Beginning of support group! Let’s do this!

[Kmeyeraa11]

I figured this should get started as soon as possible and thought it would be a good idea to do “introductions” to make everyone more familiar with eachother (these do not have to be very personal).

Maybe say your age range, how long you’ve had anxiety, what makes you anxious, what helps you not be so anxious and some fun fact about yourself!

I’ll start by saying: I’m a teenager, I’ve been struggling with my most recent case of anxiety for about 5 months, I’m a hypochondriac, mindfulness and keeping busy helps me not be so anxious, and a fun fact is I have pet tarantulas!

I think this is a good way for everyone to get more comfortable and familiar with their anxiety and other people’s. Looking forward to reading your responses! Thanks!

 

[Hooligan1214]

Hey....I'm 30, an artist and an art teacher. I've had bad bouts of anxiety for about the last 7 years. It comes in waves and usually revolves around not being enough, my partner leaving me, or my body. I find excersising, petting my kitties, and cuddling with my partner helps...if I had a sure fire cureall I'd probably not be on the board hahaha. A fun fact....I flew a plane on Sunday! That was pretty awesome.

 

[cheer_mom]

I'm 41, married with 2 kids. I've been fighting depression for about 20 years. I have been fighting health anxiety for a little over a year. Basically several people really close to me got cancer all about the same time and it got me freaked out. I feel best in the evenings and bring with my family helps a lot.

 

[daughteroftheKing]

Hey there! I'm 39 and have had anxiety issues since I was a little girl..although I didn't know what it was until my first panic attack at about 13 or 14 years old. I started taking antidepressants around the age of 19 or so. I feel better toward afternoons and evenings. What makes me anxious is if I even think about being alone (i can't do it and thank God I don't have to be), or being on a desolate road, stopped in traffic, or somewhere without an easy exit. What helps me with the anxiety is Jesus..I've been a born again Christian for 2 years now and He is the peace that I need when I get anxious. This is a great idea by the way!

 

[Trying123]

I am 50 years old married with 2 children. I have experienced depression in the past and anxiety/panic attacks for about 3 months. I started buspar 5 days ago. My anxiety is brought on by work issues, health concerns, and fear of failure and letting people down. Writing in a journal, prayer, and affirmations are helping me at this time. I am reading Christian self books and trust that God is with me and He is a healer. I have my second appointment with a therapist later this week and am undergoing medical tests in about 2 weeks.

 

[daughteroftheKing]

I am 50 years old married with 2 children. I have experienced depression in the past and anxiety/panic attacks for about 3 months. I started buspar 5 days ago. My anxiety is brought on by work issues, health concerns, and fear of failure and letting people down. Writing in a journal, prayer, and affirmations are helping me at this time. I am reading Christian self books and trust that God is with me and He is a healer. I have my second appointment with a therapist later this week and am undergoing medical tests in about 2 weeks.

There is a book that I started reading but I'm terrible at reading a book..takes me forever so I haven't gotten too far into it. It's by Max Lucado and it is called "You'll get through this".

 

[Trying123]

My reading comprehension is declining recently. I have to read slowly and go over things 2-3 times. The book is by Joyce Meyer called "Beauty for Ashes ". She also has a website and TV show too.

 

[daughteroftheKing]

My reading comprehension is declining recently. I have to read slowly and go over things 2-3 times. The book is by Joyce Meyer called "Beauty for Ashes ". She also has a website and TV show too.

Seems the older I get the same thing has happened to me. It takes me forever to read. Ha!

 

[cheer_mom]

There is a book that I started reading but I'm terrible at reading a book..takes me forever so I haven't gotten too far into it. It's by Max Lucado and it is called "You'll get through this".

I am reading Max Lucado Anxious for Nothing right now. It's definitely uplifting.

 

[daughteroftheKing]

I am reading Max Lucado Anxious for Nothing right now. It's definitely uplifting.

