new to group

[Guest guest]

Hi all,

I just joined the group after reading the ACT workbook, I am

currently working with it and really believe this is the philosophy

I have been looking for. I am slowly trying to wean myself off an

anti-depressant medication that I have been on for over a decade,

mostly for panic and anxiety but also some associated depression. I

have been trying to do this for some time but was never successful

due to weaning much too quickly and the rebound anxiety. I don't

believe I really need this anymore, I just believe my brain is so

used to getting it that I am going to have to be patient and really

take my time. I am also a recovering alcoholic and have been sober

for 13 years, so I find the acceptance theory to be somewhat similar

to things I have learned in AA, although different in ways as well

(ways that I really like.)

Anyway, sometimes during my anxiety I experience feelings of

depersonalization and derealization (feeling unreal, out of my body,

dreamlike, etc.)and was wondering if anyone else experienced these

things, and if so, how did you use ACT principles to tolerate them?

So far they have not been overwhelming, thank God, and I try not to

struggle and just realize that this is a perception that will pass,

but my biggest difficulty is not buying into the " thought train " and

the old story that " oh no, now I'm going crazy " , etc. Can anyone

relate to this? Would love to hear the experiences of others.

Thanks! Casey