Archive for April, 2006
Connecting with a therapist
On the day of my psychologist appointment, I contemplated canceling and trying to cope with things on my own. I was going through a rough patch with my anxiety and depression, and quite honestly, didn’t feel as through anything would make a difference. No one in this world understood what I was going through – [...]
Getting professional help
Having made an appointment with a therapist, I felt as though, for the first time in my life, I was making progress. For the first time in my life, I had done something real. Unlike my previous attempts at curing my social anxiety, I was getting outside help – professional help. Unfortunately, I was so [...]
I had social anxiety disorder – what next?
For years I had, what I like to call, the “go it alone” attitude. I refused to get help for my problems - thinking that things would eventually turn around - thinking that, somehow, I would find a way out of this on my own. I don’t know what I expected in the way of [...]
When change is not enough
Stirring up my daily schedule was ok for a while, but I slowly got used to the routines (no matter how randomly I planned my day). What I learned was that the body and mind adapt quickly. Patterns are figured out, and before you know it, the brain provides auto thoughts and actions to accommodate [...]
Social discrimination
Years ago, while still living at home and attending high school, there was a person who lived a few blocks down the street from my parents’ house. Back then, anything different or out of the ordinary was scrutinized, not only by children and youths, but by the adults of the community as well.
The individual [...]