Sooo I went to the doctor today...

[NAM3--]

And got diagnosed with severe anxiety.

I didn't know it was this bad. Like, obviously I knew it was bad....but severe?? I should add that I've has anxiety for a while just as a general handbrake on my life. But now it's...yea.

It was, I suppose the first time I was truly honest with what was happening. The doctor I had was great too, it wasn't a tick and flick exercise for her - I felt truly listened too.

1. How the hell did I get here? I look after myself, sleep, eat, volunteer, work etc I don't know what more I can do. I can't change my past.

[Sophie_M]

Hey NAM3--

Thank you for sharing here. It is great that you had a doctor who you felt truly listened to you and that you were able to be honest with what was happening. That is not always easy!

It sounds like you are taking some great steps already to manage your anxiety and take care of yourself. If you ever want to discuss next steps or talk through what you’re feeling right now, we’d highly recommend calling the Beyond Blue Support Line on 1300 22 4636. The counsellors there are super kind and supportive, they’re understanding and can be good to talk to right in the midst of the anxiety symptoms. You can also reach them via web chat.    

Our community will be able to relate to a lot of what you’ve been going through and be able to share some of the methods that have helped them. Here’s some resources from our website that might help: 

• The Beyond Blue pages on treatments for anxiety
• Some strategies for managing anxiety    

Thanks again for sharing. We hope the Forums can be a safe and supportive space for you 😊  

Kind regards, 

Sophie M 

[Annas1]

Hi NAM3,

I can sense your shock and dismay, and perhaps some frustration too, after your gp appointment and assessment. I wonder if you have been putting so much effort into 'doing all the right things' to manage your anxiety and progress in life that a deep part of you has been overlooked? I feel that this has been a common factor for me when my anxiety has been heightened and prolonged. So, while I've been busy trying to 'do life' on the outside, I've been silencing my deep self. Eventually this core reality cannot sustain the neglect and pressure of worldly expectations and my system starts to make lots of 'noise'. It can seem so unfair that after working so hard at what I think I'm supposed to do and who I'm supposed to be that I then suffer from overwhelm/anxiety/panic - whatever it may be at the time. This then means it is time for me to STOP, take a good look around at what's going on (what I'm forcing myself to do, to be, to achieve) and START a process of reorienting myself on a path that is both meaningful and manageable.

I don't doubt your great efforts at doing the 'right' things NAM3, and well done on your dedication and perseverence, but perhaps it's time to take a beat, give yourself some mental space and reflect on the bigger picture of your life. I've been told that the most important thing I can do in my life is to BE MYSELF. In order to do this, I need to tune into myself. So, some deep listening with all the loving kindness you would offer others.

Your doctor sounds like a great support and resource, this will be so valuable on your road to recovery and wellbeing. Sending you care and kindness.

[ABC01]

Dear NAM3,

I like the question you’ve posed. Mental Health doesn’t discriminate and there is no set handbook on life to “dodge” any illness in life. Just because you are a wonderful person doesn’t mean that bad/unfortunate things won’t happen to you in life. That is the way life is.

I have asked myself that question too. For me personally, I started having anxiety young and it snowballed throughout life and here I am. Little things happen here and there and the snowball grew a bit bigger. For me, control is my issue. I believe if I scanned for every possibility in a situation, then I can make the best decision for my safety,out of the best option I came up with. I believed if I could put out spot fires around other people then I could influence their lives in a certain direction. I believed there was only right or wrong and no spectrum in between. I also believed I was okay in my own company,like a lone wolf, and I wasn’t lonely.

However the world constantly changes and so does your circumstances in life. That means I have to adapt. And most of the time if I am honest, I can’t keep up. Sometimes what has worked 5/5 stars for me in the present, starts to only be 3/5 stars by the end of the year. And alot of the time there is no one to help identify that it is time to change direction, and give strategies to help the change.

You are not alone. Your life is unique to yourself and the experiences in it has shaped you. Your courage to be honest and seek help is an advantage to you.

Keep going. Hold onto your hope and courage.

 I wish you well.

ABC01