Hi my name is Peter and have just decided to check this forum after joining Blue Voices.
I'm 36 and only a couple of years ago went to see someone to help me get my life sorted out. I always thought any problems I had were just who I was and that I had to live my life around my fears and inadequacies. Having spent most of my life this way, always questioning everything and really struggling social and just having no confidence and really low expectations about myself and my life, to find out that I had severe anxiety and social phobia and there was a way for me to get more out of life was amazing.
I have been very lucky in that the doctor I am seeing was someone I was very comfortable with straight away and we had a connection that has allowed me to trust him. Also a family that have always backed me and never once throughout my life of just doing nothing have done anything but support me.
I haven't got any friends, it has always been hard to trust people and get to know them but I know why now. I haven't really worked either over the years but am trying hard to get work now. This for me is the hardest part and something that frustrates me. As I don't have much experience or work history and at 36 years old people don't want to employ me. I've written letters to places, even mental health places and told them my story but no luck so far. I have written about my anxiety in some cover letters to explain my lack of a work history but don't know if that puts them off.
Anyway I feel incredibly lucky to be where I am now and thats why I wanted to join blue voices and this community. I want to be able to pass on any support I can to others as I know how much that building your confidence can help. Also the biggest part of getting to where I am was being able to talk to other people with similar stories, to find out you are not alone was just an amazing feeling. So hello everyone nice to meet you and hope to talk more soon.
