Hi, Mom of 3, nice to see you around here again. How're you doing?
To add to my positive feelings, I've just had a poem accepted for publication by a poetry webzine. Not a huge deal, I know, but it's damn good for the ego. First step in a glittering new era!
So, I'm feeling pretty good right now. It's a bit like walking a tightrope, though, unsure of what is waiting around the corner and how I'll cope with the next piece of stress that comes along. I suppose I'm just not used to feeling relatively lighthearted, and I don't fully trust the way I feel. And there is the suspicion there that it is just the meds........Some people are just never satisfied, are they? I just think too much.
Tomorrow I'm going to a self help group for social anxiety for the first time, unless I chicken out at the last moment. Of course, I'm feeling 'socially anxious' about it but I have to summon up the courage and strength to see it through and go, and take advantage of the positive feelings I have at the moment while I still have them, before the old dark demon comes a-knocking again.
I'm glad to read such a positive post. It sounds like you are really making progress and the real Pete is beginning to come out. You have worked hard to get to this point and I know it has not been easy. Congratulations on your success!!
Pete, glad you are making such strides! Keep up the posts and sounds like you have a plan of attack on this thing (goals)! I am sure they will help! Keep up the great work! Stick around and keep us posted!
good to hear you're in positive spirits . You may also want to check out our sister site, The Panic Centre for help in overcoming social anxiety using exposure therapy. Keep us posted on your progress, we are here for you!
congratulations pete! you do sound alot better - it's mainly you but don't discount the meds. keep taking them. if the day comes for you when you think you don't need them and stop boom - it all comes back full force. i wish you wouldn't think so little of being a librarian - you're surrounded by such wisdom and beauty and you play your part in it. sounds like a cool job to me!
Great to hear you are feeling so much better. I was reading your 'Introduce yourself' post this morning and wow what a major change. Well done, I certainly give you credit. All the best at the support group.
I had a sudden revelation the other day...I'm feeling pretty good.
After two weeks back at work (following a doctor-prescribed two weeks off) I'm actually feeling fairly positive about things.
I think the realisation that I was in a mental state that rendered me unfit for work gave me a real kick up the backside, and somewhere I've found some determination and motivation. I don't know, things just feel a bit lighter and brighter, even though my external life circumstances haven't changed. Maybe it's the meds, but I think I'll give myself the credit.
I'll soon be going to a support group for social anxiety, to try and start tackling that problem, which I know is at the root of much of my depression, self-hatred, and self-hurt.
Certainly I feel like I'm through the worst of the crisis that brought me to this site in the first place. I'm starting to see a future.
. You may also want to check out our sister site, The Panic Centre for help in overcoming social anxiety using exposure therapy. Keep us posted on your progress, we are here for you! 
