so how about the helpful things people say, that make you feel accepted and loved as you are?

[madmouse]

Was reminded of this when reading the thread about rubbish things people say.

Last night I was talking to my very good friend as he walked me back to my car. I told him I'm having this OCD thing at the moment about feeling my ds's temp all the time. Maybe I was going mad now after all (have had PTSD, have anxiety).

He gave me a big hug and said 'Nah, don't think so. And you're half mad already anyway aren't you'

Not funny in itself but said with so much love and support and acceptance for who I am that it actually made me feel better.

Hiya never posted before....but I really know what you mean. Its lovely to be around people who love you for who you are.
Those people always make me feel alright, less anxious and better about myself.

I was on sick leave for a bout of anxiety and depression, a week in I plucked up the courage to go into work to see a friend, my boss saw me, came over, out her arm round me and told me to take all the time I needed, she wanted me better... but she wanted me back soon because she missed me! Ha! It knocked two weeks off of my sick leave!!

Good friends who listen when I am anxious and want to pour it all out, and those who don't try to make me talk when I feel unable to do so because of the intense feelings of depression. Friends phoning me so I don't feel I am burdening them again and again. My DP just holding me and letting me cry literally on his shoulder when I'm feeeling grim. Friends and DP who don't judge me when I am "duvet diving" so I don't end up feeling guilty. Friends who understand that when I make an arrangement to meet, I might not be able to keep it (have blips every few weeks and never know when they are coming - can go to bed feeling fine and wake feeling shite)

Yes Madmouse friends who can say the sorts of things your friend did, but it could only come from a good and trusted friend.

Am liking this thread - hope other posters join in.

My husband told me he was worried about me because he thought I was depressed again, and that he'd come to the doctor with me. That doesn't sound great written here, but to me it meant a lot.

He also gives me loads of hugs and tells me he loves me. Sometimes when I'm anxious I'll ask him to tell me it'll be alright, and he tells me it will.