Hi all. I am a 29 year old male. My teenage/college days (12 - 24) were filled with constant anxiety and I definitely suffered from functional and social anxiety although I was never officially diagnosed (mainly because I kept it a secret). I recently did something that I never thought I would do in a million years - I wrote a book about my experiences. It was one of the most liberating experiences of my life. I used to be extremely embarrassed about my "secret" life with anxiety, but now I want to help others that are going through some of the same things that I went through, especially kids/teens. I am a teacher today (I know I actually have to talk a lot to strangers!!) and see plenty of kids walking through the hallways and it's pretty easy to pick out kids that are dealing with anxiety. Here is the link to the book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GY3NQ7G?tag=interior0d3-20
I definitely don't expect anyone to read it. Honestly, I just wanted to come here today and let others know that you aren't alone in what you are dealing with. Sometimes you really need to hear that. You also aren't weird or crazy. I have been reading through a lot of the posts on here and instead of feeling bad for others, I actually feel a sense of belonging because there are so many people out there that are like me and I can relate. Don't give up hope, it can and will get better. Today, I am 29 and my anxiety is basically a thing of the past as I have found many ways to overcome the anxiety over the years. I have also realized that the anxiety didn't make me weak, it actually made me a strong person. In fact, my life today is pretty easy because I was so used to battling every single day just to get through the day. Now, when I face adversity it really isn't that bad. You are not a weak person, you are tough. Don't ever forget that. I really hope that you all can find some relief in your days and can find a way to overcome anxiety. Don't be embarrassed. Don't feel weak. Don't feel alone. You are stronger than you ever know.
Justin
I definitely don't expect anyone to read it. Honestly, I just wanted to come here today and let others know that you aren't alone in what you are dealing with. Sometimes you really need to hear that. You also aren't weird or crazy. I have been reading through a lot of the posts on here and instead of feeling bad for others, I actually feel a sense of belonging because there are so many people out there that are like me and I can relate. Don't give up hope, it can and will get better. Today, I am 29 and my anxiety is basically a thing of the past as I have found many ways to overcome the anxiety over the years. I have also realized that the anxiety didn't make me weak, it actually made me a strong person. In fact, my life today is pretty easy because I was so used to battling every single day just to get through the day. Now, when I face adversity it really isn't that bad. You are not a weak person, you are tough. Don't ever forget that. I really hope that you all can find some relief in your days and can find a way to overcome anxiety. Don't be embarrassed. Don't feel weak. Don't feel alone. You are stronger than you ever know.
Justin