Amanda on Anxiety & Depression

Amanda's letter to the 1 in 4 women who suffer from Anxiety or Depression

Hello again

This week I was asked to deal with some of the heavies, depression and anxiety. Yip tough stuff for 1 in 4 woman. A real physical and psychological torment. After huge amounts of reading, and research I was wondering, if what I was writing about would be the facts and stats, or the stories people relate to, or is it the fact that there is so much dishonesty, fear, guilt, shame and humiliation.

If we name it and just own it will it change? I wonder? If I said I had a mental disorder would I have as much credibility? Are we so scared of sharing the truth because we feel so out of control, we need others to be in control? If we admit that we have some dysfunction we are not as in control as we would like to believe? If you knew your child’s grade school teacher had, had a nervous breakdown would you have confidence in her holding class? If you knew your Doctor had Obsessive Compulsive Disorder would you still feel comfortable? What if your Boss was BI Polar? What would you feel if your sister/ wife/ husband became horribly depressed, even suicidal after child birth or a job loss? What would happen if you got depressed?

Who would you lean on for support?
Where would you find answers?
Do you have a friend who would help you? Would they stay the course? Are you willing to test it?
Is our society truly accepting and supportive?
Are you depressed? Do you have support?
Do you know what you need from friends?
Have you asked for help?
Have you accepted help?
What are you doing to help yourself?
What do you most need right now and how are you going to move forward?

If you can work out what would be most helpful in a certain situation. If you know what might help you deal more effectively with a phobia, enlist the help of a friend and give him or her specific instructions on how to deal with your anxiety disorder. Help your friend or your partner see you through your worst moment and fear. Check out my blog www.life-in-perspective.com and see how my husband helps me through a panic attack - he is king!

You do not need to remain depressed or helpless - please take the first step and admit you need help, there are people who will help, the mask you wear needs to be packed a way. As far as I’m aware no best actress awards have been handed out recently, for covering up depression or faking orgasm, and while some are quite brilliant at both, it does no one any good.

If you suspect a friend is in trouble and needs help do not wait for her to reach out, let her know you are there and available to her anytime, she may be ready for a friend. She may think she has masked it well, or may not want to impose, she may feel embarrassed, or even stupid for not being in control. Please use the opportunity to help a friend and break the cycle of silence that destroys lives.

Just for the record even though I have really depressed myself writing this, I was really happy!
If I can help you take the first steps gaining some perspective in your life please get in touch, coaching is not therapy or counselling but it does help you gain perspective, it gets you to put one step in front of the other and move you in the right direction, gaining momentum and balance in your life.

I offer all Wisanow ladies 10% off my regular $80 per session charge and first half hour consult is free.

Have a colourful week
Amanda