writing what you read is even better.
13 years ago 0 538 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hi Elusive,
I'm here 3 months now, and I was a bit apprehensive about the Program at first, but got so interested in the material that I was soon hooked. The most helpful part for me...so far...was to learn the Challenging  Anxious Thoughts  for negative thinking . Of course this Support group has been amazing...reading the Success Stories and  learning Coping Skills  from other members has helped me alot.
There is mention here of the Professionals starting a weekly overview of each chapter. Would that interest you? There's a thread to sign up for it ... I did,  and am waiting to see when its going to start.
I'm still working on Exposures... That's been hard for me. Like the elevator..I was doing good, had my plan all figured out...started the steps, but my motivation has kind of dwindled.I should reread the education on Eposures. Take it one day at a time.
Cleo 
13 years ago 0 659 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hello elusivebreath,
 
Its good to see you here getting ready to start working the program....I first started working the programs here about 1yr and  8 months ago.  I started in the depression center and it took me about 5 months before I actually started working that program.  I was a afraid in the beginning to actually start working the program.  I kept running off on trips here and there and was getting no where so I started working the depression program.  I later in Jan of this year started working in the panic center because I discovered after working the depression program I had some real issues with anxiety, panic and Agoraphobia. I think the reason I had such a problem with getting started is because I was afraid of what I would find out about myself and also change was a scary thought. Thats where the panic center really helps. It helps you understand your condition and gives you the tools you need to deal with your fears. Working the program has really helped me a lot and changed my life for the better.  My fears of getting started and of change were unfounded. If I had not started working the program I would never have learned how to challenge my anxious and negative thoughts. My only regret is that I didn't get started sooner.  I have a much better life now and am continuing to learn how to apply the principals I have learned here to my daily life and am challenging my issues as they come up.  Once you start you will see what I mean and take your time working the program, that is my advice to you.  You will be happily surprised at what a positive change it will make in your life.

Red
13 years ago 0 2606 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hi elusivebreath,
 
I am glad that you have been looking over the program. I can understand that the program as a whole is a bit overwhelming to you and others. However, one great thing about the panic program is that once you have completed session 1: Understanding Panic which teaches you the underlying causes of panic, you can read through any of the 15 other sessions you choose. Since we’re all unique, it only makes sense for each of us to decide what area of the program best applies to our unique situation. I would suggest taking 10 minutes to work through session 1, and you can slowly start setting aside 10 minutes a day to working on the program (reading the sessions and working on the homework). It has been found that the more homework you do, the better you will feel. Another great thing about the Panic program is that you do not have to hand in your homework, it will not be marked, you can work on it at your own pace. Remember, you can always ask us any questions you may have as you complete the sessions. Feel free to share your experience with us as well, others will benefit from hearing about the program as well.
 
Members, do you have any other suggestions for working through the program? 
 


Samantha, Health Educator
13 years ago 0 1665 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hi elusivebreath:  My suggestion is to take it one day at a time.  The "whole" program is overwhelming, but bits and bites are not.  Take it one step at a time and work that step before going on to another.  It takes faith and honesty.  Do you want to get better? 

 If so, have faith in yourself that you will learn something new and interesting.  Practice each and every step. 
If you are comfortable with where you are, don't do it. 
 
 It doesn't sound as though you are happy with your anxiety/stresses, so why not give it a try?  Like all things, you have to work for what you want.  What makes you give up so easily on yourself?   If your dearest friend was in need of help, bet you would be helping her as much as you can.  It's your turn , do it for you.  Commit yourself to getting better every day.  Make it fun, reward yourself each time you finish a chapter and do the work. One step at a time.
Good Luck.
13 years ago 0 7 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hey all, I found this site almost two months ago and while I have looked over the program, I haven't really started actually DOING it.  And this isn't the first time.  I've seen quite a few therapists and that never really goes anywhere either.  I don't know what it is that stops me from actually doing the work, because I hate having the panic attacks!  On the other hand, I have lived with this for so long, it has become something of a crutch for me, I can't imagine my life without it, it's like it's part of me, so maybe that is what is keeping me from truly doing something about it?  Also sometimes starting a program seems so overwhelming to me, and I wonder if there is a bit of depression sprinkled in with that too.  Just wondering if anyone else has had this problem, and if so, how did you get yourself motivated to truly work the program? 

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