New, but here for and to help!

Hey everyone!

I'm new to this community, but I am here looking for help/support through my recovery with anxiety, as well as to hopefully offer help/support to anyone else who may need it.

I guess to start, I have Major Depressive Disorder (debateable if you ask me), Seasonal Affective Disorder, General Anxiety Disorder, and Insomnia.

I've learned recently through counseling, that it seems as I've possibly had anxiety almost my entire life. I remember having insomnia issues at the age of 2 or so, and my counselor suggests that it could have been anxiety. There have been a lot of things throughout my life that have happened, that most certainly have triggered my anxiety.

With the anxiety disorder, I also have the displeasure of experiencing anxiety and panic attacks. I really started experiencing the anxiety attacks when I was about 21 or 22 years old. As I've gotten older, that has become worse with some medical events with both parents being the big trigger. In the last couple of years, I started experiencing severe panic attacks. These were much worse than the anxiety attacks, in that, when I would get them, they would hit me like a Mack truck. I'd get the feeling of hyperventillating, without doing so. Dizzy, shakey, tightness in my chest and stomach.

I started with a new counselor in January, and I love her to pieces. It had always been so difficult for me to find a counselor that I liked, or that I felt cared even one iota. We'll call her "Jane". Jane has really helped me through things so far. She's really helped me understand things about my anxiety, and controlling it, and why it happens. I've realized and learned a lot about my past being a big trigger, as well as current times. I understand that healing from something so crippling as anxiety is difficult, but if you really want it, then you can do it. This I assure you of.

I know that having an unbiased ear to fall on is such a desirable thing for those going through tough situations. I pretty much exhiled most of my friends from my life, as our friendships were toxic, and not what was best for me. In doing so, I've left myself with few people to talk to about everything that has been going on. While I'm so very appreciative for my parents, my boyfriend and his family, and my counselor, new ears would be greatly appreciated. With that being said, if you need someone to talk or vent to, I'm always here for you. Besides, what good are we as human beings, if we don't help and love one another.

Have a great one everybody!
Much love and peace!
-C-

Jones said:

C - you sound like a very kind and compassionate person. Welcome! I've lived with anxiety for most of my life with some years being almost anxiety free and others riddled with anxiety and depression. I find it comforting to come on here and speak with others who know exactly what I am going through. It's helpful to get other's insight and experience. I'm glad you have a support system around you and have found a counselor to help you through this. Please know that there are many on here who feel the same as you and are here to find support and guidance, as well as giving support and guidance.

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Jones

Thank you for your kind words, as well as you're welcoming to the community.

I'm glad that there is a place such as this. All we really need as humans, is safety and security. And to have a place to go, where you can share your feelings without fear of judgement, is wonderful. I haven't seen it yet, but I'm sure there are some that come on here for amusement at other's expense, but luckily I've seen nothing but support so far.

Good luck in your journey with everything, and keep in touch if you ever need anyone to talk to

Much love,
-C-

He Man said:

Yeah.. every post I've seen in this forum, seems genuinely well-intentioned & supportive. It's a cool resource.
I haven't encountered any trolls or mean-spirited posters here (yet).

Regarding our human need for safety & security.. I'd also add purpose. People can feel really empty without a sense of higher purpose.. /peace

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He Man,

I 100% agree. I was actually talking to my counselor about that, and this community today.

I had wanted to start a support group for those with anxiety in my area, but we both feel that maybe the forum is a better start; to get a feel for it. I certainly need help sometimes, but as you said about needing to have purpose, my purpose is to help others and help others be happy. That's my happiness.

I'm glad that there doesn't seem to be any sign of badness in the community.

Hope all is well, and hope you a great one!

Much love and peace,
-C-