missjones2910
01-02-13, 23:13
Hi everyone,
I am Cathy and new to this site. I currently study psychology at MMU Cheshire and do volunteering with my local mental health unit doing group therapy sessions on anxiety and depression. I have wanted to be a mental health worker since I suffered with extreme post-natal psychosis after having my daughter and spent two years battling crippling depression and panic attacks.
I went through cognitive behavioural therapy where I volunteer now but still suffer greatly with social anxiety and it badly affects my confidence in my ability to be able to fulfil my career. I often feel my illness will stop me helping others suffering with it and makes me feel sometimes like hypocrite when I am really struggling yet trying to give positive advice to others.
When I went for my therapy I was given the impression "exposure tactics" would cure my anxiety disorder and I would never have an issue with it again. Over the years I have found this to be not only untrue but detrimental to being able to cope with this illness as I believe it is a constant ongoing thing you learn to deal and live with that gets easier but never fully goes away. In positivity though, we all need some anxiety as it helps us preform better but not when it makes us cry, fearful and panic. Its getting the balance - and that is extremely difficult.
Anyhow, I was hoping to maybe make some friends who equally struggle like me and could maybe build a group of support. I will stop waffling on now and will finish with saying that I am looking forward to speaking to some of you all.
Hope everyone is well :D
Cathy x
I am Cathy and new to this site. I currently study psychology at MMU Cheshire and do volunteering with my local mental health unit doing group therapy sessions on anxiety and depression. I have wanted to be a mental health worker since I suffered with extreme post-natal psychosis after having my daughter and spent two years battling crippling depression and panic attacks.
I went through cognitive behavioural therapy where I volunteer now but still suffer greatly with social anxiety and it badly affects my confidence in my ability to be able to fulfil my career. I often feel my illness will stop me helping others suffering with it and makes me feel sometimes like hypocrite when I am really struggling yet trying to give positive advice to others.
When I went for my therapy I was given the impression "exposure tactics" would cure my anxiety disorder and I would never have an issue with it again. Over the years I have found this to be not only untrue but detrimental to being able to cope with this illness as I believe it is a constant ongoing thing you learn to deal and live with that gets easier but never fully goes away. In positivity though, we all need some anxiety as it helps us preform better but not when it makes us cry, fearful and panic. Its getting the balance - and that is extremely difficult.
Anyhow, I was hoping to maybe make some friends who equally struggle like me and could maybe build a group of support. I will stop waffling on now and will finish with saying that I am looking forward to speaking to some of you all.
Hope everyone is well :D
Cathy x