I just wanted to share a few things that may help a few people in the forum. Im 43 yrs. old, and this is like my third major bout with anxiety/depression in my lifetime.
I can remember that during the last two seasons of anxiety, I was always looking outside of myself for approval. Any time I felt any kind of fear, (which was all the time), I would immediately call my three older sisters, or my therapist, or my wife, or whoever I felt would listen to me. I DROVE THEM CRAZY. I absolutely had no self image, no faith in myself at all. Nothing. It was as if I couldnt do anything without thier approval or consultation. I even went up to a complete stranger once, and asked her something about God, and if she thought He was mad at me. My family was so sick of me, so afraid that it was me when the phone rang.
When I ordered the program, I did so because I was determined that THIS "SEASON OF ANXIETY" was going to be different than the others. This time I wasnt going to rely on others. This time, I was going to own my own pain and carry my own load. The reason I brought this up to you all, is that I have noticed that it is easier this way. It helps your self image when youre not harrassing your family all the time. It helps you to feel better about yourself when youre relying on your own power and strength to see yourself through. Im not talking about the forum, Im talking about those around you, in your family, in your circle of friends. Try being happy, positive. Suprise yourself and the others around you by NOT talking about your symptoms and feelings. Work on being your own best advisor. Take steps to wean yourself off of others. This will EMPOWER YOU. Now see, I was just tempted to put myself down by saying something like, "I know Im not an expert, blah, blah, blah"....I DO believe that what I have just written will be of assistance to someone.

Good advice! I agree. I have been really focusing on acknowledging the power of words to create reality. Meaning, if you keep talking about it and dwelling on it and telling people about it, it becomes bigger and bigger. Just trust in your own God-given abilities and your faith in Him to guide you and it will be easier than looking for the answer outside of yourself. Because, really, the people we go to when we need assurance are the ones without the disorder right? So how can they truly help us? They don't even know or understand what we are going thru, they are just being forced to take a stab in the dark and it puts them in a bad position and makes us look bad in their eyes sometimes. So, you have the right idea. Keeping your disorder more to yourself can help.

YOu know, I wouldnt tell anyone how I felt. My husband hardly knew what I was feeling and going thru. I felt like I had to just suck it up and I was embarrassed by my anxiety and body symptoms. I was one of those that had to learn it was ok to talk about my anxiety and let others know what I was going thru. I didnt go around telling everyone but just those I thought would be encouraging or helpful. As time goes by I still tell people about it but not for reassurance. To let them know what I went thru and maybe it can help them. I have a 14 year old friend who has anxiety but she will NOT listen to my tapes. I just dont get it. I just remind her they are here if she ever decides she wants to listen to them. I guess I got off the subject. Anyways, we do need to learn that we can take care of ourselves and reassure ourselves as well. WE dont have to rely on others but that we possess that ability.
Reena