New here - dealing with anxiety

[Hopeful22]

Hi everyone. I’ve always dealt with anxiety but over the past month or so, it has gotten much worse. It’s to the point now where I always find myself crying and I always feel worried. I’ve felt a little embarrassed about talking about it because I felt like I would be judged or that no one would understand. However, after joining this forum I see that I’m not alone. I just hope to receive advice on how to cope with anxiety/depression.

 

[Rosy]

You are definitely not alone. This is a great site. We all have felt the same as you and still do sometimes. I hope sites like this will open the door to our problems and let everyone know it is an illness just like any other. You won't be judged here. You will get understanding and advice. And remember there are a lot of people that suffer just like us. Welcome.

 

[He Man]

22, Welcome.. you're definitely not alone.

My advice, take one day at a time and experiment with your daily routine. It can be overwhelming & frustrating to address/disarm anxiety with one giant leap. Gradually try different diet and/or vitamins, different therapists/doctors.. see what sleep schedule makes u feel best.. try prayer or different forms of meditation (exercise is good too). Address the different aspects of your anxiety piecemeal until u start seeing improvement (?) Keeping a journal or written record might give u some insight in to your successes (& nervous triggers, etc), and I also think writing can be somewhat cathartic. Just my thoughts..

 

[maryam]

Hi. Please know you're not Alone. I feel the way you do all the time. It is a cycle and with proper health from doctors and psychologists and support from people like us. You will see the light at the end of the tunnel an learn to separate your health anxiety from reality. Love

 

[Hopeful22]

Thank you all so much for the encouraging words. This really means a lot to me.

 

[Mandyhiero]

Hi Hopeful! Welcome! This community is one of the only places I’ve joined that I’ve felt support. We all struggle with anxiety in one way or another. It’s just nice to be able to come to a place where you don’t feel so alone. Glad you’re here!

 

[RobbyH]

I am 59 and have been struggling with anxiety since I was 18. People who do not struggle with anxiety do not understand how real teh struggle is and how you can't "jsut let it go". Often they see it as a weakness but it isn't - it is a disease just like any other disease and you can't jsut wish it away.

This forum is great in providing support - we are all here because we understand the struggle

 

[He Man]

I am 59 and have been struggling with anxiety since I was 18. People who do not struggle with anxiety do not understand how real teh struggle is and how you can't "jsut let it go". Often they see it as a weakness but it isn't - it is a disease just like any other disease and you can't just wish it away.

Robby, Good post.. I'm curious, based on your numbers I'm assuming your anxiety experience started in the late 70s (?)
How were the diagnostics & treatments for anxiety back then (?) Was it referred to/understood as anxiety ?

I'm also assuming general attitudes toward anxiety have improved (& become more empathetic) over the last 40+ years (?), but are current treatments any more effective in your opinion (?)

 

[triceps]

Hi He Man. I'm 66 and have had anxiety since my teens. (late 60's). I wasn't treated until the mid 80"s when a neurologist prescribed Xanax for me. Made a huge difference in my life in both allowing me to get married and a leap in my career path. Things are much better today in terms of a greater openness about mental illnesses in general, anxiety and other mental illness groups being formed and some therapies (like CBT) being helpful developments. There have been great developments in anti depression medications but little improvement over all those years in anxiety specific meds. Although very addictive, I would say that Xanax is still the single most effective anxiety specific drug. It isn't a cure by any means but I feel it is the best at tempering the symptoms. Unfortunately it also dampens your normal emotions.

 

[Cheri]

Hi everyone. I’ve always dealt with anxiety but over the past month or so, it has gotten much worse. It’s to the point now where I always find myself crying and I always feel worried. I’ve felt a little embarrassed about talking about it because I felt like I would be judged or that no one would understand. However, after joining this forum I see that I’m not alone. I just hope to receive advice on how to cope with anxiety/depression.

Hi I just joined as well. Been feeling a bit the same way. Thought it was the long winter and grey dreary days. Your not alone for sure. I try and listen to music that lifts me up and keep myself busy. But there are days that are just low. I think of hobbies. Workouts. Etc that justake me feel bad for not doing it. I guess we just need to he easy on ourselves and take time to just be. No pressures. And self care

 

[Howlingvapor]

Hi everyone. I’ve always dealt with anxiety but over the past month or so, it has gotten much worse. It’s to the point now where I always find myself crying and I always feel worried. I’ve felt a little embarrassed about talking about it because I felt like I would be judged or that no one would understand. However, after joining this forum I see that I’m not alone. I just hope to receive advice on how to cope with anxiety/depression.

I understand how you feel, when I first found this forum, I found it hard to admit to anyone, but my girlfriend at the time that I had anxiety. When she left me though I was forced to branch out to others and can say you’re definitely not alone. Thanks to this forum I finally had the courage to ask my parents if I could see a therapist and so far it’s been the best decision I ever made. I’m a 20 year old guy and so when I realized I had anxiety I thought it meant I was weak, but it doesn’t. Not admitting you have a problem and refusing to get help for it is weakness, but being honest with yourself and seeking help is strength.

My advice with how to cope is to just keep trying. Whatever it is that anxiety makes difficult for you, talking to people, going on dates, job interviews, public speaking, just keep trying. It’s hard I know, but the more you venture outside your comfort zone the easier it gets. I still struggle to interact or even just talk to people sometimes, but every day I force myself to talk to at least one person without them talking to me first. And every day it gets easier. So keep on keeping on and good luck to you.


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[thesticksf]

Hi, I just joined as well. I’m 59 and male. I just needed somewhere to go to besides friends and relatives. My panic attacks are not often but my anxiety is daily. Hope I can get some good support here also.