Anxiety

I just want to be alone all the time

replies: 2

When i'm around people I'm charismatic, bubbly, funny, friendly, and I have really great conversations with people...but I don't want to. There is never a time when I actually want to hang out with people. Every time I have a choice, I choose to be a... View more

When i'm around people I'm charismatic, bubbly, funny, friendly, and I have really great conversations with people...but I don't want to. There is never a time when I actually want to hang out with people. Every time I have a choice, I choose to be alone. My partner is often on call for work, and I get so happy when he has to go off to work so I can have a couple of hours by myself, and i'm miserable when I know that time is about to end. I hate catching up with friends to hang out, but I feel like I have to. I'm a school teacher, so I go to work every day dreading my day. I actually had to stop working full time because I couldn't handle the stress, the pressure, and having to work on a team all the time. I don't call my family, who all live in a different state (I moved away so I wouldn't have to be involved in social family things), because when i have some time to do that, i just don't want to spend it in a conversation. I struggle so much when I go days without at least 5ish hours completely to myself. I don't mean in a room alone...I mean when I am home alone, and I don't see anyone or hear anyone's voice. I can't stand watching movies or tv because the constant chattering of actors drives me insane. I don't know if this is normal, but I suspect it's not. It feels normal and healthy for me, and i can cope with people sort of every second day if I have a whole day to myself in between. Sometimes when I have been bombarded with people, I will go without food because I can't bear to leave my home to go grocery shopping. I aborted twins a couple of years ago because I was afraid that if I had them and I couldn't handle having them always around, that something bad might happen. I've decided not to have kids at all because I just don't think I could handle them, and also having to socialise with other parents, and run them around and do all of that crap. It just sounds like hell to me. I don't want a family or partner at all. My partner of 14 years is leaving in February, and although I'm sad about him moving out, and the fact that we'll probably break up, I'm looking forward to having a bed to myself and a flat mate instead who I don't really have to have anything much to do with if I don't want to. I have friends, and I have deep connections with them all, but I very rarely crave their presence, and usually when I catch up with them, it's because I feel guilty for not having done so for ages. Is there something wrong with being this reclusive?

Anxiety: my story and a new chaper?

replies: 3

I had my first panic attack in my early years of high school. At the time I didn't know what it was. I thought I was dying. I went to doctor and explained I felt dizzy and got pins and needles all over my body, how I had trouble breathing, tightness ... View more

I had my first panic attack in my early years of high school. At the time I didn't know what it was. I thought I was dying. I went to doctor and explained I felt dizzy and got pins and needles all over my body, how I had trouble breathing, tightness in my chest and how my vision went black. He check my vitals and the blood test results came back fine so he concluded there was nothing wrong with me. They happened frequently after that. I was scared and confused. They happened while playing sport, swimming and evening sitting down at lunch with my friends. I kept it to myself. I quit everything that I loved for fear it would happen again. It could happen anywhere at any time. It wasn't until years later that I worked out what I was experiencing were panic attacks from a poster in the ladies toilet. I eventually worked out how to control them by distracting myself before they got too severe. These days I don't them often but I have certain triggers that bring them on such as public speaking. This has stopped me from choosing subjects that I really wanted to do at uni because they had speeches. I think the panic attacks lead to the onset of anxiety. I can't pinpoint when it started but I constantly found myself stressing over so many things and when those events pass it's like my brain goes "what is the next thing you need to stress about." I know it is completely irrational but I can't help myself. I get this pressure that builds up in the front of my head and it lingers. I have periods where I feel a wave of fear followed by shortness of breath, tightness in my chest and difficulty swallowing. I am frequently dizzy. I have never told anyone until recently. I tried to hint to my boyfriend by telling him that I am always stressed but he said I just need to learn to control it. I told him I can't. I eventually told him I think I have anxiety and I have tried to be more open with how I am feeling. He tells me he understands which really annoys me because how could he possibly understand? He convinced me to speak to a GP today who thinks I have general anxiety disorder. I need to go back but feel like I have made the first step to regaining some sort off joy and freedom back into my life. The last week especially has been tough. I haven't been able to relax. I am tired. I am drained. But now I am hopeful. I guess I am here to get this off my chest since and find people who I can relate to. Who understand what I am going through.

