Introducing myself to be more active / podcasts

[Greeny089]

Hi,

this is my first post here but I’ve been visiting the forums since 2017 when I was first diagnosed with anxiety. I suffer from anxiety about my health mostly and for some stupid reason I continue to smoke because it relieves my anxiety temporarily but then it also adds to my anxiety about health. I know that I need to give up and I want to give up but for some stupid reason I keep finding excuses to to buy another pack.

I thought I’d take this opportunity to introduce myself as I have made the decision to be more active in this group as I find reading other people’s posts help me understand that I’m not alone. I have days where I don’t want to talk at all and just need some time but my partner doesn’t seem to understand this and just thinks that I’m being distant for no reason. I have two young boys and feel guilty towards them for not taking my health and life choices more seriously.

sorry for the rambling but I guess I just wanted to give a little snapshot into my background with anxiety.

does anyone listen to any podcasts on anxiety? I drive a lot for work and I find listening to other people’s stories really helps me.

thanks for reading 😊

[leesy_lou]

Hi Greeny089,

Congratulations on making your first "offical" post in the BB Forums, your presence and wealth of knowledge and is welcomed with open arms! I see you saying that smoking has been something you have been battling back and forth with mentally, that you need and want to give it up for your health but something keeps getting in the way of that. I wonder if instead of thinking about why you should quit, think about why you shouldn't, or why you aren't? Probably sounds weird but I remember being told that in order to quite something that has benefits, its easier to acknowledge the pros and try and replace them, instead of feeling like we just give something up... hope this makes some sense?

You said that you have days when you just feel like being alone and sometimes this can make you feel misunderstood, for being distant when really you just need some time alone to recharge.

I also love podcasts, please share with us anything good you come across! Driving and listening to podcast sounds like a nice opportunity to get that solo downtime you enjoy. I've recently listened to the "smiling minds" podcast which was thought-provoking, but always on the look out for more.

thanks again for choosing to post greeny089, who knows maybe someone will read your posts and feel the courage to post themselves, all because of you ❤️

[Whatsinaname]

A podcast I enjoy is Not another anxiety show.

It has 2 female cohosts that are pretty light hearted but very informative at the same time.

[Emmen]

Hello Greeny089,

Welcome to the forums! I don't usually listen to anxiety-related podcasts (I prefer fiction podcasts) but I tried listening to Beyond Blue's Not Alone podcast series and found it very useful 🙂

Cheers,
M

[Emmen]

My apologies! I hit send before I finished the message.

I'm glad you've chosen to be active in this group. I remember that first step when I made it a few months back as well. It's worth it. I hope you'll be able to reach out to our community members and support them in their journey with anxiety as well. At the same time, you'll find support in this community as well.

I'm sorry you feel your partner doesn't understand why you need time alone. Is it possible for you to work out an agreement with her where you spend an hour or two every day on your own, with your own hobbies? It may help you recharge and feel more happy participating in your family's "social" life.

Cheers,
M