Question about CBT

by Lyn

Your experience sounds so similar to mine. Just wondering how many dark years you endured to see the light.

CBT seems so laborsome and yes, my mind is telling me it won't work, etc., etc. Your comments make me realize that I must be committed.

Reply from Sound-Mind.org

Hi Lyn,

Oh boy, you know...I think I experienced anxiety as a young child and this caused me to be less interested in things that would call attention to myself. However, anxiety was sure to wax and wane all throughout my life. It wasn't until I was an adult, had a family and began to make big changes in my life that I found out just how horrible anxiety could become. I had my first memorable experience with anxiety when I was around 25-26, only then I didn't know what it was. Then went many years without it, but always wondering when "whatever that was" would come back to haunt me. It did return with a vengence at the age of 32. But here I am 10 years later with a website that reaches out and encourages & supports others. I am living proof that CBT (cognitive-behavioral therapy) works. It takes time and you must have patience and you are right in saying you must be committed to practice recovery methods. Overcoming anxiety takes a lot of work. You MUST be persistent, more persistent than the anxiety itself. You must NOT give up but continue to push through. Anxiety cannot win if you don't give up. I just want to encourage you to get moving in your recovery. No matter how long you have been suffering or how hard it may be for you, you can do it...one day at a time, one hour, one minute. You must keep your eye on the prize and remember that all this effort is not a waste but will ultimately lead to a healthier and happier life. So many people want this fixed overnight but I tell you, it's a process that you must be patient with. Accept it, accept yourself and do something everyday that will help yourself overcome this. You've got nothing to lose!
Hang in there Lyn! If I can do it, you can do it. Don't listen to negative people or even your own negative thoughts. Ignore them all and give it all you've got. You'll be amazed at how far CBT can bring you. :)
Take Care!
~Susan