Text Box: Many of those with mental illness experience an anxiety disorder or symptoms of anxiety. Some of these are as follows: Fear of public embarrassment Worry of physical wellbeing Worry of losing a job or of having financial problems Ask yourself “why is this happening to me?” Text Box: Tension in shoulders, neck, headaches Shakiness, stomach distress, sweating or pain in chest Possible choking sensations, chills. Feeling of losing control, going crazy or dying. One of the ways to deal with the tensions is muscle relaxation techniques. Practice breathing in and out slowly and gently. Tighten facial muscles and release as you exhale. Clinch teeth and release. Text Box: Tighten shoulders and neck, release. One leg at a time tighten calf and thigh and then relax. Notice the feeling of relaxation; the feeling of tension being released. As you practice and can recognize symptoms, use this tool to lessen possibility of an attack. By: Nicole C. Text Box: You think about it and it makes you have bad thoughts and you think “I am not going back to this again.” You will think crazy thoughts about the problem and you may end up in the hospital taking medications to control the problem. There’s thing one to do when it comes back again. Talk to a friend or your case manager about it—don’t let it control your life. Text Box: When you are recovering from a relapse you ask yourself the following questions. Why did this come back? Maybe you were thinking about it and you had flashbacks about it. Maybe somebody might have mentioned the problem and it all comes back and you remembered the whole situation, how it happened and why? Text Box: You can get over the matter. It just takes time but that’s what makes you heal. By: Jeff R. Text Box: Clubhouse Member Appreciates Going To Ark House Text Box: Dealing With Anxiety Disorders Text Box: Recovering From A Relapse Text Box: I would like to say clubhouse has helped me so much. I have been going here at the Ark House in Richlands since May of 2006. There are a lot of good people that come to clubhouse. The food is good too. Everyone has been helpful and kind to me. It is a privilege to come here. Thanks to everyone here—staff and clubhouse members. By: Kathy A.

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