Today my husband forced me to hold a dead roach in my hand and to come to terms with my irrational fear of roaches. I was literally screaming and I am so drained right now. My anxiety level shot up twelve notches. But I know he was doing this for my own good. He knew before I did that I could survive this. I really feel as if I made progress in this area. As you can already guess I hate roaches. I also hate spiders and bees. He told me that the roach was plastic so that I would do it but it was still very difficult. First I held it with a paper towel and then he removed the towel. I can say that even though I screamed and had a spaz attack, I still managed to conquer this fear. After about ten to fifteen minutes I was actually calm. Probably exhausted from the anxiety. I would not necessarily recommend this for all persons in all situations. In spite of all my screaming and yelling, I was still able to conquer this through Christ. I honestly cannot believe I survived this. This shows how the mind is the true battlefield. Can anyone relate to this? I would be interested in hearing about anyone's success stories where they were exposed to something they absolutely dreaded and managed to survive to share their story.

EXCELLENT! EXCELLENT! EXCELLENT!
I went thru exposure therapy for scary obsessive thoughts, though in a more formal setting .

It's hell when you're actually going thru the session and you're freaking, but when you've accomplished it, you feel like you climbed Mt. Everest.

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I was still able to conquer this through Christ.

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This shows how the mind is the true battlefield.

You read Joyce Meyer too?

Once again: congrats!

Thank you so much 2Cor5:17! I have read Joyce Meyer before but not the Battlefield of the Mind book she has. She is my favorite pastor. Well, I guess I just have to keep on going and fighting the negative. Thanks again.

Congratulations mk1223. I know this was really hard. I am glad my main problem is depression and not anxiety. I think this would be a lot harder for me than Army boot camp, and that is no exaggeration. You deserve a medal. Be sure and reward yourself!

Thanks Don53. I think my "medal" will be the week I have off before my classes start. I planned that as my week to do nothing but there is always work even in paradise. And that's fine with me because I don't like to do absolutely nothing in a day. It would be interesting to see me try and kill a roach now...LOL. One step at a time.