December 2008 Newsletter
I hope you had a great Thanksgiving!
How are you feeling about the December Holidays? And what about the New Year?
If you continue to struggle with anxiety and are planning on making any resolutions, then beating your anxiety should be at the top of your list! Don't let anxiety shut down your life in any way any more this next year!
To help you get a head start on beating anxiety in 2009, this month's newsletter includes a quote that is also a guideline to help you manage anxiety for the rest of your life.
And, by the way, to kick your holiday season off well, if you have not had an individual session with me yet, mention this newsletter when you call and I'll give you $37.00 off your first session. But schedule it quick, because this offer expires by December 31st.
Now on to this month's quote!
Quote of the Month
"All you have to do to beat anxiety is to accept that which you feel is presently unacceptable." ~Unknown
Think about this for a moment. If you could truly accept whatever you fear, then why would your fear continue? It wouldn't and couldn't. And just to clarify, "acceptance" doesn't mean expecting or sensing that what you fear will happen. What I mean by "acceptance" is being okay with whatever you fear happening. Truly feeling that if what you fear happens, you'll accept it and live with it. "Fine, let it happen. Whatever will be will be".
Lets apply it to some examples of anxiety:
Example 1.) Panic attacks: If you could accept whatever you fear regarding panic symptoms, such as fear of going crazy, losing control, not breathing, etc. then you wouldn't be concerned about it anymore and it would go away.
Example 2.) Social anxiety: If you truly accepted the possibility of being judged or criticized, then you wouldn't care about this anymore.
Example 3.) Germ obsession: If you truly accepted that there are germs that can harm you and that you can't protect yourself against them all, then you wouldn't fear them anymore.
Isn't this quote freeing? To know that all you have to do is just accept what you find unacceptable and then your fear will go away can be quite liberating.
Look, I know this is easier said then done. It takes thinking about your anxiety in a whole new way, but more importantly, it also requires new behaviors and approaches. That's why obtaining treatment proven to be effective is so vital. In fact, keeping this quote in mind while you learn strategies and techniques that are reducing your anxiety can get you there that much quicker.
This quote can give you proper motivation to start or continue to fight your battle against anxiety. Why? Because it is absolutely true.
Apply it to your own anxiety by asking yourself: "If I accept __________, then what would I still fear?
For strategies and techniques to deal with anxiety when you're ready to face and confront it, call The April Center For Anxiety Attack Management
Expertly treating your anxiety, Dr. Craig April
The April Center For Anxiety Attack Management
www.KickFear.com
Call me today at (310) 429-1024 for your free phone consultation and to schedule your appointment.
(c)2007-2008 Craig April, Ph.D.; all rights reserved
KickFear Movie Recommendation of the Month
Have you seen "The Aviator"? It is a terrific film about a great innovator. It is also a tragedy depicting how anxiety can truly takeover and ruin an entire life.
In the days of Howard Hughes, there was a real lack of awareness regarding the nature of anxiety and its syndromes like OCD. If he had lived in this era, with the wealth of treatment that is readily available, I assume he would have worked through his anxiety due to his intense drive, ambition and progressive attitude. That is what makes this such a sad story. It didn't have to be this way. His loss of freedom and control was simply due to lack of knowledge and treatment.
If you haven't seen this movie, my review above may not cause you to enthusiastically go running to Blockbuster or to put it first in your Netflix que. But, I fully recommend that you see it so that you can use it as a cautionary tale and further motivation to finally break free from your anxiety.
If you have seen it, I encourage you to give it another look. Aside from all the above, it is a great film!
Happy viewing! Feel free to share your thoughts!
What Others Say About Dr. April
"After 6 months of suffering with panic attacks, I called Dr. April. After just three sessions, I was able to manage my feelings of panic. Instead of spending countless hours browsing on the internet for help and making yourself more anxious, call a professional - call Dr. April!" - Polina S., entrepreneur, mother of two
"Thanks Dr. April for guiding me to become a stronger person. I'm so much happier! I think any client is lucky to have you, as I was! Thanks again for all you do to change people's lives!" -Sally, sales executive
"Since working with Dr. April, my teenage son has experienced rapid change and has made great strides in self-confidence. Dr. April is gifted in his work and is an inspiration to those fortunate to connect with him. He is not only an excellent psychologist, but a mentor as well." - Julia, Consultant, CoeurAlign Design
"Such positive energy! Enlightening!" - Susan, mother of three
Call today at (310) 429-1024 for your FREE phone consultation to share your anxiety and talk about solutions.
For strategies and techniques to deal with anxiety attacks, panic disorder, social anxiety, OCD, obsessions, compulsions, driving anxiety, fear of flying, generalized anxiety, excessive worry, phobias, unwanted thoughts, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, social tension, life stress, and dating and relationship anxiety, call The April Center For Anxiety Attack Management.
Dr. April can be reached at (310) 429-1024 for consultation and the scheduling of appointments.
