[Fullofanxiety]

I have all sorts of anxiety issues but I really, really struggle with confrontation. I will do almost anything to avoid, I wouldn't comment on overcharging or wrong change etc for instance. I got a letter back from the insurance company saying my claim was denied and I have had it in my draw for a couple weeks. Today I bit the bullet and rang them, they said ok sorry our fault but we need copies of your invoices. All well and good so far but then major panic attack about ringing the Vets to get copies, they really, really are confronting and I HATE having to call them. I did it, they were all 'that's going to be a problem blah blah blah' but they are going to do it. I am literally sat here shaking with adrenalin here. But I did it, I have to remember that I am responsible for my own feelings, no one has the right to make you feel small or your concerns unwarranted. I paid the vet $2000 in 4 months and I am insured, how dare they say NO and the vet say IT'S TOO MUCH BOTHER? Well bum holes to them, in a couple of weeks the Vet will have all but forgotten and once I get over the visit tomorrow I don't have to ever see her again. EVER in my whole life so there, I am going to not drop dead on the floor, I am not going to be physically harmed, it's all in my head and when I press send its all gone. Ahhhhh

[Fullofanxiety]

Oh and the fact they are digging out the invoices right now and are probably cursing me isn't my problem it's theirs. Not going back after tomorrow when I collect the copies, new Vet and not one that makes me feel like this.

[gma45]

YAH! Way to go! Can you pass a little courage this way I have phone calls I have been avoiding for a long long time because of my anxiety. All they can say is yes or no I just need records which I am entitled to. I hate feeling this way. You did it and it gives me inspiration to do it too! Thank you.

[Fullofanxiety]

Well I am double blessed if it helps you

[Rosie23]

Good for you! It always makes you feel good when you work up the courage to do stuff like that.
I'm not confrontational either no mater how small the circumstances. I wish I had more brave days.

[BLUEDOVE]

Hi Guys,
All my sympathy and compassion.I identify totally
with your fears+trepidations.I remember my first faltering
steps to assert myself;I started with taking a not hot-enough
coffee back,and feeling the fear+adrenalin+shaking----NOW,
I don't give it a second thought! So it CAN be done.I started
by getting books on assertiveness(I was so bloody frightened
I could only read 2+3 pages at a time)!But I persevered,and
it took a long time,but the REWARDS are bliss.What I mean,
is,I started to LIKE myself,I started to RESPECT myself,and
that was very important to me.BECAUSSEE,the most important relationship you will ever have,is the one with
yourself.You see,once you get by most of the anxiety,you
find out that people are not all that powerful.In fact,most of
them BLUFF their way,they ACT tough,but when you push a
little,most will cave in,or at least not think they can push you around.To that end,here's a couple of things you can do physically to stave off any bluffers:Walk tall (before I go
any further,do NOT dismiss these physical things,the body is always talking)! Give eye-contact, keep head UP, raise the voice a decibel or 2,Practice the phone call on a dead
phone,BEFORE you make actual call,and raising the voice on it too. To keep the nerves from jangling,take deep BELLY breaths and let air out through pursed lips slowly
(this works like a charm I tell you)--you know you're doing
it right when exhaling you feel like yawning.Now,to the literature:For assertiveness get,"When I say No I Feel Guilty"by Manuel J. Smith. Along WITH THAT,this book on
self-esteem is thee No1 on the subject."THE SIX PILLARS
OF SELF-ESTEEM" by Nathaniel Branden. I would go so far
as to say these 2 books could change your lives!
Don't let me or yourself down now,cause I love happy endings,and I want you to let me know how you get on!
Oh,and don't hesitate to message me if you have any
questions,or difficulties.Be of good courage,you are worth it!
Respectfully Yours,
BLUEDOVE

[Fullofanxiety]

Thank you Blue Dove