Hey

[Gem28]

Hey guys,


I thought I would put myself out there because well I never have before and I thought it can only help right?

I'm new at all of this but I thought id share my experience in hopes that someone out there can relate or help in anyway.
For the past few years I have suffered with really bad anxiety and at first it was just uncomfortable but now It is really effecting my everyday life and leaving me feeling depressed and really hopeless.
I get everything from the chest tightness, to the jumbling of words to the constant thought of panic to the tunnel vision and everything in the middle.
I have had a lot going on in the past few years my eldest sister was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. ( she seems to be doing really well at the moment)
I had a strong weed addiction that I went completely cold turkey with which is when the episodes of anxiety really started to kick off.
I am completely sober and clean now but I still feel like my past choices haunt me and have shattered me for the long run.
I have currently moved out with my best friend which is great and still have a strong relationship with my whole family.
I work two jobs and normally work 60 hour weeks one job being in childcare and the other behind a bar.
Sometimes my job really stresses me out ( the childcare one of course) and sometimes I want to tell some co workers where to go which I guess is normal in the workplace.

I moved back to my family from Sydney when my sister was diagnosed and even though I'm happy to be home sometimes it depresses me as well.
I have began my diploma of children's services and I really want to get it done but lately my anxiety has been crippling me.
Sometimes I can tell myself its just anxiety the feeling will pass but lately I have convinced myself that I have every disease, illness under the sun.
I have gone to hospital thinking I am having a heart attack and constantly think there is something medically wrong.
I feel really depressed and I feel like my mind is stuck in this horrible loop of fear.

This has been a long intro but it feels good to get my feelings out there.
Thanks for reading guys and I really hope you are all doing okay

G xxx

[geoff]

Hello Gem28, and a warm welcome to you.

There's a lot for you to cope with and I want to say how sorry I feel for your sister, but from what you have told us she seems to be a real fighter and I really wish her the very best with her treatment.

To overcome any addiction isn't the easy venture to achieve and with weed, I don't actually know myself but have seen others who have given up, it's difficult, but the same applies to all addictions and results in having anxiety and because there isn't anything to fall back so this then requires the strength for you to focus on achieving something else.

Is your anxiety making your body cry out for attention, possibly, but it can develop a fear of doing what you had planned to do, and with this also includes being scared or frightened, but that's a natural response most of us have certainly been through ourselves.

Can I ask if you are seeking any medical treatment because it would certainly be a good suggestion to book an appointment with your doctor.

You have come a long way and need to be complimented, I think it's terrific, but would love to hear back from you.

Geoff.

[CoffeeSnob]

Hello Gem28,

Welcome. This is a really good place to vent, ask questions or just chat. It's been my experience that just getting it out can make a huge difference.

Sounds like you have made great progress so far. The only thing I would suggest - and Geoff has already covered it - is having some professional support. Can be really tough on your own.

CoffeeSnob

[Gem28]

Hey Geoff,


I definitely come from a family of fighters I will say that! she seems to be doing very well and the chemo is doing what it is meant to which is of course something I am always grateful for.


My body just feels so stressed and burnt out I think even little things stress me out and I can never be calm or empty headed.
I haven't touched weed in over 10 months now and I have no intention on doing it again as last time I did it sent my body into panic and it gave me a massive panic attack.

I have scheduled a doctors appointment and I hope to get a mental health plan and go from there.
Hopefully I can find new ways of coping with the anxiety and getting my life back on track which Is all I really want.

I have come a long way and I am proud of myself but I am also my own biggest critic I feel.
Thank you so much for your response.

G xx

[Gem28]

Hey CoffeeSnob,

Thank you for the welcome!
See I was always nervous about writing my thoughts on an online forum but I thought it could be a beneficial way of sorting myself out and getting certain things off my chest which hopefully will help me clear my head.

I have booked in to see my doctor and have a mental health plan so that I can work towards getting better.
Some days as you would know are just much harder then others.

Thank you! and I hope you are doing well.

G xxx