Hi

[A1]

Hi

I am new here so just wanted to say hello to everybody. I have been suffering from anxiety for the past 2 years but am now starting to get things back on track although I am still finding certain things hard. I am a lot better then I was 2 years ago so for anybody out there who is struggling, it can get better.

xx

[Charmbracelet81]

That's great that you have done better. I am also doing better than I have been. What's your method of treatment? :D

[A1]

Hi

When I first got anxious I started taking Propranolol and Citalopram but now I only take the Propranolol now and again when I feel particulary anxious about something.

I find it is best to take small steps, and just try to do a little bit more each time. I started getting anxious because I lost my job and then my dad became ill and died. I found it really hard at first and found it hard to leave the house but am now finding everyday things a lot easier and have a part time job which is going really well. I still find some things hard like socialising and travelling but these are gonna be my next targets!!

Glad to hear you are doing well :), what things do you find hard? x

[Charmbracelet81]

Well I have been in cognitive behavioral therapy for almost a year now. It was a slow start, just trying to figure it out and all, but now that I am in exposure phase, and have a good understanding of the anxiety and panic, it is working well. My main thought is having a heart attack. It's this recurring thought that makes me extremely anxious and holds me back from doing things. I also suffer OCD from the thought because I go to self blood pressure machines at the stores to check my pressure several times a day. I don't travel and can't go to far around town just yet. Restaurants are also hard. :roll:

[A1]

Its great that the cognitive behavioral therapy is working for you. I don't know much about this as I was offered it but as I live in a rural area I would have had to travel about 40 miles to see someone but beacuse of the anxiety, couldn't deal with the travelling.

I think it is good to understand anxiety and know that it won't hurt you but it can still be really scarey and horrible. I find it quite frustrating because I want to do things and go places but just find it too hard sometimes and then start to feel down. Just got to remind myself that I'm a lot better and doing a lot more things then I was which I am so pleased about.

At first I found travelling really hard and I still struggle with longer distances but I just kept trying to go a little bit further each time and it gradually became easier. Restaurants and eating out is also hard for me, i think its because I think theres no easy escape and Ive got to stay there until the meal is finished, gonna start working on this soon tho so hopefully will get easier. xx