"I went to school for years and every day I was scared. I never got better.
I'm doing things now: I even have the audacity to go to an Opera next weekend. But I'm always scared. When will I feel normal? Like... dare I say...enjoy the place and be... happy and relaxed? Never?" Signed Nervous
Dear Nervous:
You are making progress! In the beginning there are a variety of things to do to keep you attempting. In the beginning there is so much output of energy, the punishment is so high, there is very little reward. You must always honor the attempt. Even if you pulled up to the parking lot and pulled away w/out going in.
You honor what you did- " good for me - I found the place this time"- I remembered my name! I stayed for 5 minutes. You do not honor success, you honor the risk you took. Your affect or mood will not change here, but you've got to go thru these steps that will accompish a feeling change.
No one should have to suffer like this--being so fearful of one's own species--what a miserable condition! I know it can be overcome and this blog will help you become much less anxious and on the road to being relaxed and joyful.
