Where Do We Start?

[Fighting for Freedom 0]

Hi everyone.   I think the hardest part for me is finding where to start.  It feels like it is so consuming sometimes that I don’t know where to start to turn things around.  I’m tired of struggling with anxiety everyday because life really is so short.   Anxiety runs in my family and I have tried medication and still take lexapro but feel like I’m order to really get control I need a step by step plan.   Does anyone else feel this way or found a book or something to help start a plan to get back to thriving?   I also just joined better help to start talking with a counselor.  Much love to you all, this is such a frustrating and crippling thing to deal with ❤️

[jonathan123 2359]

Hi There. FfF.  Welcome to AC. 'Where to start' the million dollar question!  First of all I will recommend a book by Dr. Claire Weekes, sadly no longer with us. She was regarded by many as a pioneer in the treatment of panic attacks and anxiety, Available from Amazon. 'Essential help for your Nerves'. It's a compilation of all her books first published in the 1980's. It became my Bible in the early days. She also made many recordings. 

The first thing to realise that any medication will not 'cure' anxiety, but it can give relief from the symptoms.  The second thing is it will take time. Letting time pass and having patience is not easy for the anxious person. I have no 'magic wand', neither has anyone.  I have always believed that anxiety has it's roots in the past. Childhood experiences etc. But present problems like bereavement or a job loss and suchlike can trigger it off. There is always HOPE! Keep that firmly fixed in you mind. You are doing the right thing in going for counselling. In my view as an ex counsellor there is no better way out of anxiety. But you have to trust your counsellor, and that is essential. You also need to open up fully. Now this again will take time, one session will only prepare the way for the journey you are on. Anxiety can be life changing. Some emerge from it much better people than before. And it is long journey and can be a bumpy ride. But with perseverance and the will to get better it can work. NEVER give up on yourself however tempting it may be. Everyone on this site knows the pain of anxiety, so you are in good company. Be kind to yourself. No self criticism or doubts.  No one brings this on deliberately, although with some people it is prolonged by having false advice. 

Keep well away from Dr. Google. You will be led up manty dark alleys if you go there. 

Very Best Wishes. 

 

[panic9922 0]

Ever need to talk hit me up. No one ever gets on here much anymore. Message with a time ans day ans we can talk on chat 

[Doug97 5]

I am reading a book called The Worry Trick that I'm finding helpful. Also Don't Feed the Monkey Mind. But I'd recommend seeing a qualified clinical psychologist who would be best placed to help you draw up a plan.