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Meet My Therapy Pet

· Healthy Lifestyle, Stress Management

Here is one of my secret weapons in my fight against panic attacks: Meet my Buddy. He is my personal therapy dog.

He’s one of those smiling dogs with a human personality (see him smiling in the picture?). He loves liverwurst, broccoli, and cat food. He’s just a regular pet, but I do consider him real therapy- he really helps me.

We got him as a puppy 2 years ago and he has grown to be such an important member of our family, not to mention one of my secret weapons in my fight against panic attacks.

Let me explain. He doesn’t actually stop panic attacks, and I can’t take him with me to church or a social gathering where I might feel anxious (although that would be great).

But he is my soft place to fall. He is the biggest goofball in the world and he loves to be hugged. He gives me the heroes welcome anytime I walk through the front door and he cries when I leave (even if I’m just going to get the mail). So you can bet if I had a challenging day I am hugging him like crazy soon after I get home.

And despite his size, he actually has a bit of anxiety himself. We are sort of kindred spirits in that way. He’s afraid of the vacuum cleaner and the oven, and he is afraid of some people and other dogs too.

He doesn’t know it, but he keeps me physically healthy too. I take him for a morning and afternoon walk every day. Those walks are the best thing I can do for myself. Mild exercise helps me relax and feel better overall. It definitely helps with anxiety. Walking Buddy is a good way for me to help my panic disorder without medication.

Being outside year round is also wonderful for decreasing my anxiety. I stay out for at least 20 minutes to get the natural light on the back of my retinas. This is a natural mood stabilizer as explained to me by a physician many years ago.

Hey they use therapy dogs at the Cleveland Clinic. Studies prove pet therapy works and dogs help with depression too.

I also have a kitty cat named Cutie who lives in my bedroom. During the day I can’t even find her but when I am having a rough night, like last night, she helps me get through it. She is a purr ball and happens to love being pet in the middle of the night. She is my nighttime kitty and I love her too.

How to help panic disorder without medication? Get a pet! They are wonderful. They really are furry little angels.

Do you have a pet that you love? How do your pets help you with your anxiety? I’d love to hear your thoughts and stories.

I wish you peace,
Jill G.

ps. Did you like this post? If so, I’d really appreciate a stumble, tweet or a Facebook mention. Thanks!

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Coping with Anxiety by Sharing it

· Agoraphobia, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Panic Attacks, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder

I made my whole deal with anxiety a lot harder when I was younger by doing my best to hide it from the entire world. My method of coping with anxiety was to suffer all the symptoms in silence. When I was young and confused, I hid everything about my anxiety from everybody, even my family.

Which I suppose is what most people do. Even now, when I feel myself getting anxious or panicky in a trigger situation, I keep the feelings to myself for the most part, and silently work on changing my thoughts and so forth to make the symptoms go away. I do this while continuing to remain in the situation that is making me feel irrationally anxious.

But coping with anxiety by concealing the symptoms in public is not what I’m getting at. What I wanted to talk about today was when hiding anxiety symptoms or the fact that I have anxiety disorders is NOT a good idea. Specifically this is with the people who are closest to me in my life.

In my 20′s I shared an apartment with one of my best friends. We went through college together and were now living and working in New York City. We lived in a high-rise building on the 31st floor with a doorman. We both had good jobs. It was a very exciting and anxious time in my life.

Although Theresa knew a lot about me, I never told her about my panic disorder and the daily struggles I had with panic attacks throughout college. After about 6 months of living together in our small studio apartment, I started having panic attacks at home. My instinct was to hide, but there is nowhere to go in a studio apartment. So I began to avoid her.

At the time, I was not properly medicated. I took prescription tranquilizers and drank a lot to take the edge off. I used ineffective tools for coping with anxiety and I was a mess all the way around. I would leave the apartment as soon as she came in to try to avoid having a panic attack. How hurtful that must have felt to Carol, as I gave her no explanation for my disappearing acts.

I can’t remember quite what precipitated me telling Theresa about the real deal with me. I do remember I was at some emotional low point and I was crying.

She listened to me “admit” to her my “disability.” I remember feeling so ashamed and embarrassed. I thought she would be freaked out and disgusted with me.

