Personal Bio:
Before getting help in my personal life, my worst experience was when I had an Anxiety Attack that lasted 21 straight days.
I completely shut down. I didn't leave my house except to buy groceries. When I did talk to a friend, I felt so embarrassed & ashamed that I didn't tell them what was really going on with me. Occasionally I would mention having some difficulty with Anxiety, but I didn't let on how unmanageable my life had become. After that 21 days of intense, debilitating Anxiety, it was only when I confided in a close friend that he drove to my house & dragged me to the E.R. I am ever grateful that he did.
It was at that time when I was diagnosed with General Anxiety Disorder (G.A.D.), still suffered frequent & intense Anxiety Attacks, had regular Sessions with a PhD Psychiatrist, and was taking prescribed Anti-Anxiety Medication, daily.
At the same time, I was beset with extreme fear of Dental Pain, and of Needles. I went 25 years without visiting a Dentist, or seeing a Doctor, until...
I completely shut down. I didn't leave my house except to buy groceries. When I did talk to a friend, I felt so embarrassed & ashamed that I didn't tell them what was really going on with me. Occasionally I would mention having some difficulty with Anxiety, but I didn't let on how unmanageable my life had become. After that 21 days of intense, debilitating Anxiety, it was only when I confided in a close friend that he drove to my house & dragged me to the E.R. I am ever grateful that he did.
It was at that time when I was diagnosed with General Anxiety Disorder (G.A.D.), still suffered frequent & intense Anxiety Attacks, had regular Sessions with a PhD Psychiatrist, and was taking prescribed Anti-Anxiety Medication, daily.
At the same time, I was beset with extreme fear of Dental Pain, and of Needles. I went 25 years without visiting a Dentist, or seeing a Doctor, until...
Fear of Dental Pain:
When I was training to be a Hypnotherapist, one of the first things I addressed was my fear of Dental pain. Since that time, I had an initial Deep Cleaning, a Root Canal, several Dental Fillings, all four Wisdom Teeth removed and haven't missed a scheduled Dental Cleaning in 7 years. I still experience a minor amount of nervousness when I visit the Dentist, but I communicate my immediate needs with the Dental Hygienist, and no longer have any Panic Attacks or Phobic Responses.
Fear of Needles:
Also while training as a Hypnotherapist, I addressed my Needle Phobia. After doing a Hypnotherapy Session in class, I watched training videos on how to draw blood. I visualized myself experiencing the needle going into my arm and would physically pinch myself on the vein to simulate the physical discomfort. And I experienced no anxiety reaction.
Having passed that little test, I scheduled an appointment with my local Family Doctor for a Physical Exam that included a Blood Draw. I told him that I had once had a Fear of Needles, but was working on it. The Nurse came in to do the Blood Draw and I told her the same. I asked her to take her time and show me the equipment she would be using. I closely watched the nurse draw my blood, from beginning to end and had no Anxiety Reaction at all. I haven't missed a scheduled Annual Physical with my Doctor, since.
Having passed that little test, I scheduled an appointment with my local Family Doctor for a Physical Exam that included a Blood Draw. I told him that I had once had a Fear of Needles, but was working on it. The Nurse came in to do the Blood Draw and I told her the same. I asked her to take her time and show me the equipment she would be using. I closely watched the nurse draw my blood, from beginning to end and had no Anxiety Reaction at all. I haven't missed a scheduled Annual Physical with my Doctor, since.
Anxiety Attacks:
Since that time, my Psychiatrist retired, I've been off all Anti-Anxiety Medication, and now manage my own Mental/Emotional States by practicing what I teach: Cognitive-Behavioral techniques, Hypnosis, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (N.L.P.) and Mindfulness Practices.
Does that mean I'm now entirely, 100% free from all feelings of Anxiety or Nervousness? Absolutely not. The fear mechanism is a natural, healthy part of the human psyche, dedicated to the safety & protection of the mind & body. Problems arise when feelings of Anxiety are out of proportion to an event, or they come up in situations where it is inappropriate, or persist long after those feelings are needed.. Today, my feelings of Anxiety arise at appropriate times, and they are proportional to the situation.
I like to say, "Today, my feelings are the right shape, the right size, and in the right place."
If you or someone you know suffers from frequent or persistent feelings of Anxiety or Stress, relief is available.
Does that mean I'm now entirely, 100% free from all feelings of Anxiety or Nervousness? Absolutely not. The fear mechanism is a natural, healthy part of the human psyche, dedicated to the safety & protection of the mind & body. Problems arise when feelings of Anxiety are out of proportion to an event, or they come up in situations where it is inappropriate, or persist long after those feelings are needed.. Today, my feelings of Anxiety arise at appropriate times, and they are proportional to the situation.
I like to say, "Today, my feelings are the right shape, the right size, and in the right place."
If you or someone you know suffers from frequent or persistent feelings of Anxiety or Stress, relief is available.