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Anxiety

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Chris_B Forums etiquette: give support to receive support
  • replies: 0

Hi everyone, particularly any new members who may be reading. From time to time, we get contacted by members who are unhappy that they haven’t received a lot of replies to their posts. Our community champions work very hard to make sure that all newb... View more

Hi everyone, particularly any new members who may be reading. From time to time, we get contacted by members who are unhappy that they haven’t received a lot of replies to their posts. Our community champions work very hard to make sure that all newbies are welcomed when they first post, and we understand that it’s a big step to post for the first time on a forum like this, especially if you aren’t feeling great. It’s important to remember, though, that these forums are a community of real people, just like you, not a one-on-one support environment like going to see your psychologist. To get the best out of being here, one of the best tips we can offer is give support to receive support. Being a good community member means: participating in different threads (not just your own), replying to people who have taken the time to reply to you (even if it’s just to say thank you), and... posting words of emotional support and encouragement when you see others who are hurting and reaching out. You don’t have to feel obliged to solve the problems of others: that’s not what we’re here for. But you can offer empathy and what you’ve learned from your own life experiences, even if it’s just a line or two, eg. “I don't know what to say, but I want to give you my support and tell you I care about what is happening to you and hope life will get better soon.” Try to develop an interest in the journeys of others here on the forums. You may be surprised at how good being an active, caring member here can make you feel. For those of you who have had good experiences giving support here on the forums, please post in this thread here and let us know how it has helped you on your journey.

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Adam Long Term SAD Setback
  • replies: 2

Hi,I'm extremely reluctant making this post for all the obvious reasons, but reading some of the other posts here has given me the courage to do so. I'm 48, have had s.a.d for at least 35-40 of those years and have never sought advice on the subject.... View more

Hi,I'm extremely reluctant making this post for all the obvious reasons, but reading some of the other posts here has given me the courage to do so. I'm 48, have had s.a.d for at least 35-40 of those years and have never sought advice on the subject. I've never been diagnosed officially, and have only started to fully accepted the fact recently, due to a problem I'm facing. A problem I had managed to avoid up until this point in my life. I have done some reading online over the years to get an understanding of my condition and believed I understood it well enough. I spent my teenage years and most of my 20s completely ignorant and fighting off depression. After realizing s.a.d was the main cause I was able to move past the depression, or so I thought. Gradually I chose to live a very isolated life and not rely on other people for my own happiness. I have never been able to hold a job for a long period of time, or had many friends that ever lasted particularly long. I have never found any true happiness, but in recent years I had found peace. There has always been a personal reason that has allowed me to get out of bed each and everyday. The peace I had found always had a clock on it and I knew it. It gave me both the confidence and motivation to step well out of my comfort zone and that seems to have backfired on me. The combination, of my s.a.d and lacking social skills which have deteriorated over time, has left me extremely confused and disappointed to say the least. I am capable of, participate in, and enjoy short social interactions. However I have never been capable of speaking to a gp, or anyone really, face to face about mental health. Any advice on moving forward after a huge reality check and setback would be appreciated. I'll say thank you, now, for reading...and any replies, as I'm unsure if I will respond to any. Sorry hope you understand.

Wiltingdaisy Looking For Tips To Help Overcome Social Anxiety & Shame
  • replies: 10

Hi everyone, I'm reaching out as something that has been coming up for me a lot lately has been social anxiety, mostly stemming from my deep issues with shame. I am aware my unhelpful thinking style makes me jump to conclusions and assume people thin... View more

Hi everyone, I'm reaching out as something that has been coming up for me a lot lately has been social anxiety, mostly stemming from my deep issues with shame. I am aware my unhelpful thinking style makes me jump to conclusions and assume people think I'm stupid, pathetic, weak & useless. And I know it isn't true, but in the moments that I talk to people, I find I lack the confidence to think differently. I don't have a diagnosis of ASD or ADHD, and I actually have a good amount of friends which one might not think of someone with social anxiety. But I can only be myself around 'my people' or only certain kinds of people. I'm an introvert that can sometimes pass as an extrovert but I'm always extremely drained after social events/work. Here are some examples for context:-At work, I struggle to have conversation & make eye contact with my boss. I am afraid they will discover I am not cut out for the job. I'm also hyper aware that they are an 'extremely business-minded' person, and I sometimes feel my interactions with them are not genuine...People that are in authoritative positions, especially older men, I find extremely difficult to talk to. I sense that they write me off as 'a silly' girl.-I attend a writing group once a month. During the group, I am so uncomfortable in sharing my opinion about someone's work (because it involves speaking in front of people I don't really know) that I can't concentrate on the writing they are reading aloud. Everyone is able to give solid feedback, but I struggle to remember what they even said as I was panicking about speaking!-Lastly, when people ask how I'm doing, how my writing is going yatta yatta, I start rambling. Because I don't feel like I've accomplished much with my life I always feel embarrassed talking about the fact I work part time and I struggle to write because I'm feeling depressed...but I can't say these things! I'm probably rambling right now! Sorry for the long post...I'm after advice, materials and strategies to combat these issues. Does anyone else ever get moments when you disassociate in a conversation, or think about trying to make eye contact when someone is speaking that you really struggle to stay in the moment?

