Our minds are waiting to heal us.

[Jeff1943]

Our nervous system is fully able to repair itself like any other part of the body. All it needs is a period of peace and quiet to be allowed to do so. But all too often our response to the symptoms of anxiety disorder denies our nerves the period of calm they crave in order to recover.

All too often we fight our anxiety. But fighting only causes stress and tension. Our nervous system needs peace and quiet and we give it more stress and tension - and wonder why we're not recovering.

All too often we respond to the flash of first fear caused by our symptoms with second fear. Sometimes we frighten ourselves half to death imagining we have life-threatening illnesses. Once again the fear hormones we generate cause further sensitivity of our nervous system preventing the calm it needs to rest and recover.

All too often we stress and obsess about our symptoms causing more nervous anquish instead of the peace and quiet our nerves need.

It's like constantly picking a scab which only makes sure it won't get better.

In fact, the best way to help our jangled nerves recover is to do nothing. No more fighting, no more flooding our nerves with fear hormones and no more obsessing and stressing.

Instead we should passively and fearlessly accept for the time being all the strange thoughts and feelings that over sensitised nerves send our way.

By doing nothing more than simple acceptance we create the tranquil conditions for our nerves to rest, recouperate and recover in accord with the natural healing process.

As I've said before, we win not by the punches we give but by the punches we take.

[Clarrisa]

Thank you for those words. That is me to the letter. You would not believe how worked up I got over getting a DEXA scan this morning. My older sister told me there was nothing to it &, low & behold she was right. Your words ring very true. My good intentions need to alas, start today.

[Hidden]

Thanks for your calming advice again Jeff1943. My nerves are jangling a bit at the moment as I have to go out to get my Covid jab on Wednesday. I've not been out for so long....but I've managed to stay safe. Now I have to arrange for a taxi to take me to the centre, and I have to get in the same space with a stranger!!!! I find it worrying,to say the least. I'll try and absorb your wise words though and I'm sure I'll be fine. x

[Jeff1943 in reply to Hidden]

No harm will come to you, I am sure. Wear your mask in the taxi. I had my first Covid jab 10 days ago and my arm has not dropped off. The risk of not having the jab is so, so much more a danger to you than in having the jab.

[Hidden in reply to Jeff1943]

Thanks Jeff1943, that made me chuckle about the arm, I'll definitely wear my mask, and sit as far back in the taxi as I can get. I know it's got to be done, thanks for your words of encouragement. x

[bergh]

As always such valuable words to help myself and undoubtedly so many others x Jeff1943 you are unbelievabley wonderful and I wish I had you by my side and with me every day to provide the support and strength I so need xxxx Thank you from the depths of my heart XXX people like you help so much in an empowering way as opposed to a harmful "reassurance way" as we know the real deep hard work has to come from ourselves, but your experience and proven results gives us the strength to try. 🥰 and I know having you by my side all day is not helpful long-term, as I need to do this myself, it's just it would be nice and easy for a change when navigating this bloody life is so darn hard😉

[Jeff1943 in reply to bergh]

You really are too kind but as you probably know I only repeat the teachings of Claire Weekes, described in her recent biography as 'the woman who cracked the anxiety code.' Forgive my poor memory but at the risk of becoming a broken gramophone record have you read Doctor Weekes' first book 'Self help for your nerves' in which she outlines in simple terms her method for recovery based on six words: Face. Accept. Float. Let time pass.

Do not think I am ungrateful when I say you would be far better off having that book next to you than me. Once again, thank you for your kind words.

[Pat9]

Brilliant post Jeff, thank you 😆xx

[Samson1953]

Hi Jeff. This is wonderful advice. as I read yr notes , I began to feel relaxed n peaceful. Thank you so much. I hope many others read yr post. I will look into getting the book u referenced. sending you love n gratitude. Rose

[Jeff1943 in reply to Samson1953]

Thank you, Rose. Yes, that book has helped so many.