Anxiety share-space

[Reaperbird]

Hey guys I wanted to start a thread where we can all share and vent out any quirks, habits, routines and/or feelings we have when faced with anxiety or panic-attacks. I feel it might be a positive way to share our experiences amongst ourselves and gain some comfort in knowing we aren't alone in this.

Well I'll start with a few of mine, and if you like, feel free to add your own in the comments! ^_^

- Mentally repeating to myself what I'm going to say to the shop cashier while waiting in line.

- Keeping all doors/windows closed and locked. Re-checking in case I missed one.

- Occasionally covering household mirrors with sheets/towels so no one can 'watch' me.

- Spacing out when around large crowds of people, or when there's a lot of noise.

- Replying 'you too' when people ask 'how are you?'

- Needing to know every tiny detail about what's going on before I can relax. Always having a plan B.

- Vaguely answering any questions about myself or my interests.

- Asking friends/family if they can order for me.

- Using the self-serve or shopping online to avoid contact with other people.

- Getting awkward and embarrassed when complimented.

- Sometimes letting phone calls go to message-bank instead of answering.

- Never changing my fashion/hair style so I don't draw attention to myself.

- Getting myself lost during a panic-attack, then getting in to more of a panic about being lost.

- Either answering people too quickly, or too late.

- Using body language and gestures instead of speaking because I stutter a lot.

[Moonstruck]

Hello Reaperbird - I could relate to what you were saying. "but what if this, what if that? ..but on the other hand?"

a big part of my anxieties and worries stem from the fact that I cannot trust my own instincts, my own judgements. I am intelligent, articulate, observant, a good communicator, generally fairly experienced in knowing a diverse lot of people through my life of all different personalities and quirks.....I should be able to at least trust my own decisions and judgments. But I can't.

You know the old saying "go with your gut instinct" "follow your heart". Advice like that sounds good, and usually works out being the best. But it's no use my knowing what my gut instinct is telling me...I can't trust it.

during my past, practically all my life, when I have trusted my gut feelings, followed my strong instincts of what was the right thing to do....it has resulted in disaster, I've messed everything up!

If I can't trust myself, who the hell can I trust? So I do understand your swinging back and forth between decisions - but what if...what if......but then again Reaperbird, what would I know? You shouldn't listen to me, because I am invariably wrong - wrong about myself, wrong about others.

I enjoy talking with you and hope to get to know some others on this thread...it's a good one...just sharing, with no expectations, no rules to follow.........good night now...best wishes...Moon S.

[Emay3kw]

Hi all;

Great post and ideas. It's my first time here and I wanted to join the discussion. It's helpful to be reminded that others suffer from anxiety too and we can all share our struggles and support each other.

A number of things that send me into an anxiety spiral include:

- venturing anywhere far from home (even an hour away)

- large open spaces

- shopping centres and busy malls

- being caught in traffic and being scared that I'll never get out of it

- trains, especially when they go fast. I get scared that they'll fall off the tracks when the carriages rattle.

- peak hour trains (crowded ones)

- family gatherings

- loud noises or concerts

- planes and boats and not being able to get off them

- going to work and being scared that I'll have a panic attack and get fired

- scared that I'll lose my job and won't be able to pay rent and will end up on the streets (even though I have a loving family who would look after me)

- worries that the whole world will collapse and we'll run out of food and everyone will die (drastic, I know).

Just the thought of these things makes me feel really anxious.

I'd have to say one of my biggest fears is that I'll be controlled by this anxiety and fear forever. I had to quit my job and move home because I was on the verge of a mental breakdown. I'm always scared that I'll be this way forever and that I'll never enjoy life. Some days are good but then a real bad day or event makes it all come unravelled and I hit rock bottom again.

Anyway, just wanted to share my thoughts.

E.