GAD - Does CBT help

[Araminta]

What I find so hard to understand is why I feel the way I do. I have had loads of good days so far this year but this last week has been awful, very depressed and nearly all of the physical symptoms. Unlike so many of you, I have suffered no traumas or other issues, in fact I don't have the pressure of going to work, no money worries, a very supportive husband and daughter and very understanding neighbours who are also great friends, five of which, including my husband, have, or do still suffer with anxiety/depression. My GP is wonderful and has shown nothing but interest and understanding for the two years since my condition was diagnosed. How does CBT help? Can it get to the bottom of all this. Has anyone found that it does change the way you think?

[hamish1]

Well i am the same. I work in a good job, my wife is really supportive and my kids are good. No money worries or past history to make me feel like this. My parents love me to bits and my dad is supporting me in every way possible. I am currently going through hellish anxiety and my tablets dont seem to be working. I have tried cbt but when we were talking i didnt really have many issues to talk through apart from this dreaded anxiety.

[GrayEm]

I am in a similar position to both of you and am just starting cbt. The logic of cbt seems very sensible. Our anxieties are perpetuated by anxious thoughts. CBT helps by replacing anxios thoughts with more positive ones. I will post again with more feedback as to how I am finding it.

[Hidden]

Hi, I'm a newbie but have had gad for 10yrs and having cbt for the last three years, (hence the trying4eva name haha) a long time I know, but its helped me get a handle on many anxious and intrusive thoughts by training your brain to go down a different path than the one you are used to, unfortunately I am going through a bad patch at the min so am not able to put a lot into it so therfore not getting a lot out of it as with many things you only get out what you put in! itis really hard work i find but worth it in so many ways I know I'll never be cured but cbt gives me hope, which I hadn't had for a long time. Best wishes. X

[Hidden]

CBT does, allow one to look at things in another way.

We dont have to change the way we think, so much as not be so interested in what our minds say, and then react to it. Especially the negative stuff which seems to get great attention

Not knowing your full story, its difficult to pin down whats causing/continuing your anxiety, is it anxiety or depression? are you taking drugs for it?

here's a few guesses.

Are you looking a lot of the time for more things, things you dont need but want all the same?

The needing/wanting thoughts

The grass is always greener thoughts?

Do you feel you are contributing? are you bothered about that?

Sometimes these type of thoughts can disrupt our peace, its difficult to appreciate what we have and accept it as enough.

Very interesting........ you have piqued my inquiring mind, or am I just being nosey

Anyway, try the CBT, anythings worth a try

B

xxx

[jpars]

I find CBT fine when talking to the therapist, but generally difficult to apply. I stare at pages of questions for ages, which isn't practical in real life. I have read lots on CBT and try to find literature which is as simple as possible. The NHS have come up again with the long winded stuff. This is my second session, last time was 2005 when we went through the book 'Mind over Mood' which is a 7 step model. Far too much for me to cope with, but I got a glowing release report thing about how well I had done then (they just reflected on this recently, it isn't a test or anything, although i manage to turn it into one!)when I didn't feel I had done well at all. I don't quite 'get it'.