Success Stories
- Thread starter missjesss
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Aussie_Lad
Well-known member
Not me as such, but there I have known people that have changed so dramatically that they seem like different people, not necessarily from SA, but from situations that are still challenging none the less.
There was one guy I used to work with who was a notorious stutterer, and single while I we were working together. He was friendly enough, but I never thought he would be that overly confident in social situations. Then I find out he met this drop dead gorgeous woman, who he then married.
There is also this guy that I used to hang out with ocasionally. He didn't have SA, but didn't have a huge group of friends and was never the loud type. He then met another guy who is a big time extravert and that was all the inspiration he needed to start getting his life together. He now regularly attends church and sings the praises of Jesus, has heaps of friends, and seems to be loving life. While religion isn't really my thing, I can see that he is one passionate guy because of it, and he is really moving forward in life.
There was one guy I used to work with who was a notorious stutterer, and single while I we were working together. He was friendly enough, but I never thought he would be that overly confident in social situations. Then I find out he met this drop dead gorgeous woman, who he then married.
There is also this guy that I used to hang out with ocasionally. He didn't have SA, but didn't have a huge group of friends and was never the loud type. He then met another guy who is a big time extravert and that was all the inspiration he needed to start getting his life together. He now regularly attends church and sings the praises of Jesus, has heaps of friends, and seems to be loving life. While religion isn't really my thing, I can see that he is one passionate guy because of it, and he is really moving forward in life.
well good for them I know a stutterer would be hard to overcome!! I dont know any personally ... I went to see my phyc for the second time today and I didnt like what she said I have to break this avoidance behavior before my s. a becomes agoraphobia and I never leave the house although I have been at that point when the panic attacks first started it just seems to be a vicious cycle now and I cant change my behaviors :-(
Piglet Boy
Well-known member
I think genuine love oversees this. In life, nothing will go smooth. One day sickness can beset a couple. Does that mean, they should instantly change their view and love for each other? While it can be a relationship changing thing, I feel that real love would not let something like this take hold of them.
SA can be beaten, it takes time and support.
I don't have full story yet, but I'm definitely getting there now. Things are still extremely hard, but I have my short happy moments. I'd say I'm doing far better then when I started this dreadful journey. :3
I must add that most of the work is done simply being positive AND realistic about situational outcomes. I find it the most effective method of looking at things.
I must add that most of the work is done simply being positive AND realistic about situational outcomes. I find it the most effective method of looking at things.
Aussie_Lad
Well-known member
It is probably a good idea to change avoidant behaviour, simply because it will lead to a better life when you are able to do what you want, but you must be ready to step out of your comfort zone when you want to move forward. I don't believe that avoidant behaviour will necessarily lead to agrophobia as long as you keep track of your progress and don't ever let yourself slip too much.
I'm not sure that we can ever fully beat SA and all its offshoots because to do so would be to drop our entire identities. If we woke up tomorrow and were 'cured' we wouldn't recognize ourselves, and I simply don't know if people can change that radically over the course of their lives. It's almost like SA is an integral part of a lot of people's personalities. But I do think it's fair to say that in general, we gain experience, life successes, confidence, and better coping mechanisms as time goes by.
In any case, there are lots of people who have gained friends, partners, children etc while enduring SA, so there are definitely successes to be had. I've been married and divorced again during my four years on this site. SA is, for me at least, something that comes and goes - I have periods where it's relatively under control (which is where I make most progress in life) and then there are phases where it flares up and I feel like I can't even get out of bed.
I guess in the end, it's a complex thing, and there are ups and downs, just like life as a whole.
In any case, there are lots of people who have gained friends, partners, children etc while enduring SA, so there are definitely successes to be had. I've been married and divorced again during my four years on this site. SA is, for me at least, something that comes and goes - I have periods where it's relatively under control (which is where I make most progress in life) and then there are phases where it flares up and I feel like I can't even get out of bed.
I guess in the end, it's a complex thing, and there are ups and downs, just like life as a whole.
I think it can be conquered, also realize SA can have many causes...
If it's something like food sensitivity or not enough certain minerals (or eg parasites or such), it can be fixed if you find out about it, and take steps and keep right nutrition for your particular needs.. (with enough magnesium and other healthy vitamins/minerals)
If it's because of depression/unrealistic thoughts, you can challenge/accept those thoughts with CBT or ACT, and it's kinda like brushing your teeth - can your teeth ever be really 'brushed'? - one day at a time, no?
I've had more and less sociable and 'brave' periods in my life, it's a lot about 'widening your circle of influence' and 'daring to step out of the comfort zone' ... (as corky as that sounds..)
and then doing one little thing, then another..
as long as you want to grow and do different and new interesting things, there will always be some anxiety, from the unknown, how others will accept this.. (new people or old acquaintances new ideas..)
I think waiting for anxiety to go away before you go out and meet people and do things is the wrong approach.. you need to do things and then anxiety will go away... and you will dare to do things within that 'zone'.. (while a new 'zone' may still seem scary - you need to break it up into smallest possible bits for it to be doable though) something like that..
I'm still single myself too.. (my parents quarrelled a lot and I heard kids of such parents often marry late, if at all..)
Jenna Glatzer, writer, had agoraphobia and is now happily I think married or partnered up, with a kid.. (She wrote a book on freelance writing, among other things..) She also edited Conquering Panic and Anxiety Disorder: Success Stories, Strategies and other Good News (I haven't read it yet, you can read a bit on Google books..)
Good luck!!
If it's something like food sensitivity or not enough certain minerals (or eg parasites or such), it can be fixed if you find out about it, and take steps and keep right nutrition for your particular needs.. (with enough magnesium and other healthy vitamins/minerals)
If it's because of depression/unrealistic thoughts, you can challenge/accept those thoughts with CBT or ACT, and it's kinda like brushing your teeth - can your teeth ever be really 'brushed'? - one day at a time, no?
I've had more and less sociable and 'brave' periods in my life, it's a lot about 'widening your circle of influence' and 'daring to step out of the comfort zone' ... (as corky as that sounds..
) and then doing one little thing, then another..
as long as you want to grow and do different and new interesting things, there will always be some anxiety, from the unknown, how others will accept this.. (new people or old acquaintances new ideas..)
I think waiting for anxiety to go away before you go out and meet people and do things is the wrong approach.. you need to do things and then anxiety will go away... and you will dare to do things within that 'zone'.. (while a new 'zone' may still seem scary - you need to break it up into smallest possible bits for it to be doable though) something like that..
I'm still single myself too.. (my parents quarrelled a lot and I heard kids of such parents often marry late, if at all..)
Jenna Glatzer, writer, had agoraphobia and is now happily I think married or partnered up, with a kid.. (She wrote a book on freelance writing, among other things..) She also edited Conquering Panic and Anxiety Disorder: Success Stories, Strategies and other Good News (I haven't read it yet, you can read a bit on Google books..)
Good luck!!
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