I must not fear
June 29, 2008 5:49pm
One of my favorite novels is Dune by Frank Herbert. Within the story of Dune is a religious guild that uses the following chant as a way to reduce …
GoldfishCM’s Profile
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GoldfishCM
is feeling OK
About Me
I'm a single, professional male in my late 30's. I've been dealing with varying degrees of general anxiety and depression since I was 33. Mild social anxiety has been with me since childhood. In recent years it has been more severe.
Interests
Feel free to ask.
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Recent Activity
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Journal
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George
June 23, 2008 8:24am
Another person I really respect died yesterday. George Carlin the comedian died at 71.
When I was a teen the George Carlin and Eddie Murphy …
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Not bad
June 22, 2008 7:57pm
So it's Sunday evening and I'm feeling not bad. If the weekend lasted five days I'm sure the "not bad" could turn into a …
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Hugbook
Hug
EXTRA LOVE FOR SUGAR BEAR!
Hug
Thank you. I think thinking positive is my biggest hurdle when I have anxiety.
High Five
Hey Goldie Thank you so much for your compassion. It is really a downer when we cannot enjoy holidays or parties. I have a bit of social anxiety as well. I go out a lot but suffer through it the entire time. I am going to start attending a social phobia support group that meets weekly in my area. I will let you know if I pick any useful tips that could help us both. Thank you again and it sounds like you are doing all the right things. Hang in there fishy and keep on swimmin xoxo
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Hug
Not doing too well today...had a violent panic attack yesterday and am recovering. Kind of rattled my balance. I am feeling really sad and hopeless. I hope things are better for you than they are for me. My newest journal entry spells out what happened. Thanks for checking up on me. Peace and blessings
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Hug
LOVE FOR SUGAR BEAR!
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Photos
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Support Groups
Close Shyness
Hi, I've experienced some level of shyness throughout my life.
Treatments
- Pets Somewhat Helpful
- I've been keeping aquariums for over 15 years. It's more of a hobby than a traditional pet. Buying new fish, designing the "aquascape" of a new tank and maintaining my existing aquariums can be fun and relaxing. I'd love to get a dog but I don't have the space for one now.
- Self-help Somewhat Helpful
- I read a really good book recently called "Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway" which gave me some good perspective on how others deal with anxiety and fear. I've also read Stress for Dummies and a couple books on socializing/networking.
- Socializing Working / Worked
- About six-seven years ago I joined a singles social group and started doing some volunteer work. Both these activities really helped build my confidence and come out of my shell. More recently I've joined a support group to meet others dealing with shyness/social anxiety.
Close Depression
I've been dealing with mild to moderate symptoms of depression for the past four years or so.
Treatments
- Lexapro Somewhat Helpful
- A therapist suggested this drug to me after diagnosing me with depression. I took it for six months. After getting over the initial side effects the first few weeks I had a burst of positive energy where I was cleaning closets and reconnecting with friends. Then it leveled off to a sort of drugged contentedness. I didn't like the feeling so I asked my doctor to wean me off of it.
- Psychotherapy Somewhat Helpful
- I've seen a couple psychologists in the past. It was a "mixed bag" experience. The first psychologist I met with did help me work through some of my issues. My second experience wasn't as helpful -- I felt the doctor didn't really connect with me and she suggested I try an anti-depressant drug which I don't feel was really necessary.
- Physical Exercise Working / Worked
Open Anxiety
I've been experiencing the symptoms of social anxiety and a more general anxiety -- mostly regarding change of routine or doing new things. I've talked to a couple therapists over the years, tried Lexapro. More recently I've joined a support group and started an exercise routine.
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Groups
