Posted by Pete on 17/1/2009, 2:26 pm, in reply to "Re: Just Starting - My story so far..."

Hi Geoff, Change of attitude is the key and it begins with finding this site and realising that you are only one of many sufferers. My next move was to read Stephen Soifer's book - invaluable, I'd say. I went on to tell other people until I became comfortable talking about it - even enjoying it! The book has an excellent chapter on this and I showed it to people as an introduction. Then came the first Workshop - you MUST try one - followed by a second. Apart from any practical improvement they bring, the psychological impact of actually meeting and talking to other guys who are also struggling is wonderful. All the time my attitude was becoming more positive until I can now say that although I am not completely "cured", my life is no longer being controlled and ruined by this demon. Also I have had the good fortune to have met on this site a fellow paruretic who has been in e-mail contact with me constantly and offering invaluable support, advice and encouragement. If you can find such a contact, don't hesitate to follow it up and , better still, find someone in your area who is willing to de-sense with you. I've not been able to do that myself, although I would have liked to, so I persevere by myself, as you are doing. Keep it up, and good luck. Pete.

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