Alright, I'll stop lurking...

[laney]

Well, I’m 35 and have been consumed by general & social anxiety for the last year & a half. I thought maybe the anxiety would leave after the company I worked for closed, which is where my anxiety stemmed from. I wasn’t that lucky. I’ve now been unemployed for over 7 months and I am seriously worried that my anxiety will hinder my chances in getting a new job (if I can find one).

I don’t take any meds; kinda was hoping I could make it thru without them, but I teder toder on that issue a lot.

Let me just say, I am very happy to have found this site. It’s really hard when no one around you understands what you’re going thru. My parents try, my friends try less, at least I feel you guys will get where I’m coming from.

:unsure:

[rodey]

i feel exactly what your going through ,

the funny thing is i used to say to myself .

NOTING LIKE THAT WILL EVER HAPPEN TO ME?

[stoptheanxiety]

I know how you feel. Believe me I KNOW. Have always wondered if these medications that they issue just make us think they are working instead of actually working. Ive been on medication for nearly 15 yrs, have my good days and bad days. Tried many diff medications, some with extremely bad side affects. Im on prozac now.

[xPixie_Dust10x]

I know exactly how you feel, not alot of people are understanding when it comes to anxiety and i think that people need to create more awareness for it so that people are more understanding.

My family don't understand either and i only have one close friends and people online who understand how i am feeling.

Nice to meet you by the way, i'm sarah 20, just posted a welcome topic in the forum :) x

[ghcowan]

Don't be afraid to take the med route....if you get indegestion then you wouldn't think twice about taking antacids? Med is med is med, there should be no personal stigma concerns about meds for anxiety. Also don't think that trying to overcome anxiety by other means (e.g. CBT)alone is the prefered first option. I found CBT was not a quick fix, it is a technique that has to be learned and practised over time. I felt pretty dissapointed in myself going to my doc for med, but as said previously I wouldn't think twice about taking meds for other non-psychological conditions. It's also good to talk to friends and family about anxiety, not 'for the sympathy vote' but to stress that this is a medical condition and hopefully they will appreciate that what we suffer.
Regards,
GHC