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Post by debbie on Jan 8, 2014 15:27:39 GMT
Hello to everyone at Mindslikeours, I am a new member, I am using the name Debbie.
I am a veteran of mental illness having been diagnosed for 25 years now. At its most serious I have suffered psychosis but I also struggle with social anxiety, depression and used to be agoraphobic and suffered panic attacks. I have learnt skills to overcome the last two. I am anxious today, my garden fence was blown down in the wind and I have to deal with the neighbours who have shrubs growing on the boundary line and the fence contractor who is quoting to replace the fence. This stresses me out and makes my anxiety go sky high. You don't understand unless you suffer anxiety but to me it is a big deal whereas to others it would just be a breeze.
I hope to get to know others here who have had similar illnesses, I have a lot of experience in overcoming difficulties to do with depression and anxiety. I go by the motto, face it all, so long as I attempt everything no matter how stressful I have the chance of achieving things I want to achieve and am living my life without letting my illness defeat me.I hope I can help you, comfort you, make you laugh, smile, give you strength to overcome. I am a great believer in making things better for others and leaving the world in a better condition than when you entered it.
Thanks for reading my introduction. I look forward to hearing from you all soon.
Good karma.
DebbieX
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Post by Nick with OCD on Jan 8, 2014 16:14:32 GMT
Hello Debbie. Welcome to MiLO. I look forward to reading your input to others experiencing difficulties with depression, agoraphobia, social anxiety and panic attackc. I myself suffer from depression, social anxiety and have panic attacks alongside the OCD. I also have been told I have seasonal agoraphobia (linked to my ocd).
Thank you for joining and Welcome to MiLO
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Post by Bex on Jan 8, 2014 20:03:41 GMT
Hi Debbie,
Welcome to the forum, it's really nice to meet you! I'm personally recovering from agoraphobia at the moment so would love to hear some of your coping methods and how you managed to battle that!
I know what you mean by some thins being a breeze to others and an absolute nightmare for someone living with anxiety. I hope you'll find this a safe place to realise you're not alone in those thoughts!
Looking forward to seeing you around!
Bex x
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Post by debbie on Jan 8, 2014 20:10:51 GMT
Hi Nick,thank you for welcoming me to MiLO.Yes I have experienced most of what you are suffering except the OCD. I wonder have you tried reading, Self Help For Your Nerves by Dr Claire Weeks, I was able to overcome agoraphobia with the help of this book and the technique she describes as Face,accept,feel and hold, let time pass.Probably reading about the technique together with the other advice in the book is what helped me the most. I had agoraphobia many years ago for 4 years. I still have social anxiety and depression. I overcame the panic attacks with a technique called flooding, with that you deliberately bring on a panic attack and face it by accepting the symptoms and staying i the feared situation until the fear is gone, the panic subsided and that way you learn there is no need to be afraid and avoid places and situations.I would love to share what helps with you.Unfortunately with the social anxiety I could probably do with getting advice and tips on how to deal with rather than give it. It is lovely to meet you though and thanks again for the lovely welcome.
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Post by debbie on Jan 8, 2014 20:20:29 GMT
Hello Bex Thanks so much for the welcome, it is lovely to be here and I have looked around, everyone is so friendly and welcoming. I am sorry to hear you have agoraphobia but glad you are recovering. I have just mentioned to Nick in the post above, I was greatly helped to overcome agoraphobia by a book written by Dr Claire Weekes, Self Help For Your Nerves.It was using her methods that I was able to leave the house after 4 years. I was also having hypnotherapy at the time but I feel the writing of Dr Weekes helped me more.
I understand you are one of the founders of this site, that is so inspiring. I did not see the television program you were in so I know if I had seen that I'd know more about you, but from what I hear so far you are an excellent ambassador for us who have mental illness.Well done and thanks for your work so far!
I too look forward to talking with you more and seeing you around!
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Post by Toni-Louise on Jan 9, 2014 17:26:39 GMT
Hello, welcome to MiLO =] you have a great motto =] nice to meet you and hope you enjoy being a part of MiLO
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Post by lucyrob on Jan 9, 2014 18:21:09 GMT
Hey Debbie. Hope you're doing well. I LOVE your motto. Might steal that if you don't mind?
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Post by debbie on Jan 10, 2014 18:14:55 GMT
Hi lucyrob, thanks for your message. Yes, steal away, hope it helps you too to face things no matter the fear! And i appreciate your two little words,'Stay Strong'. Lovely to meet you, hopefully I will see you around!
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