Anxiety Update Nov-Dec.2009

[Barb-SAN]

Dr. Reid Wilson's Newsletter (from www.anxieties.com)
http://anxieties.com/newsletters/anx...te_2009dec.php

"Self-Help Update:
How Do You Know You Are Succeeding?
I think that we are best served when we purposely think and act aggressively toward the experiences that intimidate us, if our goal is to get past them. If you are looking to get past your anxiety, here are some principles to consider.
You’ll know you are succeeding if you:

• Actively look for frequent opportunities to practice provoking anxiety & doubt
• Challenge your tendency to focus on unrealistic consequences
• Think of ways to cope with those consequences, whether realistic or unrealistic
• Notice your negative & fearful thoughts without getting caught up in them, & accept them without having to get rid of them
• Commit to practice the goals of:
  • wanting to be uncomfortable & uncertain
  • wanting discomfort & doubt to be strong
  • wanting discomfort & doubt to last
• Expect & accept that your distress & doubt might cause you to perform any chosen task at a sub-optimal level
• When you end any practice of facing your fears, support your courage & effort, regardless of what you accomplish"