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Ben
05-04-19, 03:26 PM
I've suffered from depression and anxiety since I was 20.

Been taking anti-depressants for it on and off since then.

Awaiting my first CBT session next Tuesday.

Hope to find this forum useful for advice.

Mira
05-04-19, 03:42 PM
Hello Ben,

Nice to meet you. This place is a warm place for support. And people do give out advice but will never assume the rol of a specialist.

Feel free to share as much or little as you like. And read a bit what others wrote. No pressure.

Jaquaia
05-04-19, 03:55 PM
Hi and welcome! You'll find loads of support here from people who understand:)

Suzi
05-04-19, 04:52 PM
Hi Ben and welcome! Great name - my eldest is called Ben! :)
Look forward to getting to know you x

Paula
05-04-19, 10:15 PM
Hi Ben and welcome!

Ben
06-04-19, 02:34 PM
Thanks for the warm welcome. Yes, Suzi, Ben is a nice name if I may say so. Just not Benjamin! ��

Has anyone on here had CBT and did you find it useful?

OldMike
06-04-19, 03:10 PM
Hi Ben (hi) I've tried CBT it wasn't very successful in my case but I know others who have benefited from it. We are all different and it is well worth a try.

Jaquaia
06-04-19, 04:27 PM
I've had integrated counselling which included aspects of CBT. I found that some of it helped

Ben
06-04-19, 05:52 PM
Thanks.

I'm based in Lancashire and I attended a six-week Mindsmatter group course with other people. It was called 'Living life to the full'. I found it helpful but it's the individual CBT that I think I really need.

Suzi
06-04-19, 08:57 PM
Ahh, we called Ben Ben rather than Benjamin! :)

My husband has had CBT a couple of times. The first time wasn't that successful - but he had no belief in it and was determined it wasn't going to work... The second time was better....

Ben
06-04-19, 09:29 PM
That's good to hear, Suzi (happy).

Yes, I think CBT is one of those things you've got to be committed to and believe in for it to work. I'll give it my best shot and hopefully it'll make a difference.

Ben
12-04-19, 09:36 AM
Unfortunately I got my dates muddled up for my CBT appointment and missed it, so I'm having to wait until April 29 now for my first session. 😞

Jaquaia
12-04-19, 09:55 AM
That's something I've done too so don't worry about it too much. Can you set it as a reminder in your calendar on your phone?

Paula
12-04-19, 11:32 AM
We’ve all done that at some point or another but 29th isn’t too far off, hunni

Ben
12-04-19, 11:43 AM
Yeah it's not too far. I'll just keep taking my tablets until then.

Yes, setting a reminder is a good idea also!

Suzi
12-04-19, 03:02 PM
That's a pita! We've all done it at some point, try not to beat yourself up too much about it.

OldMike
12-04-19, 04:56 PM
So easy to get dates wrong, stick a note on your fridge as a reminder.

Ben
09-05-19, 07:04 PM
I attended my first session last week.

Too early to say if it's been useful as it was just an introduction. But the psychiatrist identified my main problem as worry and she's going to work round that we well as getting me to keep to a daily routine.

Shame I would have waited two weeks by the time the next session comes along on Monday. I don't feel like I've improved currently and I'm worrying and feeling more depressed and hopeless than ever. :(

Paula
09-05-19, 08:37 PM
I don't feel like I've improved currently and I'm worrying and feeling more depressed and hopeless than ever. :(

It’s not a quick fix, I’m afraid, CBT is something that needs to be worked on and will take time.

Suzi
09-05-19, 09:05 PM
I completely agree, definitely not a quick fix...

Ben
11-05-19, 03:05 PM
I know it's not a quick fix.

I'll stick with it. My next session is on Monday.

Suzi
11-05-19, 03:17 PM
Are you keeping a mood diary or anything? Something you can show them if needed?

Ben
13-05-19, 05:48 PM
I'm not keeping a mood diary. However, I did have another CBT session today, and my psychiatrist drafted out a flow diagram for me which outlined my thoughts and mood and how they affect my behaviour and physical health.

She's also given me an activity schedule so I can write down what I do during the day to help me develop a routine that will take my mind off things. I've also got to focus on making sure I take a lunch break in work and regular desk breaks, as well as doing a physical activity or some form of activity in the evening and reducing the amount of coffee I drink and replacing it with water.

A few simple steps but start small and aim big I guess...

Paula
13-05-19, 05:50 PM
It’s sounds like a very positive session. Well done for getting through it :)

Suzi
13-05-19, 09:35 PM
It does sound really positive! You are right, each mile starts with the smallest step....