Hey everyone

[Larcka]

Hey everyone,

I finally decided to join a forum to connect with more people who go through the same thing. I've had different forms of anxiety, depression, nightmares and suffered from OCD
since my teenage years. It normally came in patches, or so I thought until going through CBT and realising that my coping strategies and thought patterns I have learned
have really hindered a lot of my attitudes towards things. I'm nervous that I only have one CBT session left and that I feel I have opened pandora's box! I've had a difficult
year especially with the anxiety leading me into fatigue and depression. This made me feel like I wanted to kick my anxiety in the ass! (One way of putting it) it's not been easy but I hope I share some helpful advice and meet some nice people along the way. I have lots of on and off days so considering the medication route to stabilise myself a bit.

I've been given different forms of medication which have always made me feel terribly ill and I get frustrated at not managing the first hurdle. But I've recently considered starting again and giving them another chance. I've been doing more exercise and trying to do things that allow me to be good to myself, but sometimes still feels like not enough.

Anyway thanks for reading and chat soon,

Lara :)

[MiST]

Welcome to the community Lara, it's good to have you.

Well done you for taking the bull by the horns and being proactive in your recovery, because thats what it is, recovery and recovery takes time and i promise you, with a positive outlook you will get better.

We are all here to help each other and offer our support whenever you need it so remember, your not alone.

One tool i found so incredibly useful, as have many others, is the work of Dr Claire Weekes, her name gets thrown around a lot, but for good reason, although not a sufferer herself, she understood what we are going through completely and if you have never read her work, i highly suggest you do, she's my "go to girl" when i'm having a bad day.

Regards, MiST

[Zenlover]

Hello!

Lara you mentioned that you've started to do more exercise and being good to yourself......PLEASE DON"T STOP. We all must take the time to nurture ourselves. Exercising, such as walking, bike riding, or anything aerobic for at least 30 minutes gets those endorphins up, which make you feel better. Waking up everyday and writing in your gratitude journal helps listing 8 things to be grateful for. Scheduling a massage, volunteering, and practicing deep breathing on a regular basis are all things you can incorporate in your life.

Zenlover
"As you move outside of your comfort zone, what was once the unknown and frightening becomes your new normal."
Robin S. Sharma

[Im-Suffering]

I'm nervous that I only have one CBT session left and that I feel I have opened pandora's box

Lara :)

Then repeat CBT.

You understand? It is your choice. And your life.

[Larcka]

Thanks for the huge encouragement everyone, something I really have an internal fight with is allowing oneself to feel isolated when it's not usually the case.
MiSt thanks for the further reading I'll definitely check out Dr Claire Weekes.


Zenlover I had always underestimated the power of our bodies and exercise. Is it more beneficial for you to exercise in the morning or as long as you can fit it in?




Then repeat CBT.

You understand? It is your choice. And your life.

Im-Suffering, you hit the nail on the head. I spoke to my therapist and there are lots of continuation options that are free under NHS - I'm going to try counselling and continue with the things
I have learned through the CBT and then see if I feel I need more.