An Inside Look At Anxiety - Info on Anxiety

Written by HealthyPlace.com Staff Writer

Neeceey: Did you develop any specific phobias? I have a medication phobia among many others (bridges, crowds, elevators, etc.)

Natalie: Sort of. The thought of passing out scares me a lot! There were also a lot of places I avoided and things that I hated doing because I would have panic attacks. Having a medication phobia is rough. especially when medication is something that can help you.

3caramel: How did you manage to overcome your fears, I am unable to go to restaurants or go on trips and I don't know how to overcome that?

Samantha Schutz: I mentioned CBT before. That might be helpful. There is also something called Aversion Therapy. These therapies give you strategies to deal with your fears.

How did I get over mine? Some of them faded. Some of them are still there. I think what was most helpful was trying to go to places that freaked me out. If I went to a club (a place where I had had many attacks) and didn't have a panic attack, then that was a success. Then, the next time I would be nervous about going to a club, I would remember that I was ok the last time. I would try to build on that.

Natalie: Okay Samantha, the next questions are about your book. How long did it take to write your book?

Samantha Schutz: It took about 2 years from the time I decided to write it to the time I gave it to my editor. But I had many years worth of journals to use for inspiration.

Natalie: Here's the last question. Has your life changed after writing your book?

Samantha Schutz: In some ways it has. I get fan mail from adults and teens telling me how much they love my book and how much of an impact I have had on their lives. I've had people give my book to their kids or parents as a way of explaining what they are going through. It is amazing to know that I am having an impact on people. I also think that writing this book gave me a lot of distance from my experiences and a way to look back on it and make sense of it. I don't think it could be considered closure, but it has definitely helped.

Natalie: For those of you who are interested in purchasing Samantha Schutz's book: "I Don't Want To Be Crazy" you can get it by clicking on the link. You can also get more info on samanthaschutz.net and samanthaschutz.blogspot.com.

I am sorry but we've run out of time.

Samantha Schutz: Thanks for having me!

Natalie: Samantha, do you have any final words for the RealMentalHealth.com community?

Samantha Schutz: The only thing I can say with certainty is that my commitment to therapy and my willingness to try new medications has made the most difference. I know that it seems hard and it is awful to have to go on and off meds trying to find the right one... but it is worth it. It is also worth it to try new therapists.... it's like a good friendship. Not everyone is the right fit. I am really lucky I am seeing an amazing therapist now and it makes all the difference.

Natalie: Thank you very much for being our guest tonight Samantha.

Samantha Schutz: My pleasure!

Natalie: Thank you everybody for coming. I hope you found the chat interesting and helpful.

Good night everyone.

Disclaimer: We are not recommending or endorsing any of the suggestions of our guest. In fact, we strongly encourage you to talk over any therapies, remedies or suggestions with your doctor BEFORE you implement them or make any changes in your treatment.

If you haven't been on the main HealthyPlace.com site yet, I invite you to take a look. There are over 9000 pages of content.

back to: Anxiety Disorders Conference Transcripts ~ Other Conferences Index ~ Anxiety Disorders Home