Her response was definitely not what I expected…

She was hurt. Theresa was smart and sensed for a long time that something was wrong. I remember she said something like, “Jill I don’t care what you think is wrong with you, I just want to know the real you.”

I have had such a limited capacity to accept the unconditional love of my friends over the years. It is something I continue to work on. One of my irrational thoughts about disclosing information about my anxiety disorders is that people will immediately reject me. This has never been the case.

For many years, I went to great lengths to hide the fact that I took medication for my panic disorder from my children. Today I can know my 14 year old doesn’t think it’s any big deal. I still haven’t really said anything “official” to my younger son, but that conversation will happen at the appropriate time.

I recently shared my history of panic disorder with 4 of my closest friends. Surprise surprise- no one really thought it was that big a deal.

I really implore you not to make the same mistakes I did and hide your anxiety from the people that love you. It’s important that people know “the real you,” in Theresa’s words. Having an anxiety disorder is nothing to be ashamed about. It just is what it is. There are good days and not so good days on the road to recovery. But when you accept yourself for who you are and entrust this with your loved ones, you no longer have to “pretend” to be someone you’re not.

Your family and loved ones can be your biggest allies when it comes to coping with anxiety. Let them.

It is an amazingly liberating feeling and I wish this for you.

I wish you peace,

Jill G.

ps. Thankfully, there are a number of effective self help programs available to anxiety sufferers today. See which one is right for you and get started today on reclaiming your life from fear. And share your program with the people that love you, too. Believe me, they want to support you.

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Anxiety at a Party this Weekend

· Social Anxiety Disorder

Having just come off the three day 4th of July festivities, I am glad to be back into the workweek. I had anxiety at a party on Saturday and decided to forgo fireworks for the rest of the holiday weekend.

The family was in full agreement with me on this one. For one it was sweltering out this weekend. We have a really nice in ground pool and no one wanted to sit in a scorching field just to get their eardrums blown out. But back my ordeal…

On Saturday I had social anxiety at a party my sister in law had at her lake house in Pennsylvania. There was a fairly large assortment of people there, and although I have been going to the lake house for as long as I’ve known my husband (17 years), these people have all grown up together. I had the “outsider looking in” feeling.

It felt awkward mingling from group to group, but that’s exactly what I did. When I started feeling anxious, my husband was nowhere to be found.

I have never been really comfortable going to parties (except in my 20′s, when I was a very heavy drinker, and I’m sure that wasn’t too graceful, lol ). Now when I get anxiety at a party, barbecue, outing, or gathering of any kind, I usually find my husband and join in his conversation, or just hold his hand.

Since he was out of sight, I tried to make the best of the situation. I did the stuff from How to Win Friends and Influence People (the grandfather of all people skill books). I asked a lot of questions, and acted genuinely concerned about the people I was talking to.

When I tell you I have nothing in common with my 24 year old nephew and his girlfriend who I barely know, I am not kidding. However, I used these simple principles and was easily able to “hang out” with them for awhile. I asked them about what I know: my nephew’s job and recent graduation, his new car, his girlfriend’s upcoming semester in England, and their recent vacation. That’s all I needed to do. I asked about the things that were important to them, and I genuinely listened and acted concerned.

What I have found is that most people love to talk about themselves, and the people at this party were no different. The best part was my anxiety quickly subsided and I stopped looking around for my safe person (hubby).

For the people I didn’t know – all the summer folk who grew up together – I just asked them about the basics: where they lived, what they do, their history of coming to the lake, and about their kids and pets (or grand kids). I was sincere and it was surprisingly easy.

I purposefully kept the focus off any anxiety symptoms I had and stayed engaged in the conversations. This worked like a charm.

And basically, that’s how I was able to have anxiety at a party and deal with it. We ended up staying for 8 hours (my choice). Even with the first 45 minutes of feeling anxious and awkward, I have to say I enjoyed myself and was really proud.

I wish you peace,
Jill G.

p.s. If you’ve ever suffered with social anxiety at a party, How to Win Friends and Influence People is wonderful. It’s not a book about social anxiety per se, but it was recommended to me years ago by my psychiatrist to help me with social anxiety. It teaches time tested principles of dealing with people so that they feel appreciated and understood. It’s great as a quick read before going to a barbecue, gathering, or any social event where you are expected to mingle.

