Anyone been to therapy? Need advice on how to control these negative thoughts plz!

[Amber98]

Hi, I'm wondering if anyone who's experienced CBT could give me some advice.

I've done really well in school and want to continue but now my anxiety/depression have gone through the roof and it's really hindering my success.

I have to take a TIMED admission test and I dont think I can do it because everytime the timer starts I have all these negative thoughts that come to the surface.

Here are the worst ones:

1. I tell myself I am going to fail and never be a success in life.
2. I tell myself my anxiety/depression will never go away

It's almost as if I want myself to fail and I can't control these thoughts. Due to this I freeze up and can't concentrate.

I really need help, I've tried effexor, sertraline, cipralex and now i'm on prestiq but it's not helping :(

[Amber98]

Thank you both!!! Thank you sooo much!! I am crying because this is so hard, but it really helps to see positive comments. I will TRY to keep positive.

Mammo, I will print out what you said and read it everyday.

I just need to beleive in myself!! I think it's hard when I have no one to believe in me. Thats why it feels so good to even read your comments.

[gofio]

CBT works for me. The previous post gives lots of good advice. It really is possible to learn to ditch your negative thoughts when they pop up, it's not an instant solution, but when you learn the technique it will certainly help you in every aspect of your life. It's unnecessary to use it every day when you become well, but it's there to help when you feel that you're losing it. It generally goes along with prescribed meds. for best results. It's vital (in my opinion) that you & therapist get along well. If you don't it's unlikely to be a success. There's a plethora of therapists out there, hope you select a good one that you trust. Best wishes.

[mammo]

How long have you been o Pristique?  It is recommended for people who have had no success with other medications.  If it's been at least 6 weeks...let your doctor know that it's not working, you may need a dosage increase.  Try pushing the negative thoughts out with positive ones like......I can do anything I want to......I didn't get this far by not being smart, so I can do this! Prior and during the test do deep breathing exercises....deep slow breaths in thru your nose and out of your mouth.  Anxiety feeds off our fears and worries....take these away and it can't survive.  I know this is easier said than done, but a good way to start is by thinking positive thoughts about yourself.  When a negative thought enters your mind immediately replace it with a positive one.  For example when you start to think...I'll never be a success in life..think...I can be and do anything I want..and will!  Always replace it with something positive.  Know that most of us are doing extremely well in every way in spite of our anxiety/depression.  You will have a good life, and YOU can and will make it happen!  I highly recommend therapy to help you with all of this, it can work wonders.  Talk to your doctor about your medication and asked to be referred to a therapist for help. I can tell by your post that you're very bright....keep fighting back and you will win over the anxiety.  Take a deep breath and go after your life, you don't want to miss a moment of it and good luck on the test!