Please help me to understand

replies: 2

Hello, This is my first time posting on any forum about this and I'm positive that I belong here- however I don't understand why I feel the way I do. I have so much to be grateful for. I have amazing children, parents, family and friends. I love my j... View more

Hello, This is my first time posting on any forum about this and I'm positive that I belong here- however I don't understand why I feel the way I do. I have so much to be grateful for. I have amazing children, parents, family and friends. I love my job, I'm financially ok. I'm a very happy person, confident, easy going, sociable- life is good. So why, oh why do I suffer these panic/anxiety attacks out of no where? Just this morning, I had cold sweats, felt shaky but still persevered and went out. Got into the car, my eyesight was a bit weird, felt light headed, almost out of body experience, tight chest (heart disease runs in my family- which makes me worry, though Ive had ecg's done and stress tests and they have come back fine) heart palpation's (one after the other) I kept on telling myself " relax, it's. panic attack" finally I got over it....but why did it happen. I was all happy this morning- no stress- just happy. I do find myself analysing some things sometimes, like if I'm late for something and I also worry that I may not wake up in the mornings and my children finding me (such an awful feeling) -Though, I don't have anxiety about being in new surroundings, or meeting new people. And I'm also at a point in my life, that I don't really care if I disappoint some people especially over trivial stupid things. I've come to realise that I don't need to keep up with the jones's anymore and I'm comfortable in my own skin and in my last seasons clothes and my Ikea couch- if you know what I mean. I get a good nights sleep, and I don't have these feelings when I'm at work. It's normally when I'm home alone or around people I love. It's weird, but I'm glad I can recognise it now- because in the past I didn't know what was going on and I thought I was honestly going to die. But at the same time- I don't know how to control it and what to do. These last 2 weeks, I have cut out sugar and have started eating better- limit coffee to one a day, drink plenty of water but still I have been having waves of panic.So scary, especially as a single parent. I'd be grateful for any words of advice. Thank you for taking the time to read my post (a bit all over the place, but my mind is racing- so much to write.)

anxiety due to talking too much and oversharing

replies: 9

How do I stop myself talking too much and sometimes oversharing? When I am with other people I tend to get anxious, whether it is at work or with friends, and when I am anxious I talk way too much and when I talk too much this tends to lead me to spe... View more

How do I stop myself talking too much and sometimes oversharing? When I am with other people I tend to get anxious, whether it is at work or with friends, and when I am anxious I talk way too much and when I talk too much this tends to lead me to speaking before thinking. I don't share intimate details of my life, but I also don't stop myself from over communicating and saying things I later regret. This then leads to night panic attacks and me ruminating over everything I said and how I wish I could take it back. Does anyone have strategies to help me stop talking and oversharing?

I made a stupid mistake and now I’m feeling sick with anxiety.

replies: 5

Hi everyone, Yesterday I made the mistake of getting a tattoo without much thought. I have been wanting to get a tattoo for many years now but suddenly decided to get my first one yesterday (quite a large one at that, stupid I know). As beautiful as ... View more

Hi everyone, Yesterday I made the mistake of getting a tattoo without much thought. I have been wanting to get a tattoo for many years now but suddenly decided to get my first one yesterday (quite a large one at that, stupid I know). As beautiful as the tattoo itself is I have been left with such a heavy feeling of dread and anxiety. Something about getting the tattoo has now triggered something in me and I no longer feel like myself. I feel like I acted completely out of character and I’m having a hard time accepting what I’ve done. I had no idea this would happen to me. I have suffered from anxiety for well over 10 years now and this has brought up the most horrible panic attacks and negative thoughts that I’ve had in a long time. I’ve been beating myself up about it all day and can’t even bring myself to tell my parents that I got it. This probably all sounds ridiculous but my thoughts are all over the place and I could really use someone to talk to. I would also love to know if anyone has experienced this.

