I've been practicing the Recovery International method of self-help for more than 20 years. It's allowed me to completely eliminate my panic attacks, and greatly lessen my anxiety and depression. We are symptom-managed, not symptom-free, and must continue practicing the RI method every day. The "setback" is common and has happened to me many times over the years. Each time, putting the RI tools into practice has addressed the situation. As we say in RI, "for every setback there is a comeback".
Most recently, I've been under an unusually high amount of stress. My anxiety and depression are at higher levels (no recurrence of panic attacks, I'm happy to say). I've gained additional insight into RI tools never fully used before, and am handling my situation not perfectly, but at a "good average" level. RI tells me that my situation is only a short-term phase, and I can have the will to bear the discomfort until comfort comes. I'm able to do so without the aid of a therapist or psychiatrist. It's not easy, but by practicing the RI method ("knowledge teaches you what to do, practice tells you how to do it") I look forward to a more peaceful, productive life when this short-term phase ends.
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I've been a Recovery International member for more than 20 years. RI has helped me address my anxiety, temper, and depression issues. By following RI's teachings and using RI's tools, my life has become MUCH more peaceful and productive. There's a reason RI is approaching its 100th anniversary: the RI method works. RI's founder Dr. Abraham Low passed away many years ago, but I'm thankful his organization lives on to help me and many, many others!
Review from Guidestar
Five years ago, I attended my first local Recovery International (RI) meeting because of a hot temper and strong anxiety which, I believe, would have been diagnosed as generalized anxiety disorder had I seen a psychiatrist. The experience has been life-changing. I truly believe that the "spotting method" devised by RI founder Abraham A. Low, MD and neuro-psychiatrist, is the fastest, most efficient form of cognitive behavioral psychology. Both my anger and anxiety are well under control, thanks to the gift of lifelong self-management I have learned in RI. Today I lead a weekly meeting in Hudson, FL in order to pass on what has been given to me. It's a shame that due to budget restraints RI does not have more effective outreach. I had to learn of the meeting through a friend whose wife was leading it at the time. If better known, RI could help many millions of suffering people. Lack of means is no barrier to attending RI community meetings. Attendance is free if one cannot afford a modest donation when the plate is passed at meeting's end. -- Larry G., Hudson, FL