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Anxiety in Teens, I’m Worried About My Daughter

· Social Anxiety Disorder

My daughter will be starting high school come September. And while I am so proud of her for her excellent grades and a million other reasons, I am also worried too.

My bout with social anxiety started in my teens, when I was just about her age now (14). And while I know she isn’t me, I see that she isn’t really outgoing. Sometimes the kids in the neighborhood do things and she isn’t invited. I know this bothers her, but what I need to get a hold of is how much this bothers ME.

I can’t lie. I know anxiety is somewhat hereditary and worrying about her possibly having to go through life like I did can really keep me up at night with worry

I can’t make everything in her life go smoothly. She had phobias and anxiety back in 2nd grade, and did have a few panic attacks upon entering middle school.

She will grow up and may or may not suffer with social anxiety and panic attacks. And I know this much: if she develops social anxiety in her teens (or any anxiety disorder for that matter), it is not my fault. There is nothing for me to feel ashamed or guilty about.

I also know I will always be her biggest supporter.

To that end, I purchased The Anxiety Workbook for Teens: Activities to Help You Deal With Anxiety & Worry for my daughter and I am reading it now. I like that it not only gives practical advice for teens to deal with anxiety and worry in facing problems, it also focuses on developing a positive self image, so very important for our young people today (and perfect for my shy teen)!

This book has great reviews on Amazon and with one in four teens having mild to severe social anxiety today, it is definilty something I want to have on hand should she need it.

Click here to buy workbook for anxiety in teens.

I wish you peace,

Jill G.

photo credit: hoyasmeg

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Overcoming Health Anxiety

· Panic Attacks

Do you have health anxiety? Almost 70% of those who responded to a recent poll at the Anxiety Disorders Association website are anxious about their health all the time.

Health anxiety is a preoccupation with the belief that you have or are in danger of developing a serious illness.

Anxiety and panic attack sufferers can spend an inordinate amount of time focusing on bewildering symptoms and often go from doctor to doctor to get answers.

Do you feel that any discomfort in your body means bad health? If so, you may be misinterpreting normal bodily sensations, minor physical abnormalities, or physical sensations as dangerous — and you may have health anxiety. Here’s a book that can help..

It’s Not All in Your Head: How Worrying about Your Health Could Be Making You Sick–and What You Can Do about It

Where do you go for help when no one believes you’re really sick? The doctors can’t explain your symptoms, but you know there’s something wrong because you can sense it in your body. Living with the specter of an unresolved health issue isn’t just painful, it’s isolating. The preoccupation and stress it causes can disrupt your career or interfere with personal relationships. If you continually experience symptoms of illness, or worry a lot about disease, you may be suffering from health anxiety–a condition that can produce physical effects of its own, including muscle tension, nausea, palpitations, and more.

In this compassionate and empowering book, noted psychologists Gordon J. G. Asmundson and Steven Taylor provide simple and accurate self-tests designed to help you understand health anxiety and the role it might be playing in how you feel. Concrete examples and helpful exercises show you how to change thought and behavior patterns that contribute to the aches, pains, and anxiety you’re experiencing. The authors also explain how to involve friends and family–and when to seek professional help–as you learn to stay well without worry.

Reviews
“As a long-term sufferer of health anxiety, I wish I could have read this book many years ago. I know that it would have saved me a lot of grief. It is full of helpful ideas and things to do, including easy-to-follow self-assessments, exercises, and worksheets. If you worry a lot about your health, I cannot recommend this book highly enough.”–Paul, age 64

“It may sound hard to believe, but I’ve been to scores of doctors and none of them have ever explained the issues that this book demystifies in such a simple, commonsense way. I have a whole new lease on life now–maybe you will too.”–Graham, age 52

“Since reading this book, my partner has become much more rational about his anxiety. He used to hide his fears from me (while still seeking reassurance), but now he can talk about them openly and deal with them more productively. I’ve learned ways I can be more helpful, too, and the stress has gone down for both of us.”–Jennifer, age 28

If you worry excessively about your anxiety symptoms and are looking for practical advice for overcoming health anxiety, this is a must read for you.

