Introduction

[Lid]

Hey everyone,

I'm not exactly sure on what to say here so I guess I'll start with why I am here.

My whole life I have suffered from anxiety, but during the past couple of years it has gotten worse.

I am a very closed off person and don't let a lot of people in.

I am hoping to get how I'm feeling out and get some advice on how to handle it.

Thanks for listening.

[Peppermintbach]

Hi Lid,

I feel for you...I know anxiety can be so debilitating. It sounds as though you have been struggling for a long time. That must have been hard...

You sound like a very private person, so I imagine opening up is difficult for you. I’m glad you’re reaching out here on the forums though. I feel it’s brave to admit we are struggling...

As for coping strategies, I know a lot of people find mindfulness & grounding to be helpful. Also, there’s a wonderful beyondblue thread called self help tips for managing anxiety that you might be interested in. If you’re interested, I think the easiest way to find it is simply typing “self help tips for managing anxiety” in the beyondblue search bar.

That thread is full of coping strategies that various forum members have kindly contributed. I think the thread is quite long, so if the length is overwhelming, I would suggest maybe skim reading the 1st & last page. Alternatively, you could just space out your reading over time e.g. read a post of 2 each day.

I hope this helps a little 🙂

Kindness and care,

Pepper

[Lid]

Hey Pepper,

Yes that does help. I have been struggling with it for a while and I am a very private person.

I have tried opening up to my family but they don't really understand nor do they believe me so I have stopped trying to talk to them about it and I feel very alone.

My anxiety is very overwhelming and has caused me to be put into hospital a couple of times due to it becoming so severe.

I am able to open up to a couple of close friends who know what is going on but because of the coronavirus and even before that I am not allowed to see people it is very hard. As I enjoy talking to people in person and it's easier for me to express my feelings when talking face to face.

Thank you,

Kind regards from Lid

[Croix]

Dear Lid~

I'd like to join Pepper in welcoming you here, while I think of it the thread mentioned is at:

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/anxiety/self-help-tips-for-managing-anxiety

As Pepper says it is long, but some of my best ideas have come from there. I found the app Smiling Mind from there, it helps me get way from my own mind, if that makes any sense:)

I can understand exactly what I read elswhere abut your parents, particularly now you are stuck at home with them 24/7. No wonder you are reluctant to get out of bed and it is only the thought of your friends gives you enough reason to do so.

If your parents do not act properly even though things have been explained and go to the extent of putting you down or ignoring your feelings and controlling everything then you really do need some release.

It is so easy to slip into a mode of just keeping quiet and bottling things up, not good in the long run.

One thing may be talking with your freinds via Skype or similar, it is surprising how far ranging conversations can be, not just how you feel - though that it important, but after that , even playing games.

Talking of Skype, have you considered more medical support? You mentioned being hospitalized a couple of times for anxiety, are you still in contact with the doctors involved? Having outside professional help was the only way I started to improve, I could not do it by myself. I actually Skyped my Psych today, it was good.

If you are under 25 give the Kids Help Line a ring or web-chat, they are excellent, I personally recommend them -though becuse that are so good they are busy - you might have a wait. They are experienced, understanding and practical. You can contact them more than once without having to repeat yourself. It can be both a validation and a comfort.

1800 55 1800 or
https://kidshelpline.com.au/

I would hope in time you would come to see your parents as the are, limited in many ways.

I have found a routine every day where I have something to look forward to helps immensely. I promise myself I'll read chapters of a book, watch a favorite movie, or something like that (I've limited movement), I don't know what you might find, maybe something that includes exercise?

I've probably said more than enough for one post, I hope you come back and we all talk some more

Croix

[Peppermintbach]

Hi Lid (& a wave to Croix),

I’m happy Croix has joined in with some caring & thoughtful suggestions. I wonder if you might like to try any of them 🙂

It certainly does sound as though you’ve been facing your anxiety & struggles, more or less on your own. I imagine that gets lonely sometimes...

I can relate to the struggles with not being able to see friends (or family) in person. Sigh, I think many of us are in the same boat at the moment, so there’s a lot of understanding here...

Personally, I have been FaceTiming family & friends to keep in touch, & I’m grateful for the technology. That said, it’s obviously not a substitute for face-to-face contact. Although with how things are now, I suppose we have to make do with technology...

I wonder, have you considered a FaceTime or Skype (as Croix kindly suggested) call with friends?

That way, at least you can still see their body language and facial expressions, which should enhance communication more than a standard phone call. After all, they say most of our communication isn’t actually through text/word usage, but it’s through our tone of voice, body language & facial expressions, which Skype & FaceTime can deliver to some degree...just a little something to maybe think about if you like...

Thinking of you during this difficult time...

Kindness & care,

Pepper