Program Demo and Overview

The Midwest Center
for Stress & Anxiety, Inc.
106 N. Church St Suite 200
PO Box 205
Oak Harbor, OH 43449
Tel: 419 898 4357
Fax: 419 898 0669

By Carolyn Dickman, Midwest Center Education Director

VOLUME 2, Number 5 September 2002

WHAT'S SO BAD ABOUT GETTING OLDER?

"Is it simply our personal dismay over physical changes that make us dread getting older, or is it also that we'll now be perceived by others as less valuable in our youth-worshipping culture?... Carol thinks it comes from fear: I think most everything against anything, every "ism," is fear-based. In this case it's the buried fear of becoming old and powerless, and the fear of dying." *

* From JUICY TOMATOES, Plain truths, dumb lies, and sisterly advice about life after 50, by Susan Swartz. I love this book! I highly recommend it to all spunky, spicy women about to enter or fully immersed in their 50's.

"Hello, my name is Carolyn and I am over 50."

Just in case I've given the false impression that I have it "all together," I am here today to set the record straight. Life truly is a journey. We have the opportunity to become more fully actualized every step of the way.

This summer has been an opportunity for me to grow, adjust and accept. I have had some health issues to adjust to and problem solve. I have had some more signs of aging to adjust to and accept. I have had some job challenges, some home life adjustments and the need to grieve for the loss of a friend. On top of all of these important opportunities: a college dorm mates reunion and a high school reunion... one would think that was enough "reunioning" but there will be a reunion of my fellow (20 years ago) Lamaze instructors in a few weeks.

The reunions were fun. The previous gatherings that I had attended were uncomfortable to say the least. My anxiety usually got the best of me and I admit I was attending for the wrong reasons. I desperately wanted to prove I was a different person than what I perceived my classmates thought of me. (My maiden name was, Good, and I've been trying to live that name down for yearsJ Now – you can all stop laughing at the name I traded for!)

"The Midwest Center is committed to providing the individual with cost and time efficient cognitive behavioral based solutions - solutions that foster strength, character and self-empowerment."

DON'T PANIC!

•	Accept the feeling, it can't hurt you.
•	Give yourself permission to feel anxious.
•	Don't over-breathe. Breathe slowly through your nose.
•	Calm yourself with positive self-talk.
•	Let go. Just float and flow.
•	Distract yourself, it is only anxiety.
•	Use the adrenalin in a positive pursuit.
•	Don't let a bad day scare you.
•	Let time pass. IT WILL GO AWAY.

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