Ann Landers

I am writing about 'Chicago Closet Case' who wrote to you about her panic attacks. Please advise the woman that help is just right around the corner. I am referring to the organization designed to help people with the exact symptoms she described to you in her letter.

The organization is Recovery, Inc., an excellent support group that is located in her city. The address is Recovery Inc., 802 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, Ill. 60610.

Please tell that poor woman to contact this group at once.

In the meantime, suggest to her that she take 10 deep breaths, exhale slowly when she is having those panic attacks and tell herself: "I am not dying. I am going to get through this. I will be just fine in a few minutes." Repeating these sentences will relieve her anxiety in a matter of minutes.

I don't wish to discourage the woman from going to a doctor, but it has been my experience that the emotional support of the people who attend Recovery, Inc. meetings is the most effective help of all.

We in Recovery, Inc. have a saying that is comforting and gets us through those attacks. It is this: "Symptoms and sensations are distressing but not dangerous. They come and go and will run their course if you don't attach any importance to them."

You have helped so many people through your columns, Ann. Please help others to help themselves through Recovery. Inc.

T.S. from San Antonio

Dear T.S.:

I'm a great booster of that organization. It's terrific -- and it's free. Anyone interested should look in the phone book or write to the Chicago headquarters for information.

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Reprinted with Permission. Appreciation and credit is given Ann Landers, Creators Syndicate and The Chicago Tribune

Help so you can 'do it yourself'

Your high praise for good psychiatric counseling prompted this letter. During the 1950's, I was hospitalized seven times. The stays were as short as five minutes and as long as four days. Each time I went home, my psychiatrist said, "You'll have to do it yourself." I didn't know what I was supposed to do. He tried to make it clear, but I didn't understand.

Three years ago a friend suggested a new approach. I decided I had nothing to lose so I went to a meeting of Recovery, Inc. I suddenly understood what my doctor had been saying. This is a truly remarkable group -- and free to anyone who wants to go. The people I met and listened to gave me hope and courage. I left the meeting with renewed spirit, sure I could make it. I've been a "regular", and the group has done so much for me I find it difficult to express my gratitude without sounding like a fanatic.

Will you please tell others about Recovery, Inc. in your column, Ann? It has so much to offer, and so many nervous and emotionally ill people need help these days. Thank you,

Lansing Devotee

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Recovery, Inc. -- it really works

Nine years ago in April I joined a group called Recovery Inc.  I owe them my mental health. Today I live, not merely exist.

Before I joined Recovery, life was a nightmare. I paced the house day and night, when I wasn't in a hospital. I slept poorly. My children were very young at the time. I'm glad they don't remember how their mother was then.

I was afraid to be in the house alone. I was nauseated and couldn't eat -- sure I would have a coronary because my heart pounded so much. I locked up all my knives -- afraid I might kill myself. I was depressed, cried a lot for no reason, and was afraid to go out of the house.

When I tried to explain how I felt, I was met by blank stares. No one understood. They just said, "Snap out of it!" or, "Get a hold of yourself!"

A friend told me about Recovery, Inc. She had read about this group in your column. I went and a miracle happened. Everyone there knew how I felt. They told me to keep coming to meetings and I would get well. They were right. I have been a group leader for seven years. It really works!

Grateful in Canada

Dear Canada:

Yours is about the 10th Recovery Inc. testimonial I have printed. The founders of this terrific organization told me several years ago that I "put them on the map." I couldn't receive a finer compliment.

All you folks out there who sneer when I say, "There is help for you. Find it! And get counseling!" Please give this organization a try.

Look in your phone book. There are more than 700 chapters -- and they have succeeded when expensive private psychiatric hospitals have failed. I can't say enough for this beautiful organization.

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