I decided to repost this from another person's revew of this new program I purchased from Amazon .com
I will add it to my structure next few days
I wanted to enphasize that MY MISSION COMES FIRST.
I realize that avoidance habits is called
Agoraphobia (ag-uh-ruh-FOE-be-uh) is a type of anxiety disorder in which you fear and often avoid places or situations that might cause you to panic and make you feel trapped, helpless or embarrassed.
With agoraphobia, you fear an actual or anticipated situation, such as using public transportation, being in open or enclosed spaces, standing in line or being in a crowd. The anxiety is caused by fear that there's no easy way to escape or seek help if intense anxiety develops. Most people who have agoraphobia develop it after having one or more panic attacks, causing them to fear another attack and avoid the place where it occurred.
People with agoraphobia often have a hard time feeling safe in any public place, especially where crowds gather. You may feel that you need a companion, such as a relative or friend, to go with you to public places. The fears can be so overwhelming that you may feel unable to leave your home.
Agoraphobia treatment can be challenging because it usually means confronting your fears. But with talk therapy (psychotherapy) and medications, you can escape the trap of agoraphobia and live a more enjoyable life.
'''I figure I'd post a link to this program in case anyone wanted to try it out.
I used this program about 3 years ago, and it really helped me a lot with my anxiety. It's not geared specifically towards social anxiety, but the exercises and skills it teaches you will definitely help alleviate some of the symptoms you have. It's basically a self-help CBT program that attacks anxiety and depression from many different angles including positive self-talk, "what-if" thinking, controlling anger, learning to be assertive, diet and exercise, etc.
In the file is the program, the workbook in PDF format, and the relaxation tape. Let me make it clear that if you want results from this program, you MUST read the workbook and use the relaxation tape on a regular basis for the program to be effective. You can't just sit around and listen to the lessons and hope to make any progress.
This isn't some miracle cure that will make your anxiety disappear forever, but I can say without a doubt that if you put some effort into this, you will see results.
Some general guidelines if you choose to start the program:
Read the introduction in the book first.
Only go through ONE lesson per week. Do not try to cram everything into your brain in a few days. You have to spend a week on each lesson to master the skills that are taught in them.
It's not necessary to spend an entire week on Lesson 1 (the workbook even says this) because many here are already familiar with the symptoms and causes of anxiety and depression. Listen to it once and begin your first week on Lesson 2.
Do the assignments in the workbook and use the relaxation tape EVERY DAY. This is very important and is stressed throughout the program.
Here's the link to the program:
http://www.amazon.com/Attacking-Anxiety-Depression-Program-Lucinda/dp/B000SO5IMI
Excellent program if you commit
By 웃 R I Z Z O 웃 VINE VOICE on July 11, 2007
Format: CD-ROM
Lucinda Bassette's Program is quite impressive. Bassett is the CEO of the Midwest Center for Stress and Anxiety. She speaks often of her own health situation which prompted the book and she does have guidance from other experts. If you are ordering the set from the company, it varies with cassettes, DVDs, CDs, or Videos. So, if you purchase an item from a seller on Amazon, know what you are getting. The sessions include;
Lesson 1: Symptoms, Causes and Fears
Lesson 2: Six Steps That will Put a Stop to Anxiety Attacks
Lesson 3: Self-Talk, Key to Healthy Esteem
Lesson 4: Expectations, Expect Less & Get More
Lesson 5: Eat & Diet to Rid Yourself of Anxiety & Depression
Lesson 6: Stop Being Angry & Control Your Mood Swings
Lesson 7: Assertive Behavior, Speak Confidently and Gain Respect
Lesson 8: Put An End to What If Thinking
Lesson 9: Get Off the Guilt & Worry Treadmill
Lesson 10: How To Stop Obsessive, Scary Thoughts
Lesson 11: Anx & Dep, The Truth About Medication and Alcohol
Lesson 12: The Courage to Change
Lesson 13: Time Management 12 Steps Toward a Balanced Life
Lesson 14: How To Keep Stress From Becoming Anxiety
Lesson 15: Getting Beyond a Growth Spurt.
Relaxation CD
Each CD has average 20 minutes of Objectives; about 30 min of Group Session and few minutes on Summary.
The Book is very helpful with plenty of text and study guides, insightful information into what lurks behind depression and anxiety. This program will take some comittment, as one didn't get anxiety and depression overnight, the healing will not be overnight.
There are cards that you can carry with you for extra coaching. Many times she does allow patients to speak and sometime it may not be all for you to listen, but these are examples that may always fit someone.
There is a program by Lucinda Bassett that does cover just the ANXIETY if you feel that is something you need to focus on.
I have listened to this as an aid for a few people, and I am impressed by the text and her entire program. ....Rizzo
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When I first purchased this program I figured it probably would work for most people.
But in the back of my mind I thought I wouldn't be one of the lucky ones. However,
I am so happy to say that
THE ATTACKING ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION PROGRAM DOES WORK!!!
It was like opening up a book and reading all about my personality. I was astonished to find out that other people thought and acted just like I did. Unfortunately these negative actions were helping to create a great deal of anxiety and depressive thoughts. The program contains A LOT of information and it can be overwhelming at first. Once you get working with the program you start to find that you are changing...slowly for the better. It doesn't happen overnight, but it does happen at a pace that you are comfortable with and that is the secret of the program.
This program changed my life. I can't even imagine where I would be if I had never taken the chance to try it.
The other TOP SECRET tool that the program offers is the one on one coaching. It was so wonderful to work with someone who had been through the program and was trained by the Midwest Center to guide me through the 15 week program. My coach also supported me when I was having down days and she also mad me laugh when I didn't think there was anything funny about anxiety. My coaching sessions were just what I needed to keep my going especially on days when I just felt like giving up on myself.
If you ever want to give yourself a gift or for someone you know that is suffering with anxiety this is the gift that will keep on giving for a lifetime.
