Well done benzmum

Sorry I've not posted on this thread before but wanted to say well done Benzmum,you did really well.

My son gets anxious about school and i mean anxious. I got him a book from Amazon about controlling his worries, its a bit American and a kid one, but it has really really helped him. It uses cognitive therapies to help him control his anxiety. His anxiety is specifically to do with school, although it spreads into other areas when he is having an 'episode', an education team have given me stuff now as well and again it is based upon cognitive therapy. Its brilliant and being someone who is prone ot worries myself (that do, at points hinder me) I have also started to use some of the methods and they work.
I mention, incase it could help people on this thread, it may be worth talking to someone about whether you could find out about it?
Hugs to all.
Ax

Ooooh bad me -- no update for ages...

I'm slowly acclimatising to the move. Of all the problems that I have, poor navigation is, by far, the most troublesome. We often joke that I could get lost going up and down in a closed elevator.

Ergo, for the first week, I was unable to walk the dog, through fear of getting lost. We live in a cul-de-sac which is within a maze of other little cul-de-sacs and streets. However, once things had settled down, I got my partner (who has remarkable navigation skills) to walk with me for three days.

The difference in me now, compared to this time two years ago, is that I'm now a little braver and accepting of the fact that there really is only one person who can make things better, and that's me. So, on day four, I just resigned myself to the fact that if I get lost, I get lost. (Though I took my partner's mobile, just in case.)

Anyway, suffice to say that the dog and I are now in full throttle and walking around like we've lived here for years. Last weekend, we went up to Saddleworth Moor; absolutely incredible landscape there.

I'm even, wait for it, thinking of joining the Ramblers Association so that I can get more of this lovely UK landscape! So, all in all, things are going really well.

Well done GSDLover

I can understand about getting lost - I am someone who gets lost going to the toilets at a restaurant - even macdonalds...I forget what door I came in and what turn I took and could easily end up in the kitchens or store cupboard by mistake - no joke!!

Fantastic news, so glad to hear that you are doing ok, and what a great idea the rambling club is...can you take the dog too?
so pleased you are doing well

And thanks Ramble I have been reading a few books recently so will definitely look out for that one on amazon/ebay. My latest is anxiety for dummies which is quite good I got it off of ebay. Again a lot of it is cognitive behaviour. Thanks again

That's the one!

Hotels are the worst. I used to dread having to go on courses, for that very reason.

I get lost so easily as well, I did end up in a kitchen in one restaurant and it was only a country pub place quite small I opened the door and these people just looked at me while they were cooking, I just said hi with a very red face and then tried the next door which thank god was the right one. And hospitals I am lost from the time I go through the main doors. I wish I could take some arrows or tape with me so that I can follow it on the way out.

Hi guys,

Not been a good week for me anxiety high for NO reason. I am off to docs tomorow at 09.50, has anyone had counselling to help with anxiety/panic? and what were your views? I am thinking of asking to see a counsellor or behaviour therapist as my thinkinking drives me to anxiety on many occasion...its kinda like I dont know how to cope with something so I become anxious and then I become anxious about becoming anxious and then I cant sleep for worrying about becoming anxious about becoming anxious about being anxious

The doc I am seeing usually just gives me loads of drugs and I am fed up taking them and they dont help so wanted to have some other suggestions....

Also thought i would try and write stuff down so I dont get in a state and cry uncontrollably

I've had the full array. Firstly was a psychologist. This was a few years ago and when I didn't really recognise that I was so driven and had OCD. She helped me immensely. I went once a week for over a year as I recall. It was mainly talking to help identify why I do what I do, recognising the signs, and so forth.

Then, when my last major episode kicked in, it was sufficiently bad to warrant both a psychiatrist and a social worker. The social worker was incredibly helpful by showing me avenues that were open to me, such as day-centres where I could learn to socialise (Hmm, I sound like a dog) around people who weren't going to judge me, etc, and gave me access to horse-riding and all sorts. However, I was too bad at the time to make the most of the opportunities she opened up. However, the lengths she went to help were incredible, such as taking afternoons to walk around town with me, while I had to tell her how I felt at each point...

The psychiatrist -- I didn't find helpful in the least. It might have been the guy but we just didn't click and I found him very abrupt and unsympathetic, as well as pressed for time, which they most certainly are.

Certainly, on the NHS, you can wait an absolute age for a psychiatrist, they really are that booked up. However, there are always more avenues to explore, such as Social Services, and psychologists, and even counsellors.

Do remember, you will, as we all do, ill or not, have good and bad weeks. As for writing things down, I know of no better self-therapy. Even if you never share the end result with anyone else, it helps you to get things aired and in some form of view to look at. Aside from that, as you improve, and you will, you can read things back and read just how different things are.

Hi Benzmum, sorry you haven't had a good week. It seems to be up one minute down the next doesn't it. I have had a councellor and she was brilliant. In the beginning I was so ill I could not even look out the window let alone go out. She got me through that in as much as I do go out now even if it is not as much as I would like. She explained what was happening to me and it was great to have someone to talk to. First few times were strained but I think they expect that but after a while it was great. She gave me tips on relaxation and how to try and cope if I feel an attack coming on while I am out. It hasn't stopped them but I am able to cope much better. I don't feel as if I am going to die anymore when I have an attack. So I feel I am coping. The only places I used to feel at ease were either the hospital or the surgery in case I had an attack and my breathing would stop or something like that, but I don't think like that anymore. I am sure you will benifit from seeing a counsellor. All the best.