I've just joined the forum having realised my anxiety is a problem. I thought it would be good to be part of a community (something I've always avoided in the offline world) I suppose it would be nice to know how people deal with similar issues to me.
I was diagnosed with General Anxiety Disorder last year. It now turns out I wasn't just shy but had suffered with this my whole life, to the point that I'm realising that a lot of the things I do aren't normal - such as avoiding social situations (or getting very drunk in that situation to have the lack of inhibitions to deal with other people); worrying for days about minor events; being unable to make phone calls out of fear.
I've managed to have jobs, friends, a wife, kids etc but every one of those things I find stressful. I love my job but hate going to work because of the worry that I might encounter an awkward social situation. I love my kids and like taking them to the park but dread bumping into anyone else. I will only meet friends in quiet places where there will be few people around. I enjoyed my wedding day (making it clear I would not be making a speech) until the moment I was handed the microphone in front of everyone and was barely able to talk.
I have let people down on many occasions by not meeting up as planned or finding ways to get out of social events. When I do stuff like that I generally keep really busy around the house - cleaning; DIY; exercise - so that it feels like I've still doing something and don't feel so guilty.
Anyway, this has been 30 years coming and I feel like I've wasted a lot of my life not living life, and not really realising it. I hope I can find ways to try and overcome some of the struggles to start making the most of life!
I was diagnosed with General Anxiety Disorder last year. It now turns out I wasn't just shy but had suffered with this my whole life, to the point that I'm realising that a lot of the things I do aren't normal - such as avoiding social situations (or getting very drunk in that situation to have the lack of inhibitions to deal with other people); worrying for days about minor events; being unable to make phone calls out of fear.
I've managed to have jobs, friends, a wife, kids etc but every one of those things I find stressful. I love my job but hate going to work because of the worry that I might encounter an awkward social situation. I love my kids and like taking them to the park but dread bumping into anyone else. I will only meet friends in quiet places where there will be few people around. I enjoyed my wedding day (making it clear I would not be making a speech) until the moment I was handed the microphone in front of everyone and was barely able to talk.
I have let people down on many occasions by not meeting up as planned or finding ways to get out of social events. When I do stuff like that I generally keep really busy around the house - cleaning; DIY; exercise - so that it feels like I've still doing something and don't feel so guilty.
Anyway, this has been 30 years coming and I feel like I've wasted a lot of my life not living life, and not really realising it. I hope I can find ways to try and overcome some of the struggles to start making the most of life!