First time for everything

[Xavi]

Hey people

I thought id start with an intro post. This is my first time ever doing anything like this im not sure how I feel about it to be honest but hopefully I can contribute to this forum and help myself at the same time . I never thought anything was wrong with me until the past couple of years. Im a plumber by trade so always tried to have that tough guy mentality .. that "gotta get on with it" attitude. But in the back of my mind ive always had these thoughts of thinking im not good enough for anything and a general uncertainty about my life. I lost my job at start of the year because the company went into liquidation. Ive been walking around for the past few months with a constant feeling of self doubt. Feeling like someone has kicked me in my chest. I find myself constantly wondering and dwelling on things. Like something bad is going to happen but I dont know what. Ive only recently come to terms that I have anxiety an ive had it all along but its just never been dealt with and i know that this is going to be one of the toughest fights of my life.

I dont want to rattle on because there is probably people on here are far worse off than me.

But I hope we all can find true peace eventually.

[MidnightOil]

Hey Xavi,

I know that it can be hard to talk about this sort of thing, especially when it feels like you have a better situation or milder symptoms than others but that doesn't invalidate yours. Everyone is different but I have found this platform helpful and very comforting. I hope it can be the same for you. It seemed strange at first to talk to people who had never met me, but hearing how similar their thoughts and experiences are to yours can alleviate that feeling that you're alone in your struggles.

It can be a slow progress but talking it out can sometimes help to clear your mind; whatever you feel comfortable with. There are so many awesome people in these forums to give advice, encouragement, resources and also just for a chat. I hope I/we can help you to find what you need.

🙂

[AYRC]

Hi Xavi

Thanks for posting on the forums. It takes courage to both recognize and ask for help, and surround yourself with people that can support you. I'm so glad you've introduced yourself.

Thank you also for your caring attitude and willingness to help others on the forums too.

I hope myself as well as others are also able to help you when you need it.

[Aphador]

Hey Xavi 🙂

This is also my first post, and I feel like we have a lot in common. Like you, I have felt self-doubt, uncertainty, and feelings of anxiety my entire life. I was never able to recognise or label the anxiety until a few years ago.

It is fantastic that you have recognised and been able to identify your feelings AND communicate them- I think that this is the most significant and most important step! It certainly was for me.

Don't feel as though you should restrict your posting or seeking help on the basis that your symptoms may be milder than others. I remember feeling this way also. Even though some are dealing with more significant issues than ourselves, we should not disregard the importance of our health.

[Gambit87]

Hi Xavi,

Welcome to the forums! Good on ya for reaching out, it takes courage.

I too had the 'just get on with it' mentality. For 15 years I just put the 'happy mask' on and didn't talk to anyone about what I was feeling inside, until it bit me on the butt about 7 months ago and I was forced to acknowledge I needed to get help. Reaching out, getting help and openly speaking about my struggles has been one of the most liberating things I have done.

Its a struggle! its hard but it does become manageable.

You're not alone mate.

[Xavi]

Thank you everyone for all the supportive comments were all in this fight together. I hope everyone is doing well in these uncertain times, It has definately taken courage for all of us to recognize how we feel and come out with it. We owe it to ourselves to feel better .. we have all been battling this for so long. I try and remind myself everyday that if we are at the bottom in the dark then the only way out is up.