***Click here to purchase***

I wish you peace,
Jill G.

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Watching the News and Anxiety

· Healthy Lifestyle

the news and anxiety While getting my husband’s car serviced the other day, I had to sit in the waiting room of the auto dealer for about an hour. The waiting room had a television on and it was playing one of 24 hour news channels.

Sitting there listening to the constant stream of (bad) news was not pleasant. I felt a low level feeling of anxiety in my stomach. If I had to hear one more BP oil spill update, I think I might have lost it!

As I was driving home with the radio “off” in blessed silence, my anxiety and irritation started to dissipate. Listening to the news for an hour really had me rattled, and remembered why turning off the news is such an anxiety relief for me.

I was actually sort of a news junkie up until a few years ago and considered myself fairly well informed on current affairs. But I noticed that I would find myself feeling anxious while watching the news. I would get an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach, and yet, still sit there and continue watching!

I realized a very important thing. Bad news and shocking stories make for good press, and I wasn’t doing my recovery from anxiety any favors by being spoon fed a bunch of troubles and horror stories that I could do absolutely nothing about.

So I decided it was in my best interest to turn off the news. The recession and the war in Afghanistan and the BP oil spill are not going to go away overnight. If I constantly focus on this stuff–which I am 100% helpless over– it can only serve to make me feel helpless, anxious and depressed. Extra anxiety in my life? This I do not need.

While I do read the headlines and enjoy the Sunday paper, I feel better overall when I keep those news channels off.

Need instant anxiety relief? Take my suggestion and turn off the news!

I wish you peace,
Jill G.

p.s. Thankfully, there are a number of effective anxiety treatment programs available to panic attack sufferers today. See which one is right for you and get started today on reclaiming your life from fear.

photo credit: andinarvaez

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Do You Get Summer Holiday Anxiety?

· Panic Attacks

summer anxiety My kids have 3 half days left of school and then it’s on to a loong summer vacation. I get summer holiday anxiety every year so I thought it would help to write about it.

The general unstructured nature of summer makes me anxious as hell. I really tend to do better during the school year.

I start getting freaked out thinking about summer around late May. Once you’re a parent, you have to keep your kids busy in the summer or you will go crazy… Because they will get bored in about a week and start bugging you to death.

There is a lot of societal pressure around these parts to keep your kids active in sports and whatnot. The thing is, my kids aren’t into the garden variety team sports.

So while many of the neighborhood moms are car pooling their kids to football, dance, or other things, this mother starts feeling guilty/anxious because her kids aren’t “a part of it”. Even though I know they aren’t even interested in these activities…How loony is that?

That, coupled with the fact that I work at home and my 14 year old is recently very argumentative to her mother have me sort of dreading this summer vacation.

And that’s when I have to stop the negative thinking. I want to relish my summer moments, not wish them away. I have wished far too much of my life away because of anxiety over the years.

This summer I will set boundaries and rules with the kids. To that effort, my 14 year old will be looking for a J-O-B this summer! Both gremlins WILL be helping me with chores around the house, and there will be limits on internet and video game time.

My anxiety symptoms can flair up in the summer. I think it has to do with it being so light out. for some reason, I always feel psychologically safer in the darker months, especially the fall (If that makes any sense). So I will also stay out of the extreme heat and humidity as much as I can because these can make me feel anxious. I will get up earlier if need be to get my work done.

Do you get summer holiday anxiety? What helps you?

I wish you peace,
Jill G.

photo credit: paalia

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Meet My Therapy Pet

· Healthy Lifestyle, Stress Management

Overcoming Health Anxiety

· Panic Attacks

Watching the News and Anxiety

· Healthy Lifestyle

Do You Get Summer Holiday Anxiety?

· Panic Attacks

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· Healthy Lifestyle, Stress Management

· Agoraphobia, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Attacks, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder

· Agoraphobia, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Panic Attacks, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder

· Social Anxiety Disorder

· Social Anxiety Disorder

· Panic Attacks

· Healthy Lifestyle

· Panic Attacks

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