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Posted 10/16/2013 8:06 PM (GMT 0)
Today I start my fist session of CBT Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. My anxiety (that I had under control not long ago) has been at it's worst. I'm so upset and hopeless. Has anyone had any luck with CBT? Im very familiar with it, just wondering if it has changed anyones life. This is my last hope I feel. I was prescribed paxil, but I REALLY hope to avoid it. If I have to I will take it, but I just felt like I was so close to beating this naturally I'd hate to give it all up do to this HORRIBLE unexpected set back. CBT stories anyone. Good or bad?? Thank You!!
Posted 10/16/2013 9:04 PM (GMT 0)
Good, only good!

I went through two courses actually. I had just finished my first round with one therapist, who I liked very much and felt really helped me with my panic and health anxiety issues.

However, then I had a pretty awful emotionally traumatizing event happen. This had to do with my marriage, so my husband and I sought counseling together, and individually as well...so that was my second experience with CBT.

I do believe that it is a highly effective form of therapy, and that you will benefit from it if you give it time and effort.

It is not a quick fix, but that is really a good thing, right? Anything worth having is worth waiting for!

...and you will have homework and worksheets (possibly other things as well) most likely, so make sure and put aside time to do them, so that you can get the most out of your treament.

Is this your first time with therapy? If so, let me know and I will pull up an old thread for you to read...it is on what to expect at your first appointment.;)

Let us know how it goes!

S.C.
Posted 10/16/2013 11:59 PM (GMT 0)
Iv been to therapy prior, but never to fully focus on anxiety and fears. Just got home from first appt. I feel good knowing I'm heading in the right direction. I feel great knowing it worked so well for you. Go you!! He was surprised on how much I knew. I'm far past the confused stage. I have all the tools and knowledge, but something is not clicking. I feel either stupid or that there's just no more I can try. We are going to find it. I'd like to find a thread with success stories. Ugh. I just want to go everyday until I find that secrete way to get rid of my panic that's been hiding on me for 15 years.
Posted 10/17/2013 1:09 AM (GMT 0)
I wish there was a way to test us and see if there really was a chemical imbalance then we would know
to go ahead with the meds. SC and several others have had great success with CBT, stick with the program
and HW, Good luck and Peace!

Larry ***
Posted 10/17/2013 2:59 AM (GMT 0)
Jess, we love you too!! XOXO:)

Great job on going to your first appointment! I am glad that feel like you are heading in the right direction, because having positive feelings goes a long way in helping your therapy to help you!

I have faith that you are going to do well, and I am very impressed at your continued efforts.

Everyone finds different paths to wellness, and I sincerely hope that this one will be the one to bring you relief.:)

Keep us posted!

S.C.

Posted 10/17/2013 3:01 AM (GMT 0)
IDK if this is what you had in mind...but here are some CBT threads that I found in our Resources...

CBT threads:

https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=9&m=734325

https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=9&m=1042952

Posted 10/17/2013 2:19 PM (GMT 0)
Larry, i agree. I sure hope they find a good way to test imbalances some day.
S.C. Thank you for the threads. :). Also, your signature says you recovered due to CBT. Was it the worksheets that did it, or is there more that is done. I'm very educated about the process, I guess I'd like to hear a little more detail on first hand experience. What will we be discussing? I'm just so excited, but being as I feel I'v tried everything I'm a bit in denial that something great may be right in front of me. I'm guessing he will be talking to me about what starts my anxiety? I told him the only thing I fear is fear itself. Im not afraid of anything except panic. There is no deep dark thing, its honestly just the fear of panic.
Posted 10/17/2013 4:46 PM (GMT 0)
Jess,

Though I consider myself recovered from the panic attacks/panic disorder that I suffered, I still have to manage my anxiety daily...as this is a chronic issue IMO.

The CBT helped me to identify the fightening thoughts that led to the negative thinking, that brought on the panic.

It is amazing how we don't even recognize how our thinking affects us...and how those quickly fleeting thoughts full of fear add up and turn into panic triggers.

Talking about our anxiety is crucial and good, but CBT helps you to be pro-active in defusing the things that create the anxiety...taking it many steps beyond talk therapy alone.

Changing the way that we think and view things, actually changes the state of our minds (and bodies) and this takes the power away from the anxiety...lessening the fearful/negative thinking and physical symptoms...thus relieving the panic.

Like I said, I still have to use my skills, but pratice and time have made a world of difference. There are still things that I struggle with, but things are managable comparatively!

Wishing you success:)

S.C.
Posted 10/17/2013 5:35 PM (GMT 0)
Jess,

I pulled up another success story and hope it helps you:

https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=19&m=1042955

Setbacks happen because, as you face your anxiety and the situations that make you feel uncomfortable, the avoidant/protective side of your personality becomes active.

 

When you decide to tackle your anxiety issue head on, the protective side of your personality would rather that you left well enough alone. Your protective side doesn’t like taking risks and feels better when you don’t put yourself in situations that make you feel anxious.

 

Persistence will carry you through all setbacks and ensure your success.

Keep your confidence intact. Build it on the past, on each time you’ve succeeded.

Play those previous successes like a film in your head, again and again, each night as you go to sleep. All the panic attacks you’ve dealt with, all the sensations of anxiety you’ve felt and yet you still got on with it.

General anxiety disorder and, especially, panic attacks are probably the most frightening experiences a person can go through. In most cases, you feel like you’ve had a brush with death itself.

Be proud of your experiences. You’re not a cowardly victim, but a survivor of a terrifying experience. You continued living. Sure, there may be a few hairy anxiety memories in the past that you’d prefer to forget, but the underlying emotion to build upon is that you survived and you’re here now, alive and living a new day.

All through life we will run into setbacks, not only with anxiety, but in other areas of your life.  You will be disappointed but you will experience great joys, you will be sad if someone you love is no longer in your life, but you will be happy beyond your imagination when you are with people that come into your life and you discover you love them.

We are here for you and support you so keep on talking with us and remember we know where you are coming from and what you are going through.

Gentle Hugs,

Kitt

Posted 10/17/2013 7:32 PM (GMT 0)
I don't even know where to start a response to the both of you except. Thank You!! Everyhting was exactly what I wanted to hear. You both have put me in full motivation mode!! I have been going through my worksheets getting myself familiar, and today is the first day in the past week I haven't been a bucket of panic. I understand the work that needs to be put in, and I know there will be hard times, but it all makes sense. I'v dabbled in this before, but I see now you must be fully committed. So there is still hope for me. lol. My therapist told me to do the worksheets I had got from a book, but said he wasn't planning on giving me any. Though he said please do them and bring them in to discuss. That made me feel good he wanted to play a part in them. However, I was a little upset he didn't have plans for it. Hhmmm. I'm def going to see him another 3-4 times before changing therapist. I wanted someone who had the sheets in mind, but who knows he may still be highly effective for me.
Posted 10/17/2013 9:11 PM (GMT 0)
You go for it and know we love you.  Who understands someone with an anxiety disorder more than another person going through the same problems.

Be proud of who you are.

Love,

Kitt

Posted 10/19/2013 10:49 PM (GMT 0)
Does anyone mind telling me how long they battled bad anxiety before they found relief in cbt? I worry since it's been 15+ years for me it's just to late. Well maybe it will just take a long time.
Posted 10/19/2013 11:47 PM (GMT 0)
I don't think that it is about the amount of time you have had before seeking the help...but more about how much effort you put into it!

I recommend doing all the 'homework' that you are given, and keeping your materials (make copies) for review purposes later.

I find that when things get tough, I go over old notes, and it helps.:)

You are going to do really well, especially if you give it all you've got!

S.C.
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