Welcome to the Anxiety Forum - A Home for Those with Anxiety, Fear, or Panic Attacks.
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  1. #1
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2017
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    28

    First time seeking help for anxiety properly

    Hi Guys.
    Female in my 20s. Have had anxiety probably longer than I can remember. My anxiety prevents me from doing normal things in life I.e. Drive a car, want to take bus, take public transport, meet new people etc
    I get nervous about things that others would consider 'normal'. I've basically tried the approach where you are scared but do it anyway. To be honest it gives me a boost I.e. I drove up the road after two years of having my licence even though it shit the life out of me but that boost quickly wears off.
    My question is, when anxiety affects your everyday life, what can you do to make it easier to overcome those fears? How do you break out of that shell? I am pretty much alone on this. My family don't understand what I'm going through and it sounds sad but I haven't got mates because my anxiety caused me to push everyone away.

  2. #2
    Hi Self12 Welcome to the forum
    You will find that there are quite a few who can relate on this forum. Anxiety can be crippling for most of us. There are some videos and articles on the net by a doctor called Claire Weekes who specialised in anxiety states and was a sufferer herself-especially panic attacks, and many of us here have found her advice very useful, take a look. Maybe you could also check out some of the threads here to help the physical aspects of anxiety such as the one about amino acids and magnesium curing anxiety. Some posters that come to mind in that area are panic cured and ponder, but I can't remember the title of their threads.
    All the best

  3. #3
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2016
    Posts
    101
    Hi Self12. I'm sorry to hear that youve been struggling with anxiety for so long. I know how debilitating the symptoms can be. However, I also know that it is possible to recover from this disorder with the right information, help, dedication, and support. Have you by chance read my lengthy post I made on here about my own struggle and recovery? It is a long read, but I think you would find it very helpful. Here's a link to the post I made on this site:

    http://anxietyforum.net/forum/showth...ange-Your-Life

    I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have as well :-)

    Jordan
    Last edited by RoadToRecovery; 07-06-2017 at 04:31 PM.

  4. #4
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2013
    Location
    Australia
    Posts
    6,877
    Hi self. Joining this forum is a great start. Opening up the way you have show me just how much potential you really have. I guess whiles it's different for everyone, it can help to read up on generic approaches (coping strategies) and then adapt/adopt them on our individual needs. Heightened and disabling anxiety levls is something that's been deeply ingrained in my family from one generation to the next. So it is that I can say with confidence, that self esteem is a good place to start.

    I don't want to overload you with much more than that at this stage. Starting out small and taking baby steps is a way that works for me. Little bit by little bit. Whilst graduated exposure can be helpful it's important to choose exposing yourself to those places and situations that really want to associate with. Imo social phobia is a tag that's handed out too quickly. There is nothing wrong with hanging back in those places and situations that often lead to wearing down. Finding out what you really want in life and determining for yourself what real contented living and happiness is really about. Anxiety is actually a normal part of life but sadly with today's values systems and hectic way 24/7 non stop practice of consuming anxiety levels are on the rise resulting in a world wide depression for those not seemingly fitting in.

    Anxiety is also big business which can make finding a way to deal with it a complicated science. My advice is to again to keep things simple and start of little by little. Take in a wide variety of strategies but don't take everything as gospel being sure to only connect with those snippets of information that you feel relate to you and your situation on a personal level. Research and take things back in again as you grow to understand more because what you may not of connected with previously will often have a new meaning the second third or even forth time around.

    I recommend checking out the following link:
    http://thehappinesstrap.com/upimages...hapter_one.pdf

    What country do you live in?
    With anxiety and depression lvls now epidemic across the world, getting assistance to see a therapist is something that's now more available than every before. It just requires a desire to speak to a professional who may be able to help. I have been seeing one for years and also most of my kids now see one as well. We gain a LOT of help going this route. It's not so much a case that family don't care, its more a case that everyone is different and when it comes to dealing with pain - getting an impartial perspective is more key. So consider seeing a psychologist who deals more with core issues as opposed to simply handing out pills. If your not already using chemicals to deal with your problems, I highly recommend that you think carefully before starting off down that route.

    Speaking of which ... that online pdf I linked is based on a strategy called ACT ... acceptance commitment therapy. Being committed to wanting to get better is really were it's at. I look to keeping my stability in an unstable world as a serious part of my contribution to society and pretty much have to work on it every day. It's all in the approach. One you start to get a grip ... life starts to take on more color and breathing is no longer such a chore.

    WELCOME TO THE FORUM! Were glad to have you aboard.
    "...the cost of sanity in this society is a certain level of alienation" ~ Terrance McKenna → https://pondermovedhere.blogspot.com/

  5. #5
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2017
    Posts
    28
    Hi! Thank you so much for replying to my post. Yes, I am very intrigued about finding more out about the chemicals I.e. Amino acids and magnesium. I was thinking to go to my GP for this but it's nerve wracking... I don't want them thinking I'm mentally unstable or anything. Right now, my weight loss is helping me a lot with my self-worth. I'm not huge, but just chubby yet it makes me so self conscious. Thank you for your great advice.

  6. #6
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2017
    Posts
    28
    Yes indeed thank you for your understanding. I have read your story and it's inspiring. I hope one day I can grow, since anxiety never truly leaves you for good. It leaves these feelings behind. Would be great to stay in touch with you!

  7. #7
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2017
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    Hi, your reply is amazing. I live in the UK. Society here is pretty shitty, very judgemental, very opinionated people almost anywhere and everywhere you go. I was thinking about seeing a therapist but it frightens me as I don't want to be sectioned a part of something where others look down on you sort of. I don't agree with medication for anxiety and sometimes I feel talking to a therapist isn't going to cut it as it's scripted. What do you think about this? Do they truly listen to your personal issues and your own life experience? I'm sure you will have some great insight on that!

  8. #8
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2017
    Posts
    6
    I too am wondering how to get help. It has gotten worse and yesterday I had a panic attack at work in front of a co worker and I feel so stupid and it's horrible to say that it took until that moment for me to realize I need to get medication for it but I'm afraid of going to my doctor because I have it in my head that she will send me a psych ward or something of that nature.. so I never go.

  9. #9
    Junior Member
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    Jul 2017
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    28
    Everyone's advice has been great. Just take day by day to those who are also suffering

  10. #10
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2017
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    6
    I got your PM and tried to message you but I don't have 10 posts yet :/

 

 

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