Its Ok To Relapse!

[aNOTfox]

Ok so basically I haven't been on here for a few days because my social anxiety has hit the roof and I've lost a lot of motivation.
This upsets me so much cause I was on the road to recovery! But, its not the first time I've been improving then suddenly find myself back at square one. However, this time I wanted to deal with it a little differently. Rather than sitting at home crying about replapsing, I'm gonna accept it, completely put it out of my head and carry on fighting!
Just wanted to post on here to tell myself and everyone else that its ok to relapse. It's all part of the recovery process and the best thing you can do is just keep calm and carry on

 

[twiggle]

Great spirit. The fact you've realised that relapses are okay shows that you've definitely improved.

We need relapses in a way, they show us how much progress we've made - or which areas we still need to work on.

Sounds like you're getting there anotfox!

 

[sullyS25]

What exactly is considered a relapse?

 

[kelskellian]

Sully I was just thinking the same thing lol...or maybe u could give us a example notafox

 

[EscapeArtist]

'relapse' is part of recovery! Sometimes it's okay to take small steps too. I mean, social anxiety isn't something that could kill us with an overdose (...is it?) it's okay to come back to every once in awhile your old little isolation cell and read a book as long as you are able to get back out there and start where you left off.

I mean.. an introvert is going to need a break every once in awhile!

Good for you though, keep on fighting. Cheers to you!

 

[sullyS25]

Im familiar with twelve step programs but is there a Social Phobia's anonymous or something, I am totally lost.

 

[aNOTfox]

Sully I was just thinking the same thing lol...or maybe u could give us a example notafox

Sometimes anxiety builds up ( for me its usually when I've been stuck in the house for a while or struggling with OCD) and the very thought of going out in public gets me stressed. For me, I was starting to get better, I'd been going christmas shopping in town and stuff but then, a few days ago I could feel the anxiety coming back and I'm pretty much back at square one now- being terrified to go out.
I don't know exactly what triggers a relapse but its so frustrating when all your hard work seems to be for nothing. However, that's the attitude you have to avoid. I'm not going to think of it as "back at square one" and just take the relapse on board as part of recovery, not failure.

And thank you Atrus, I do think positivity is key!

 

[crazycatlady27]

congrats that is really good, you are doing really well and i bow down to your strength !!!

 

[MikeyC]

Ok so basically I haven't been on here for a few days because my social anxiety has hit the roof and I've lost a lot of motivation.
This upsets me so much cause I was on the road to recovery! But, its not the first time I've been improving then suddenly find myself back at square one. However, this time I wanted to deal with it a little differently. Rather than sitting at home crying about replapsing, I'm gonna accept it, completely put it out of my head and carry on fighting!

I'm currently relapsing, but with something else. It's not good to relapse and I absolutely hate it.

Good on you for having the strength to carry on. I admire that.

 

[gustavofring]

I find it ironic that you say you have to fight to be calm and accepting. It just seems something rooted in western psychology says we always have to fight, struggle and strain. An accepting attitude is key, not fighting. Life as a battle... Maybe it works, but I've been reading a bit about eastern philosophies and it seems more peaceful.

Congrats on your progress and you will surely bounce back from this minor setback with this attitude.