Let me say from the get go that I am not a medical person, nor have I any professional standing in the anxiety disorder marketplace

What I do have is 13 years of my own suffering to draw on, plus a vast array of information I picked up from other sufferers whilst trying to find my path out of the hell I was in.

The question Am I worthless, is one which anxiety sufferers continually ask themselves as a lot truly believe they have no worth, neither to society nor to themselves or their friends and family.

The reason for this can be as simple as the fact that they have hidden their affliction from everyone for such a long time that they begin to believe their own worthlessness. It can be difficult for someone, with such an ailment, to feel good about themselves on their own; they need help so to do.

In order to be able to talk to others about their disorder, people must first acknowledge to themselves exactly what it is they are suffering from. This is very important, as not to do this will increase that worthlessness emotion as the time slips by.

The first step towards the ultimate shedding of this emotion is the self realisation, and acceptance, of the disorder one has. It is a lonely place having anxiety disorders, a very lonely place, and it can be frightening. This feeling of worthlessness can lead to all sorts of other darker problems, from manic depression to self-harming, and it must not be taken lightly.

Anxiety disorders can be caused by many factors, a lot of which can be way out of our control e.g. genetics and our childhood environment to name just two. It is in both accepting that we have the disease, but also that we are not necessarily to blame for the ailment that we can start to move forward. One in 4 people will at sometime during their life have an anxiety disorder; people must know they are not alone, not some wierd individual, the first ever to have suffered this. They are unique im themselves, and special individually, and definitely not alone. They may not be at fault for the disorder in the first place, but they definitely will be responsible for effecting their cure. And this feeling of being back in control again can counteract the worthlessness emotion in a big way.

Have you considered how difficult it can be to open yourself up in this way?. I know, from personal experience. It is not easy, and for some it can be a major barrier.

And to anyone reading this who is approached by someone with such a disorder, please ensure you attach no stigma to them in the way you react to their overture,

They are a soul seeking help, not criticism or prejudice or a "well you should just get on with it reply". Just listening to them can sometimes be the best medicine you could ever offer.

Do bear in mind that the am I worthless feeling can actually be increased by the anxiety itself. The feeling of worthlessness increases the anxiety, which makes them feel even more worthless, and so it can go on.

So, to bring this article to a conclusion on this subject, the thing to bear in mind is that if you have any sort of anxiety disorder, you need to realise that you are a unique special person and most definitely not worthless. There are people who can help you get cured, but to start that cure you must accept yourself what it is you are suffering from, and then go and seek help. Starting to take control of your life again can be a massive contribution towards ridding yourself of that worthlessness feeling.

From that point on, your situation will get better, as that is exactly what happened to me. I know it was many times repeated in the experiences of others I both talked to and read about.

Just listening to someone who may approach you regarding their disorder could be the best medicine you ever give them. Realise the torment they are in and the huge barrier they will have overcome in talking to someone. Listen to them and then do all you can to help them if they ask, which they will.

Your help and assistance will be of more benefit that you could possibly imagine, unless you have been there yourself of course.

I really struggled to find my way out of the anxiety jungle I found myself in, and it was not until I started to both accept what I had and then to seek help that I started to come round.

We all want to be in control of our lives, and not be controlled by our inner demons, whatever they may be. When control is lost, so the feeling of worthlessness creeps in and can become pervasive. Conversely, take control back, decide that it is you who is the master, and your self-esteem will immediately improve.

Accept that you have an anxiety disorder, start talking to others about it, seek help and thereby regain control of your life. Your feeling of your own worth will benefit hugely and your personal self-esteem will rise accordingly. The act of discussing your most personal feelings with people is not easy, for some it is an immense challenge. But once that challenge is overcome, the road gets much easier, and you will start to feel good about yourself again.