Constant anxiety and I don't know exactly why

replies: 3

Hi, i don't usually reach out online for my mental health, this is my first time so ill go through my history with anxiety, I'm 19 yrs old and have always been an anxious person for as long as i can remember and at 16 I was diagnosed with general anx... View more

Hi, i don't usually reach out online for my mental health, this is my first time so ill go through my history with anxiety, I'm 19 yrs old and have always been an anxious person for as long as i can remember and at 16 I was diagnosed with general anxiety disorder by a psychologist I was seeing. Since then I've had periods of being very anxious and depressed for a few months and then pushing through to being ok only for something else in my life to trigger me and fall back again. With each of these episodes I've come to know and understand my anxiety symptoms and how to calm my body down when my symptoms come. This time last year my family GP thought it was a good idea to put me on anti-depressants as I was in another anxious and depressed pit and they had really helped me as well as seeing a psychologist. In August this year i decided that i wanted to try and come off the medication, so i listened to my gp's instructions of tapering off and all went well. Since then i've been dealing with health, relationship and family issues that have sparked my anxiety however i felt ive had some control over it and the feelings would wear off if i engaged in breathing exercises and/or an activity. This past week and a half however, i have had anxiety like i have never felt in my life. The physical symptoms have been the strongest ive ever felt- (extremely tight chest, out of breath, increased heart rate, burning skin, weak upper body, bloating, sore/ upset stomach, sleeplessness, irritability). These symptoms have been constant at a high level and don't want to go away no matter what i do. I cant seem to find the trigger of this and it seems as though it has come for no reason, im not really thinking about anything to make me overwhelmed. Ive tried mindfulness, having hot showers, breathing exercises, all of which usually helps me relax but nothing works. My body just has a mind of its own and is randomly going into panic. Im so exhausted yet i cant rest because my body is really tense and it's just driving me insane making me depressed as i feel i have no control. I have been put back on the same dosage of medication yesterday by my GP so we will see how that goes. I feel hopeless Would anyone have an explanation as to why im feeling such intense feelings even though im not really thinking of much to be triggering me? And what some relaxation techniques work for you?

Message Anxiety

replies: 2

Hi All, I have been diagnosed with Social Anxiety and I am seeing a Mental Health professional. I struggle with lots of things but lately I have been having a great deal of panic attacks surrounding instant messaging. My best friend lives in the US, ... View more

Hi All, I have been diagnosed with Social Anxiety and I am seeing a Mental Health professional. I struggle with lots of things but lately I have been having a great deal of panic attacks surrounding instant messaging. My best friend lives in the US, and she often messages me however due to the time difference it is usually once or twice a day. That is fine but due to her job often she will "leave me on read" I understand why this is but I often worry I have upset her or I might have sent the wrong message accidentally that will annoy/upset her. Does Anyone have any advice?

Lifes Problems Consume Me

replies: 2

Hi everyone First time poster here. I have had a really bad 8 weeks with life and I thought I would post on here for some advice from like minded people. I am quite a confident outgoing guy when things are going well but I really struggle when things... View more

Hi everyone First time poster here. I have had a really bad 8 weeks with life and I thought I would post on here for some advice from like minded people. I am quite a confident outgoing guy when things are going well but I really struggle when things don't. I wish I could just park the problem and move on. Im very transparent and my work collegues know when something is up. I always confide in certain people which helps get things off my chest. I have had a really bad run with a landscaper who we spent $40k with and he has done a very poor job. We are negotiating with him to have the issues fixed but it is dragging out. This is what I really struggle with. I have always battled with having to wait and always prefer to sort stuff straight away. My wife is always supportive but I feel she doesn't understand why I can't just park the problems and move on. I know there are people going through way worse situations in like and I feel embarrassed at times the way I act. I wished I could be alot stronger in the bad times. Family and friends usually say things like "It's not that bad" or "Try not to worry about it" etc but it doesn't help. I really hate that I'm going through this at christmas as it's my favorite time of the year. Thanks for reading

I need help but am not sure where to get it

replies: 2

I have been struggling quite a lot lately with my anxiety which is really starting to take a toll on my life. I just don’t understand it and I can’t seem to control it. My hands shake, I feel faint and nauseous and I often feel very warm. I constantl... View more

