Vivian Eisenecher

Speaker, Mentor, Writer, Author

Vivian is a survivor. She has conquered social phobia, dysthymia and alcoholism. She very fortunately lived through it and now shares her story to assist others who are struggling with one or more of these debilitating issues.

I think we all know about social anxiety and alcoholism, but what is dysthymia? It is a genetic chronic low grade depression which keeps you from experiencing any joy in life. One feels hopeless, helpless and dreary (like the commercials with the big gray cloud hovering overhead.)

Vivian’s mother suffered from depression at a time when little was known about it. Her great Mom was a go-getter, baker, wonderful cook, seamstress, and housekeeper who one day lost interest in all her activities, stayed in bed and eventually took her own life when Vivian was just a teenager. To cope with her guilt, anxiety and depression Vivian turned to alcohol.

There is a strong correlation between anxiety, depression and alcoholism. As a functional alcoholic she was able to live her life in such a way that most people probably had no idea she was suffering. But, it did take a serious toll on her husband, children and her life. She sought treatment several times, part of which was to attend Alcoholics Anonymous. Well, if you have social anxiety disorder and are required to get up in front of a group, how well do you think that is going to work out?

She finally "got" that in order to treat the alcoholism, the depression and anxiety would need to be dealt with first! AA was never going to work for her unless she treated the underlying issues. When her psychiatrist prescribed anti anxiety and anti depressive drugs, she felt better in just one week. She was able to feel joy, had way less anxiety and was able to participate in her AA meetings. Everything started to work. She no longer felt that her fellow AA members were losers. In fact, she started to see them as the winners they were. During rehab, she started to journal. She enjoyed writing so much that she joined writing groups, organizations and attended conferences. She shares her struggles and triumphs in her newly released book: Recovering Me, Discovering Joy / Uplifting Wisdom for Everyday Greatness

Vivian believes that she has recovered to a “better normal” and her life is filled with the joy she was once unable to access. What she learned in recovery was to “not be afraid to ask for help.” She now feels that it is her time and responsibility to give back. Alcoholism holds a $148 billion price tag for health costs annually, nationwide.

Through her writing, speaking and mentoring, Vivian continues to heal broken spirits and lives every day joyfully. If you or someone you love is suffering, consider gifting Vivian’s book Recovering Me, Discovering Joy / Uplifting Wisdom for Everyday Greatness

Vivian would welcome a visit to her website and blog: www.RecoveringMe.com.