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What's your recovery plan? You have got one haven't you?

Jeff1943 profile image
9 Replies

There are many good folk on here who give reassurance and support and that's very important. It's helpful to list our symptoms here, hearing from other people with the same symptoms allows us to learn things and it's nice to know we're not alone.

Unfortunately the repeated listing of symptoms doesn't bring a cure. We all need a positive recovery plan that can include medications, talking therapy and self-help techniques.

We acquire anxiety disorder, and the depression or depletion that comes out of anxiety, because we've spent too long putting up with s**t. That includes toxic relationships, a job you hate, grief, loss, overwork, disappointment, you name it. So the first thing is to remove yourself from the cause(s) of your anxiety disorder. This may involve taking drastic action but you have to do it to recover your quiet mind and your needs come first. Because you're little use to anybody if you continue to do nothing.

After constantly bombarding our nervous system with negative emotions our nerves can take no more. They become over sensitive and start sending us false signals. Minor aches become life-threatening illnesses and every small problem is seen as an impossible obstacle. Such is life in the cuckoo's nest. The trick is to stop bombarding our nerves with fear and negativity so giving them a rest and time to recover.

The more we learn about anxiety the more we realise it's a toothless tiger. It can't kill you, cripple you or send you crazy even though our vivid imaginations tell us otherwise. Basically, we've got very good at frightening ourselves half to death.

Recovery plans can begin with meds, discuss it with your doctor: if you're overwhelmed with anxiety and depression and have a job and family to support meds can buy you time. But they only bring respite not cure, the bad feelings can return when you stop taking them.

A recovery plan may also include talking therapy with a mental health professional who knows their stuff. And it can also take on board self-help techniques in book form or on YouTube that teach us how accepting anxiety for the moment takes the pressure off our nervous system thereby helping it to recover. Learn to live with anxiety and you'll be able to live without it.

The posts I like reading on here most are those recording progress made and how it was gained. Having a recovery plan is a tonic in itself.

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Jeff1943 profile image
Jeff1943
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9 Replies
Minnie87 profile image
Minnie87

Thanks Jeff.you are so right as always.

I always assumed you were from the US so I've always read your posts thinking you had an American accent.lol.

Nice to know now you are only down the road x

Jeff1943 profile image
Jeff1943 in reply toMinnie87

Yes, only down the road, Minnie. But whether I'm in Britain or Europe only time will tell😊

Ladygrey profile image
Ladygrey

After years of reoccurring anxiety I have a recovery plan.

I’m seeing a counsellor and trying out a little meditation, just ten minutes at a time - this has already helped during one panic attack and is very similar to jeff1943’s ‘med free remedy’ post.

That said alongside this I am taking prescribed medication.

I realise this is going to take time. I’m struggling right now but hoping by investing time in the recovery plan this bout of anxiety will pass, future bouts lessen and when they do re-occur I’m better equipped to deal with them.

I appreciate counselling is hard to come by - I’m seeing a private counsellor and having to budget to do so which has encouraged me to find ways to save money... a positive. I’m also taking time to do those little jobs that I’ve not had the concentration span to accomplish... another positive. Little steps, one task at a time. For me - one 5 minute task is a break from the restlessness.

I writing in the hope of encouraging others.

Thank you jeff1943.

Jeff1943 profile image
Jeff1943 in reply toLadygrey

You are an example to us all, Ladygrey, you have taken control of your recovery and fully deserve the recovery that will surely be your's.

jesset profile image
jesset

Thank you I read what you wrote

trapis2 profile image
trapis2

I love your comment " learn to live with anxiety and you will live without it " . That one sentance really hit me. I will use that whenever anxiety hits.

Jeff1943 profile image
Jeff1943 in reply totrapis2

Trapis2, that sentence (which I think BeeVee first expressed) sums up the Acceptance method of self-help devised by Doctor Claire Weekes in her first book 'Self help for your nerves' (U.K. title) first published 50 years ago and still helping people to find respite and recovery all these years later. Still available from Amazon. The same book is titled 'Hope and help for your nerves' in th U.S.

trapis2 profile image
trapis2 in reply toJeff1943

I read so many posts on here that said her books were so helpful, so I ordered one from Barne's and Noble. Haven't got it yet, but looking forward to reading it, Hugs

Tinkynutbug profile image
Tinkynutbug

Great wise words of hope !

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