I want to thank each and every member of this forum because what you have achieved here is truly remarkable.
I lived through the era where Anxiety Disorder and Depression was totally devoid of understanding or help. There is nothing lonelier or more frightening in the world than to not know what is happening to you nor how to help yourself and worse still, no one to whom one can turn to for complete and utter understanding.
Everyone on this site might be at different stages in their illness, but the equal measure of willingness, the kindness and encouragement given, embraces one and all. By posting you either directly or inadvertently help each other. It is through posts that we recognize certain experiences that others reveal. It takes away much of the fear, much of the despair. It ignites hope, it ignites encouragement.
When people themselves are struggling yet have the heart and good grace to reach out to help others, then that, surely, is beyond price. To have somewhere to "go" when at our lowest ebb, to have someone who truly understands "listen" is breathtaklingly empathetic.
So whilst this might sound overly sentimental, somewhat maudling, I still want to thank you all. You cannot even begin to know how much you have all helped me.
We are FAMILY prayers and love to this group. Fought my battle 53 yrs of Panic.attacks .Its no walk threw the park. heck sometimes I could not walk in the park from anxiety.smh God Bless Helen
What an elequent and gracious post in tribute to the members of this group. I am new to the group, reading posts, getting a feel for things and contributing when I can. Must say I have been impressed with the sincerity, caring and kindness in the posts. I have been born with anxiety so to speak but at a young age learned to mask It and just suffer. Now I'm entering my senior years I realize just how much fear has effected my life choices including impact upon family, career, health and still does. Nice to know there are kind people who understand the suffering.
You know Tip, this site truly is our Refuge,and as dear Cia said, we are a family.
I came to realize that Anxiety Disorder/ depression and it's many offshoots, in a sense, reduces us to that small frightened child all alone in the dark. But it is here, on this site, where we step into the light provided by the courage and caring of Forum members.
I find that aspect profoundly moving
On this Forum we are each a single thread of a tapestry. It's the threads that weave the pattern of life. And the picture we create together is simply beautiful