feeling down

Hey Wen,

Lots of hugs coming your way.  You come here and vent whenever you need.  We do understand and we support you.  You will get better..........I am proof of that as are others.

Don't ever give up on you as we won't.

Wen,

Sorry that you are having a hard time.  I've been and am currently where you are right now, with the not being able to get out much.  But, I've also been to the other side, being able to go wherever and whenever I wanted, although not alone.  You will get there, it takes time and is hard to do, but you will make it.  I understand the wanting to give up too, but believe me, that's not much better.  When you choose to give up, you are left to deal with dissapointment and guilt and the feeling that your life is slipping away, guess it's obvious I've been there too!  Keep taking baby steps, I know it's hard, I know how extremely painful it can be to keep trying, but it's the way to freedom.  I believe in you wen, you can do this!  Let me know if there is anything I can do to help...maybe working together will make it easier for us! 

I empathise entirely. I force myself to go to places as I refuse to let this beat me. I used to have a real hard time in tesco's but from forcing myself to go there, I feel ok in there now! I have a big function to go to on Saturday and am dreading it, but I won't let it beat me! You are the same, positive thinking and you will be fine!

I find that doing the hard things, I do best with my family. Don't get me wrong, there are times I don't think I can do it. Positive thinking is good, someone also said to me to have an ipod, mp3 player, whatever with my favourite sing along songs on and take it around with me and when I feel a panic coming on, to plug it in and listen to a song til I calm down - works well when you are out with the family. My husband then knows when I am feeling bad, and tries to distract me too! Give it a go! You have to do things at your pace and when you are ready and then you will feel so much more proud!

I know how you feel and it will get better. I am on a waiting list to see a CBT therapist and I have found that talking on here and keeping a diary has really helped me and believe it or not, going out to my local pub for a drink and a chat has made a huge difference - I think I had forgotten how to have fun! How old are your kids? Jack my son is 5 in November.

All you can do, is be open and honest. There is nothing to be ashamed about - as I have recently discovered. I am looking forward to seeing the CBT therapist but the waiting list is 12 weeks over here in the UK on the NHS, so til then I will keep taking my meds and positive thinking and chatting to all you guys! It certainly helps me get through work too!

Likewise, it is nice to be able to air your thoughts and noone is judging you or crtitisising you - it's great therapy for all! Do keep me posted on how you are getting on - my email and msn are available!

Wen,

I find that I exclude myself from a lot of activities that my husband and children do.  It's hard to feel like you are missing that and not being a part of your own family.  Sometimes I'll say that I will go with them but when the time comes I freeze up and just can't do it.  At times my husband insists that I go with them and I have never had anything terrible happen when I do, but I'm not able to relax and enjoy the time.  I do get out of the house often, though, and am trying to make sure that my world doesn't get too small.

I really hope that the CBT is helpful for you.  I've thought about starting that.  I also just got the Anxiety Workbook.  Keep us updated.

Resting