Читать книгу Anxiety Toolbox: The Complete Fear-Free Plan - Gloria Thomas - Страница 6

When I was in my twenties and thirties I suffered long periods of anxiety and depression due to a combination of post-natal depression and other life events. Like most people, I sought the advice of my doctor, who prescribed anti-depressants and suggested psychotherapy and counselling. However, much as this was helpful, I wanted to find alternative methods of combating the depressive and anxious states that I was experiencing.

My search for those alternatives uncovered some surprisingly simple countermeasures and some truly astonishing ones. I discovered how beneficial physical fitness is for fighting depression and anxiety, and the surprising extent to which food can affect your mood. I also discovered the benefits of healing and acupuncture, as well as forward-thinking psychologies such as Neuro-Linguistic Programming and hypnotherapy. More recently, I have discovered Thought Field Therapy, an amazingly effective therapy for anxiety.

All of these strategies or complementary therapies – call them what you will – have become part of my life and, as a result, I find myself at 40 feeling youthful, much stronger within myself and with a much more balanced view of life – it’s a bit like a giant jigsaw puzzle finally falling into place. Such has been the transformation that I am now incredibly thankful for that period of suffering, for had I not gone through it I would not be equipped to do what I do today. I now have an incredibly strong sense of purpose and, one day, would like to look back on my life knowing that I have contributed to humanity. Given my experience, I feel that the best contribution I can make is by helping people let go of their self-limiting fears so that they can be the best that they can be. That is why I have written this book. It may sound a little cheesy but it’s my way of expressing my love for humanity.

There is, I believe, a need for major transformation in this world – a need to get back to more balanced ways of thinking and being. Everybody’s anxiety is, of course, unique to them and there is no magic solution for eliminating it completely. However, I believe that we have the most amazing ability to manage our anxiety levels and achieve more resourceful states of mind.

By reading this book, you have hopefully made the decision to begin to let go of fear and anxiety and work towards greater balance in your life. The tools it features are treatments and therapies that are suitable for commonly experienced anxieties, as well as those of a more serious nature. However, I would like to emphasize for those suffering from chronic anxiety or depression that these tools do not take the place of medical advice. They are tools that have worked for me and now I offer them to you. I hope they will help you achieve greater happiness and equilibrium.