I will have to check it out! Thanks. The one I was reading I just couldn't focus on it lol

 

[AbeLinkedIn]

My name's James, I'm 26 years old and suffered from anxiety for as long as I can remember. I was officially diagnosed with GAD in 2013 but I've had it longer than that I'm sure. Right now my biggest anxiety triggers are health anxiety and really anything having to do with finances because I don't understand any of it. I mentioned in another thread that I also suffer from anger problems and depression though those aren't diagnosed.

I'll be honest with you all, I think I'm beyond repair. I've tried everything under the sun from medication to therapists and even church but while they're attacking the symptoms, nothing's getting the cause. It's affected my personal life where I lack any self confidence and to top it off I found out I was never actually supposed to have been born. I'm not the smartest man alive, probably closer to stupidest if I'm being honest. It's almost to the point where I think dying would be more pleasurable than living a life of anxiety knowing nothing I've tried worked. The only reason I'm still alive is God and my own cowardice.

 

[texmcpherson]

My name's James, I'm 26 years old and suffered from anxiety for as long as I can remember. I was officially diagnosed with GAD in 2013 but I've had it longer than that I'm sure. Right now my biggest anxiety triggers are health anxiety and really anything having to do with finances because I don't understand any of it. I mentioned in another thread that I also suffer from anger problems and depression though those aren't diagnosed.

I'll be honest with you all, I think I'm beyond repair. I've tried everything under the sun from medication to therapists and even church but while they're attacking the symptoms, nothing's getting the cause. It's affected my personal life where I lack any self confidence and to top it off I found out I was never actually supposed to have been born. I'm not the smartest man alive, probably closer to stupidest if I'm being honest. It's almost to the point where I think dying would be more pleasurable than living a life of anxiety knowing nothing I've tried worked. The only reason I'm still alive is God and my own cowardice.

Were all here for you. Everyone's life has a meaning, you just have to find it.

 

[AbeLinkedIn]

I'm lost, I don't know what my lot in life is, and the window of opportunities is quickly closing. I know people say I don;t have to have it together but that remains to be seen

 

[EMJ]

Hi I am MJ...I am 64 years old and a retired therapist....Yah therapist's suffer with anxiety too....health anxiety has been a problem for about 25 years...It started when a Dr. told me he thought I might have pancreatic cancer...I did not...but this started me down a road of fear for health problems. Anxiety does run in my family ...my father had it and I also have the disorder...suffered from an eating disorder during my college days and throughout the years it has manifested in health anxiety...awful dreadful anxiety...I tell all my clients I suffer from this condition ...I DO NOT hide this emotional health condition...the same as I would not hide a broken arm or leg...it is a condition and I can heal ....I have had ups and downs throughout the years but THINGS DO GET BETTER....and I do fall in that hole now and again and I reach out to everyone around me for support as I heal once again...

 

[Tracy T.]

I am 50, married, mom of 2. I have had anxiety off and on throughout my life but it really reared it's ugly head about 9 years ago. Ended up at the ER with PVC's and I was terrified I was going to die. Went through the whole cardiac workup and was told I was perfectly fine. Went on Sertraline gave up caffeine and after a few months was better. Fast forward to August this year. I had gone off the Sertraline because I was doing so well about a year ago. (HUGE mistake). My mom had some health scares, my daughter left for college, my son is a senior, my husband started a new job and suddenly I was home alone ALL THE TIME. Oh and I'm a 50 year old female with crazy hormones. It has been complete hell these last few weeks. I am back on Sertraline and a beta blocker for my PVC's and SVT's and I am back to the cardiologist again. Early morning and mornings are the hardest for me. By evening I am usually feeling better. I have started exercising every day for about 25 minutes and that really helps. I am losing weight and working hard to get better. I pray everyday and I have support from my friends and family. But if they have never experienced this they really do not understand. I love the idea of sharing with all of you and reading your experiences....it's comforting to know I am not alone.

 

[MainerMikeBrown]

I'm 40 years of age. I have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder as well as bipolar disorder. I started seeking professional psychiatric help back in 2000. I've lived most of my life in Maine, although I'm originally from Rhode Island. I am single.