Bethenny Frankel, Therapy & Success

Bethenny Frankel on Self Magazine, May 2012I was happy to pick up the latest issue of Self Magazine. It’s lovely cover girl is none other than Bethenny Frankel.

Not that I like to admit it, but watching some reality TV programs is one of my guilty pleasures. A few years ago they had the Real Housewives of New York City. Since I used to live in NYC and wanted a sneak peak into these fabulous ladies’ lives, I tuned in a few times.

The story lines were often really catty and it wasn’t great television, so I eventually tuned out. However, Betheny was one of the NY Housewives and I always liked her. Continue reading →

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Learning How To Have Fun Again


Today we will look at learning how to have fun again after feeling like anxiety has robbed you of a it. I received this question from a reader and it inspired me to think about delving into how we as anxious people can learn how to have fun again:

“Do you sometimes feel anxiety has stolen all your joy in your life? I feel like I have almost forgotten how to have fun and relax because I am focusing on “these feelings” so much, I’m so worried about having a panic attack at a function, I can’t even enjoy it. What has helped you to “relearn” how to enjoy life again and have fun. I have pushed so many people away and feel I don’t have many true friends anymore to do anything with. Even my husband said I’m not fun anymore, and so uptight all the time.”

Continue reading →

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Drama (Anxiety) At the Hair Salon (Again)


My bangs are too short.

Yesterday I went to my new hairdresser’s. I had to get my roots done, some highlights and a haircut. Pain in the butt. Some of my old haircut anxiety came flooding back to me right before I left the house. I was not thinking rationally and was way too nervous just to be going to get a haircut. But I po-poo’d it in my haste and off to the salon I went…

Like most women I have a love/hate relationship with going to get my hair done. I love it when my hair looks good, but I hate spending the time sitting there and I always think they charge too much. And then there is the expected tip, and well, throw a dash of anxiety into the mix, and suffice it to say the hair salon is not my favorite place to be on any given day.

But I am over 40 and grey hair is now my reality, so I have to get my arse in there every few months or else it looks nasty.

This was my second time at this new, busy salon. As I said I already felt weird before going in,  and since I didn’t do any preparation, I did start to get anxious. Continue reading →

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Panic Attacks Info Tip #4: Rate Your Fear


Over the last few posts, we’ve been delving into some important Panic Attacks Info Tips. For quick review they are, Tip #1: Expect, Allow, and Accept Your Fear,  Tip #2: When Fear Comes, Wait and Tip #3: Focus on the Present.

These Tips all help to explain and clarify our 10 Rules for Coping with Panic Attacks.

Today’s Panic Attacks Info Tip is: Rate Your Fear Continue reading →

Posted in Agoraphobia, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Attacks, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Gluten and Anxiety: Update


I totally went off my gluten free diet and my body feels like crap.

Last summer, after becoming convinced there was a connection between gluten and anxiety I decided to try a gluten free diet. I remember feeling better in as little as 4 days and how very happy I was. Everything felt better- from my anxiety to my palpitations to my bowels to just being bloated in general.

Eliminating wheat and white flour foods from the diet was not easy for a carb addict like me, but I did the best I could nevertheless. And I was very good in the beginning… Continue reading →

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Getting Better Feels So Good


I worked yesterday and it was one of those sweet times when you leave feeling “Job well done.” There was a patient in trouble and since I had experience with this type of patient crisis, I was one of the people who helped solve the problem, so to speak.

A lot of people were thanking me and it felt good to know that I have good nursing skills. I know I am a competent, reliable, proficient worker. I’m smart, work really well in emergency situations, and I love to help people. (Yes I am patting myself on the back here!) :) Continue reading →

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Panic Attacks Info Tip #3: Focus On The Present


Over the last few posts, we’ve been delving into some important Panic Attacks Info Tips. For quick review they are, Tip #1: Expect, Allow, and Accept Your Fear, and Tip #2: When Fear Comes, Wait.

These Tips all help to explain and clarify our 10 Rules for Coping with Panic Attacks.

Today’s Panic Attacks Info Tip is: Focus On the Present

When you are anxious, focus on, and do manageable things in the present. Try to stay in the present instead of predicting what might happen.

Concentrate on some small, manageable tasks so you stay connected to the present. Continue reading →

Posted in Agoraphobia, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Attacks, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Today I Choose Happiness


Today I choose happiness. There I said it. :) I had a rough week at work and at least 2 very near misses with panic attacks because my stupid social anxiety kicked up real bad. I didn’t know how to feel about it as the week ensured, and I was tempted to be outraged and ticked off, but today I am choosing happiness.

I refuse to feel like a victim of anxiety today. Instead I am redoubling my efforts to be nice to others and put out positive energy. This can only help serve me as I continue to work on coping with panic attacks and anxiety.

Chronic anxiety and panic attacks is not something anyone would ever ask for, but since it is in your life, why not takes steps to help yourself and get better? Why not choose happiness to make it easier? Continue reading →

Posted in Agoraphobia, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Panic Attacks, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder | Tagged | 4 Comments