Guest_64938635 Anxiety and maybe depression
  • replies: 2

Lately or even for a while now I have had anxeity. Previously I had depression for a while but feel I have some what over come it and sometimes have it over time.

Lately or even for a while now I have had anxeity. Previously I had depression for a while but feel I have some what over come it and sometimes have it over time.

Guest_07474344 Fear of driving
  • replies: 3

I want to know if anyone has successfully overcome a fear of driving. I have limited places I can drive to and cannot to motorways, large duel carriageways or any news places. I have convinced myself I can’t read maps or signs and find even the idea ... View more

I want to know if anyone has successfully overcome a fear of driving. I have limited places I can drive to and cannot to motorways, large duel carriageways or any news places. I have convinced myself I can’t read maps or signs and find even the idea of driving to new places completely overwhelming. I’ve tried many times since passing g my test 29 years ago and the panic attacks are getting worse. There are even places I used to drive to that I now can’t. It limits me in so many ways.

Guest_25694560 My anxiety is too hard
  • replies: 3

I have recently been diagnosed with anxiety and it is really hard. I’m usually really outgoing and it’s made me into a person that never wants to leave the house. I haven’t been able to go to work without having panick attacks and i will loose my job... View more

I have recently been diagnosed with anxiety and it is really hard. I’m usually really outgoing and it’s made me into a person that never wants to leave the house. I haven’t been able to go to work without having panick attacks and i will loose my job if i keep calling in sick because i have anxiety. How do i get through a shift at work?

Guest_45750852 Daily Living
  • replies: 2

Hey Guys, looking to hear some real world stories about how you are able to navigate your anxiety with an ex while coparenting.

Hey Guys, looking to hear some real world stories about how you are able to navigate your anxiety with an ex while coparenting.

Rosie Anxiety, OCD, paranoia and depression
  • replies: 2

I am a 63 years old spinster who has a few mental health problems to say the least. They include anxiety, OCD, paranoia, depression, agoraphobia, social phobia, hyper-sensitivity and suicidal thoughts to begin with. I have been isolated for decades w... View more

I am a 63 years old spinster who has a few mental health problems to say the least. They include anxiety, OCD, paranoia, depression, agoraphobia, social phobia, hyper-sensitivity and suicidal thoughts to begin with. I have been isolated for decades with no friends or contact with my family, which is my fault as I have isolated myself and I don't want to be a burden. They once told me I'm very depressing and negative which is probably true. I find it very difficult to connect with people because I mistrust them and over think everything they say to the point I am left exhausted. I'm on medication and it helps with my OCD but nothing else, and like many others, cannot afford counselling. I retired in 2019 as I had a breakdown at work due to bullying. I have no self confidence, and see myself as repulsive. I only leave my house once a week to food shop and I cover my face with a large hat and wear sunglasses and have headphones on to try and hide. I wish I knew how to enjoy life on my own but have been made to feel such shame and guilt. I'm also being bullied by my neighbours who play cruel jokes on me so I often ring Lifeline when it gets really bad. In Feburary they set off fireworks right outside my house which terrified me as the sparks landed in my front yard and roof also they like to tip my wheelie bins over. I've never bothered any of them but they are a small gang of four roughly the same age as me but unlike me they are very social. I can't remember the last time I felt safe and happy. Sorry but I'm feeling very overwhelmed with life.

Jeanie1 Anxious days
  • replies: 8

Hello, I am new to these forums so I hope you might be able to help me. I am constantly in Fight or Flight mode. My son is going through a very nasty custody battle with his partner who is a Narcissist, though I think she is bordering on Psycotic. Th... View more

Hello, I am new to these forums so I hope you might be able to help me. I am constantly in Fight or Flight mode. My son is going through a very nasty custody battle with his partner who is a Narcissist, though I think she is bordering on Psycotic. There are constant lies told by her, false accusations to Police and instances trying to 'frame' our family to stop us having any access to our grandchildren as well as keeping our son away from his children. I am always on standby waiting for the next lie told, the next time my son has to make a statement to Police regarding her false accusations , it never ends. I can find no one to help us. I feel my anxiety is out of control, headaches, panic, bitten fingernails and unable to relax due to fear of this person. I'm hoping someone might be able to help control my anxiety, so I am better to cope with the next allegation. Thankyou.

Guest_11534278 Stress
  • replies: 3

I’ve getting stress headaches I assume, just need to talk to someone out of it

I’ve getting stress headaches I assume, just need to talk to someone out of it

Guest_53871251 Severe anxiety depression
  • replies: 2

Hi all first time poster on forum. Ive been experiencing severe depression for 20yrs now and everyday im exhausted to the point i sleep everyday im so frustrated i cant get motivated i stay in the house hate going out in public i like the peace and q... View more

Hi all first time poster on forum. Ive been experiencing severe depression for 20yrs now and everyday im exhausted to the point i sleep everyday im so frustrated i cant get motivated i stay in the house hate going out in public i like the peace and quiet of living on my own though but just want to know from others how they broke the cycle of these daily struggles