New to the forum + thyroid question

[tim_job]

Hi,

I'm Tim and I'm new to anxiety forum. Basically, I'm just here to tell my story and I have a question. So...

I'm 22 and I think I developed general anxiety at the beginning of college. I suffered from compulsive eating for about 9 months or so, but was able to overcome that in 2006. Since then, though, I've had persistent anxiety that includes I suppose pretty typical symptoms, such as:

* inability to think clearly
* worry about what everyone thinks of me
* feeling like I am living my life wrong/incorrectly/selfishly
* worry that I will not achieve
* feeling like I should be doing something, but not knowing what it is

Before college, I struggled with being gay and also having acne, and (therefore) being generally unhappy. I think I edged toward depression then, but it seems like my mind has overcompensated and is always in a state of panic now.

I've done therapy, but I can't afford to do that anymore. But I don't want to take drugs because I don't think I "believe" in them, at least for me.

So questions:

Is it possible to find very cheap/free psychological services? I haven't looked for such a thing yet.

Here is the bigger question. I've just begun to think that maybe it could be hyperthyroidism? I have a very high metabolism and a difficulty concentrating/anxiety, but I don't really have any of the other nasty symptoms that go along with it. Is this at all possible?

Thanks!

Tim

[eyeeye]

Hi, sorry to hear you're suffering. I too am going it alone-no medication. It's not easy but I am feeling a little bit better each day. I'm not sure if there is such a thing as "free" therapy. Are you in the UK? I guess there's stuff like the samaritans-someone to talk to? Also you could try a self help book or a book on cognitive behavioural therapy?

I recently was advised to have a thyroid test justas a precaution as I have recently develped bad anxiety. It sounds like a pretty simple procedure, just a blood sample. I believe that most thyroid problems are easily corrected anyway so it's not too big a deal. I would suggest seeing your doc and having the test just to put your mind at rest. Good luck!

[Kryztina]

Hi Tim. Why not at least rule it out if you are concerned? Sorry that you are going through this. I think if you search locally for some support groups you could very likely find something at no cost. I am not sure if you are a member of a church but you could also find free help there. Good luck and please post here to let us know how you are doing.