How I did it: I was 18 when I first began to have serious problems with anxiety although I think I've been afraid all my life. When I got to the point where I didn't leave my appartment except to go to work I know I needed to do something so I ordered the Attacking Anxiety and depression program and followed it diligently. It really helped for a while, I got out, dated even moved to a new city. Eventually I got married and moved again and my life changed a great deal. I nolonger worked, I didn't know anyone and my husband traveled alot with work. I was alone alot again and all the old fears came back. After a year of being completely housebound I'd had enough. I went to the Dr and he put me on zoloft, in a few weeks I stopped having panic attacks and started to venture out. I even began driving...by myself!!! I reached out to some of the wives of my husbands co-workers and found friends and even had a child. I'm 29 now and still have random fears but I push past them now. It wasn't quick or easy but it's worth it. I try not to think about all the things I missed out on before, I prefer to focus on everything I have in my life now and all I have to look forward to in the future.

Lessons & tips: ASK FOR HELP!!! Talk to your Dr, maybe you need meds or therapy but your regular Dr should be your first step.
PUSH YOURSELF!! I believe it was Elanore Roosevelt that said "Do one thing everyday that scares you." It's a nessasary evil to get past the fear you HAVE to face it. Courage is not the absence of fear but the ability to act inspite of fear.

Resources: Attacking Anxiety and Depression by Lucinda Bassett
Zoloft, by perscription by my Dr
And the love and support of my friends and family.

Jan 07, 2009, 06:43AM PST | 0 comments | 7 cheers