Hi folks

[lewendon]

Hi,my names james,im 20,and i live in northern ireland.

I have suffered from general anxiety disorder for around 3 and a half years now.

I have lost 2 jobs,most of my friends and now my family thanks to this condition.

I had a mild panic attack when i was around 16,and since then the onset of anxiety has become gradually worse.Several months ago i was at the stage where i was unable to leave my house due to feeling so unwell,i get blurred vision,Extreme fatigue,heart palpitations,and the feeling i am going to pass out most of this time.

Due to the nature of the condition,my family thinks i am simply bone idle,and refuse to accept it as a serious conditon that effects every aspect of your life.

Looking to discuss anxiety with people here,especially long term sufferers,to maybe learn some advice other than simple positive thinking,And people who understand what its like to live in fear of travelling 20 miles from home,being convinced things can only get worse and all the horrible illusions this condition carries.

Anyway,glad i joined,look forward to talking more.

james


:D :D

[square]

Other than positive thinking, some of the things that have helped or allowed me to endure:

Distraction or hobby or that requires focus. Music, learning to play an instrument or learning to paint or draw. Gardening seems to help alot of people.

Walking or running/ physical activity. It's hard for me to do in crowded places, so I walk on a river levee in an industrial area. There are others doing the same and I can tell they're working with their own anxiety. The equalizer is the location. Just the exercise is good physically.

Eat reasonably well, so you're not worrying about alot of associated ailments from not.

Therapy; talking or medication, group therapy.

Stay flexible and willing to try new things. The symptoms are so varied and unpredictable it's like the same con over and over again but with a different angle.

This might be a challenge, but try to have a job. If you don't like it, tell yourself it's just to have money.

And, I seem to have lower anxiety levels when I'm more patient, forgiving and less critical of people, things and events. Be an observer, not a thinker - try not to let anxiety define you.

Sometimes I just drive up into the mountains, find a river and watch the water tumbling down.

Hope that helps. I'm sure others here can offer suggestions as well.