Giving up self-help

[stardog]

Think I need to give up all forms of self-help- books, articles etc...I spend wayy too much time reading this stuff and doesn't really help..just reinforces good feelings when I'm up and comforts when I'm down. but I'm starting to realise it's not translating into real-life change at all :?

Plus it's pretty pathetic I guess. I mean surely it's better to learn by experience, not reading a book...I'm starting to think I just need to get out there and force myself into these situations, rather than sitting here reading a book like a coward (I have a broken leg at the mo, but as soon as I can get out again I need to put this into practice).

Anyone else spend too much time reading these things to feel better?

 

[SilentType]

I've found the best way to help yourself is to accept your anxieties for what they are and not fight this losing battle that plagues us all.


Peace

 

[Doomed2Die]

It is no battle, but who we are. We have a handicap and as such it causes difficulties. But it defines too much of personality for it to be a seperate thing. (lol offtopic somewhat)

And yes, there is only so much you can read intill you start running into the same advice, you have reached the next step so to speak. A step up and a million other paths branch out seemingly from nowhere. Confidence, experience... can really be only achieved through action, thinking helps alot in between action but you only need so much of it.

 

[Infected_Malignity]

i agree 100% with every post above me so far: it's about experience and acceptance.

i've tried fighting my way through enough to know it's never the way to go. ...and by fighting, i basically mean running. it never solves anything completely, it just acts a temporary escape. the best way to overcome it in my opinion is to face the fear - just confront it. half of the time it's only the anticipation you're actually afraid of. after you break the ice it usually gets easier from there, but attempting to do so is the hardest part. in my experiences, the most tried and true method is just doing. don't think. just go for it!

 

[SilentType]

Disclaimer: running away from problems and discarding your problems should be distinguished between. Haha

Peace

 

[creep_x]

hi, wud just like to say a few things to u stardog-

1. acknowledge that u r not worthless (that is if SA makes u feel that way)
u have a DISEASE

2. Hence its not ur fault

3. hence u shouldn't feel that u r 'abnormal'

4.If u keep to urself, u ll live like this 4ever.. its better to take a small step .. i think small steps contribute towards a giant leap ...
smiling at som1 doesnt take a lot of guts, saying hi is not that scary
hope i make some sense

 

[shield]

Yeah I relate reading books is a way of procrastinating change. In psychology there's a very fundamental and profound principle called the Act first principle. Basically the only way to change your feelings is to begin acting the way you want and your feelings will catch up. It can't happen the other way. You can't feel good first.

 

[sabbath92002]

Self-help books have helped me a lot more than shrinks or drugs. Reading is only half of the solution, the other part is putting what you've learned into action.

 

[theman]

A broken leg could be a great conversation starter. Get out there!