A Tribute to Ann Landers

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Longtime advice columnist and American icon Ann Landers was a strong supporter of Recovery International. This support in the 1970s led to an increase in the number of people finding Recovery International and applying the Recovery Method to their everyday lives.

As a tribute to Ann, the following is a letter and response about Recovery International which ran in one of her columns.

Chicago Closet Case

Dear 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. 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.

Posted with permission. Appreciation and credit is given Ann Landers, Creators Syndicate and The Chicago Tribune.

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