You Are Not Alone
Having an anxiety disorder is a life disruptor at so many levels. It can not only whittle away your self esteem, relationships, quality of life but also can feel very lonely. It's difficult to get involved with friends because your life is limited with choices. People can sometimes be helpful but more often think they are being helpful with hurtful comments such as:
"well just snap out of it"...."you can control it if you want to"... "maybe your not trusting God enough"... and many other similar remarks.
Hearing these is like salt in a wound when you are struggling through each day and feel it is taking everything you have just to survive. When I was at my worst point with Agoraphobia and panic attacks I was unable to drive or even walk to the mailbox by myself. This despite the mailbox was only about 50 yards away. I was afraid to stay alone and painstakingly planned every second of every day so that I would not be. My thoughts were filled with "what ifs", negative thinking, fear, and frustration. The last thing I needed was someone telling me it was "all in my head" or to "just get a grip".
In the beginning I tried a parade of counselors, doctors, and anything or anyone that seemed to hold some kind of hope. After awhile it actually hurt to hope again in another possible help. I was tired of being disappointed, felt like there was no hope, and as if I were the only person in the whole world that had these strange feelings and limitations.
It's been a number of years since I was in that state of hopelessness. From the other side I can tell you that there is hope, there is help, and you are not alone. Unfortunately there are still people around that just "don't get it" and can still wound with words. The good news is that you can choose to listen or not.
If you are living with an anxiety disorder than my book is for you. It is for the person that spends days in worry and fear. The person that finishes every thought with "but what if..." For the person with panic attacks so overwhelming they are sure they are dying or going crazy. For the person that feels there is no hope or help. For the person that feels that no one else could relate to their experiences. For the person who feels worthless because they can't do certain things or go certain places. To the friend or family member that knows someone with an anxiety disorder and doesn't understand or know how to help. This book is for you and shares both my failures and my successes in order to help you decide what you would like to try for your personal situation. I hope it saves you time in your journey and that you can gain insight from over 20 years of my experiences. This book is to inspire you not only how to live again but also how to love again...love yourself maybe for the first time. To find the *you* that has been buried in the anxiety.
I hope to hear from you soon and that you will share with us in the forum about your struggles, prayers, victories etc. Mostly get to know others who share in your struggles and joys and know that YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!