Anxiety From Becoming an Adult

[Areyn13]

So I'm a 24 year old man who's lived most of his life sheltered from life. I live with my parents, I've never had a job outside of working alongside my dad and ever since finishing high school I've done pretty much nothing with my life. I've always distracted myself from everything, the thought of going outside into the real world fills me with anxiety and I have such a strong fear of failure that i feel like I'll never be able to turn my life around. The thought of applying for jobs scare me, i want to get a driver's license one day but driving is also a fear i have, I've thought about maybe doing some kind of courses or working towards some kind of certifications/trade and even doing volunteer work as i think it might help push me forward and out of my comfort zone, but it's all just very daunting

[Sophie_M]

Hey Areyn13,

Welcome to the forums, we are so glad that you've taken a big step in sharing your thoughts and feelings here with our wonderful community. We're so sorry to hear that you're feeling a lot of anxiety at the moment, but please know that this is a safe and non-judgemental space for you to discuss these feelings, and our supportive community is here to offer as much advice and conversation as you need.

If you feel up to it, we'd also recommend getting in contact with our Beyond Blue Support Service, which is available anytime on 1300 22 4636 or you can get in touch with us on Webchat 3pm-12am AEST here: www.beyondblue.org.au/getsupport. One of the friendly counsellors can offer you some support but also provide you with advice and referrals to help you through this.

Thanks again for reaching out as we know that it can be really tough to do this for the first time. We hope that you find some comfort here in the words of wisdom and kindness that our community can offer.

 

[Croix]

Dear Areyn13~

Welcome here. It can seem very daunting to step outside the life you have always know, and it you take it all into account at the one time, then yes, it can seem almost impossible. You are by no means alone in that.

When given situations like this in my own life I've tried to break things down into manageable tasks, and tackling them singly (well, I try anyway:). From the list of things you'd like to be able to do I'd guess that maybe learning to drive might be a good thing to start with in a couple of ways.

If you can get together some money you can use a driving instruction. Remembering back to when I learned having an instructor made things very much easier, there were no uncertainties about what to do, and having fixed appointments got me going each time.

The other thing of course is that being able to drive opens up your options, so that if you wanted to perhaps do volunteer work it would be easier.

What do you think?

Croix?

[Areyn13]

Taking driving lessons does sound like a good first step yeah, that's something I'm gonna try focusing on for now and not letting everything else bother me too much. Something that's also always in the back of my mind eating away at me is the feeling that I'd never be able to get a job? I've never applied for one or had prior work experience or qualifications outside of a high school certificate, so i don't know 😕

[Croix]

Dear Areyn13~

Yes I'm sure worry over a job is a big thing, after all its necessary for most peple in the society, but you have time, gettng excellent and in-demand qualifications, and can afford to work your way there in stages.

I'd suggest just focus on driving for now, that will take up a fair amount of effort but pay big dividends. It's not like the uni where years of hard work and application have been necessary. Also please don't be discouraged if you need more than one attempt, many if not most do.

Then worry about the next step, it will sort out.

Croix