arrgh………it’s bad enough to have anxiety induced fear but

[Thankfulforhelp22]

….I also feel so intensely ashamed that I am afraid of things that seem so ordinary to others.

I’m trying to figure out how to deal with a scary (for me) decision involving overseas travel and whether I should go.

easy to fantasize about facing down a fear but when it stands before you … avoidance seems such a comfort and so familiar and safe. Of course that gets me nowhere.

I want to end on a positive. I am thankful for this community and encouraged by how you help each other while dealing with your own pain. It’s so wonderful, kind and noble.

When I reach the point when the victories start to routinely outnumber my defeats I know I will never forget how difficult it was for me and is for my brothers and sisters. Because all men and women are brothers and sisters.

[Agora1]

What a beautiful post my friend. There was a time that I was afraid of everything.

They call it "fear of fear" I mean it was so intense that I became Agoraphobic and

thought by hiding in my house, I would be safe. It didn't make any difference.

You see the fear is deep within us and unless we face that fear, it continues haunting

our every thought. Regarding your overseas travel, right now you are having anticipational

anxiety. Do you see what I mean?. Once anxiety grabs hold it doesn't want to let go. It tells

lie after lie and before long, our world gets smaller and smaller.

I hope you go on that trip. Show Anxiety who is the boss...Take back control of your life.

Once you do, each step forward gets easier. I know because I did it myself. We stand

behind your decision whatever it may be. Please keep us updated xx

[Thankfulforhelp22 in reply to Agora1]

thanks so very much for this. Bless you 😀🙏🏾

[designguy]

You might really appreciate and find the DARE Anxiety book's approach to dealing with anxiety helpful for you. It is a challenge to heal from anxiety but it is definitely possible. Anxiety can cause us to have a lot of shame but the reality is that we were using it to protect ourselves to survive and we didn't know any better so don't beat yourself up about it. You are not alone in having anxiety it is very common . The good thing is that it is very treatable and people do recover and heal from it.

[Thankfulforhelp22 in reply to designguy]

appreciate this. Thank you.