Am I anxious or does everyone feel like this?

jay1998b · ‎26-05-2018

Hi. I'm not sure if I have anxiety or if I'm just making a big deal about something everyone is going through. I get stressed very easily, over grades, work, family, and friends. I get stress headaches because everything is stressful, I make plans and immediately back out of them, I am doing barely anything but I don't know what I actually do because I don't seem to have time for the things I used to enjoy. Breathing exercises and all that stuff doesn't help because I don't hyperventilate, I just find it more and more difficult to function. I feel like I can't talk to anyone. I can't talk to my parents, because they are already really stressed. I can't talk to my friends, because they're already really stressed. I used to understand why I got stressed, but now it happens to me all the time over the slightest things.

stormcloudz · ‎26-05-2018

Hi Jay, and welcome. It's hard when you feel you can't talk to anyone - but you can definitely talk to the lovely people on this forum, who will understand and support you.

You asked whether your feelings are normal - well, I suspect that many people go through periods where they feel like this, but the real test is whether it's affecting your daily life and limiting your ability to do what you want and need to do. I've had anxiety that might sound familiar to you - I just found it harder and harder to function. I got some good help from my GP, who luckily was good at this stuff. I think that, like me, your situation is creating enough daily issues for you that it is definitely worth getting some advice from someone who knows about anxiety. Would you be able to speak to your GP, or see if there is a Headspace centre near you?

PS breathing exercises slow your entire body down - you don't have to be hyperventilating to try them

Peppermintbach · ‎28-05-2018

Hi Jay,

I hope it’s okay that I give you a second caring welcome to the forums 🙂

You sound very stressed and emotionally on edge, which must be horrible. Your feelings must be very confusing and draining for you especially as you understandably are not sure if it’s anxiety or something else...

I’m glad stormcloudz suggested seeing your GP and/or reaching out to Headspace as they have a range of services for young people. Perhaps you might like to consider those options. It’s entirely up to you of course...

It must be lonely to feel like you can’t reach it to your parents and friends. You sound very caring as you worry about them already being stressed. That being said, and I obviously don’t know what your relationship is like with your parents. But do you think, maybe they would want to know and support you (despite their own stresses)? Just a thought...

Please know you’re most welcome to post here any time. There’s no pressure or obligation but if you feel like writing here, we would very be happy to continue supporting you.

Kind thoughts,

Pepper

jay1998b · ‎30-05-2018

Hi stormcloudz, thank you for your lovely reply to my post. I've been thinking about headspace for a while, so I might go and give that a shot... it's just the huge gap between thought and action, you know?

ps I think it's great that people like you are active on these forums! I don't think i'd have the stamina 🙂

jay1998b · ‎30-05-2018

Hi Pepper! Thank you for replying to my post. I think you guys have a lot of endurance to be out here listening to stressed people on the internet 🙂

I think you've described me pretty well there (stressed and drained). My parents... they would want to know, but they can be very bubble-wrappy helicopter-y if they even slightly think something's wrong. Whenever I feel tired or upset, I try not to look it, because they'll be in my room like 'what's wrong??? what happened??? TELL US'. I'd rather work this out independently - might give headspace a shot 🙂

Hope you're having a nice night.

Peppermintbach · ‎31-05-2018

Hi Jay,

It’s great to hear from you again 🙂 Thanks also for the very kind comment.

Yes, I get what you’re saying about how there’s a fine line between being caring and being accidentally overbearing. I think Headspace is a great option. They have a wide range of services but you’ll see all that on their website 🙂

Wishing you all the best, and please feel free to write again any time if you feel like talking. There’s no pressure but please know the option is always open to you.

Kind and caring thoughts,

Pepper

stormcloudz · ‎02-06-2018

Hi Jay

Thanks for popping back (and for giving us that nice feedback).

Giving Headspace a try sounds good. You can chat online (through the eheadspace website) or give one of the centres a call to speak face to face. I know it's hard to translate thought to action, but remember a call doesn't commit you to anything - you can just have a look and see if it suits you.

Like Pepper said, post again anytime (no pressure)! We'll understand.