I have been struggling quite a lot lately with my anxiety which is really starting to take a toll on my life. I just don’t understand it and I can’t seem to control it. My hands shake, I feel faint and nauseous and I often feel very warm. I constantly worry about these symptoms especially when I am out in public or when people come over. I can’t be “present” or in the moment, I find it difficult to socialise and have fun with the people around me when I’m experiencing these symptoms and I feel this way pretty much all the time apart from when I’m at home alone. Is this social anxiety? Some kind of health anxiety as I am constantly thinking about being sick or fainting? Is it both? I’m so confused… I just don’t understand. I spoke to my GP and ran blood tests, and everything come back normal, so I know it’s not related to my physical health. I have completed a mental health plan and was referred to a local Headspace centre (I have attended this same Headspace in the past). I called them up and found out that I won’t be able to see a psychologist there until February of next year. I really can’t wait that long and I just don’t know what to do.

Post-stroke Anxiety - Young Male Adult

replies: 2

Hey team, 3 months ago I suffered a "stroke" whilst flying back to Aus, it was 14 hours before I could get to a hospital and by the time I was seen/had scans there was no evidence to suggest I'd had a stroke, despite having the vast majority of the s... View more

Hey team, 3 months ago I suffered a "stroke" whilst flying back to Aus, it was 14 hours before I could get to a hospital and by the time I was seen/had scans there was no evidence to suggest I'd had a stroke, despite having the vast majority of the symptoms. My doctors and specialists told me that they had no idea what had happened, what caused it, and if it would happen again or not. Which is pretty much the worst thing they could've told me as my mind went straight into overdrive and has been pretty much ever since. A stroke in a non -drinker/smoker/history of strokes 20y.o. guy is pretty uncommon, and although everyone has reassured me that its unlikely to happen again, my anxiety has been through the roof ever since. My irrational "I'm-smarter-than-all-the-doctors" always has the voice in the back of my head saying "what if they missed something?". Hyper-sensititzed every time I twitch, get a slight headache, sore neck or any kind of sensation, I have to really struggle to keep a full blown panic attack at bay. I still get dizzy sometimes, get headaches and very sweaty - to which my doctors all put it down to anxiety, but again the voice in my head keeps saying "what if it isn't axiety, and these are real symptoms?" I'm trying to find other people who've had a similar experience to talk to, to find out how they dealt with the uncertainty and what made them feel better. I find it hard to relax as my mind races away down the "what if" pathway whenever I get too much time on my own, yet being around people and having a panic attack also induces my anxiety. As bleak as it may sound, I don't think I'm depressed, I've always been a confident person who does everything at 100% - solo travelling, my work, my lifestyle, but that old life seems a long way off at the moment, all I want is to get back to where I was before this all went down. Thanks for the vent, I hope there's other people out there who can relate.

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I just want to be alone all the time

replies: 2

Anxiety: my story and a new chaper?

replies: 3

Please help me to understand

replies: 2

anxiety due to talking too much and oversharing

replies: 9

I made a stupid mistake and now I’m feeling sick with anxiety.

replies: 5

Constant anxiety and I don't know exactly why

replies: 3

Message Anxiety

replies: 2

Lifes Problems Consume Me

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I need help but am not sure where to get it

replies: 2

Post-stroke Anxiety - Young Male Adult

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Anxiety

Hi! Check out this post if you're not sure how to start replies: 0

I just want to be alone all the time replies: 2

Anxiety: my story and a new chaper? replies: 3

Please help me to understand replies: 2

anxiety due to talking too much and oversharing replies: 9

I made a stupid mistake and now I’m feeling sick with anxiety. replies: 5

Constant anxiety and I don't know exactly why replies: 3

Message Anxiety replies: 2

Lifes Problems Consume Me replies: 2

I need help but am not sure where to get it replies: 2

Post-stroke Anxiety - Young Male Adult replies: 2

Hi! Check out this post if you're not sure how to start

replies: 0

I just want to be alone all the time

replies: 2

Anxiety: my story and a new chaper?

replies: 3

Please help me to understand

replies: 2

anxiety due to talking too much and oversharing

replies: 9

I made a stupid mistake and now I’m feeling sick with anxiety.

replies: 5

Constant anxiety and I don't know exactly why

replies: 3

Message Anxiety

replies: 2

Lifes Problems Consume Me

replies: 2

I need help but am not sure where to get it

replies: 2

Post-stroke Anxiety - Young Male Adult

replies: 2