Telling my Secret

[Aparecium7]

Hi.

I am new to this forum and also new to dealing with what I now know is called anxiety. I am hoping by putting up a thread and joining in a discussion the people on here can help me solve some of the more personal feelings and questions I have.

Firstly a bit of background about my journey thus far. About 6 months ago I stared to drif away from my usual self. And more pergresibly so over the past few weeks. I didn’t quite notice the change immediately as it was so gradual but now looking back can see just how much I have let this take over my life.

2 weeks ago I was very lucky in that my manager at work realised that I had very rapidly gone down hill in my day to day goings on and had become more and more closed off. She gave me a hotline to call and make an appointment to see a professional.

I have now been to see someone and talk about how I am. He has - for lack of a better word - diagnosed me with stress induced anxiety which has been caused by oh so many stresses that are comply out of my hands.

But now that I know what’s happening I want to kinda explain to my partner and close family what’s happening but have zero idea how to do this. My family don’t really understand mental health and I’m increasily worried about tell my parter in case he doesn’t understand or worse leaves if it becomes all too much.

Does anyone have some ideas on how to explain all this without sounding crazy ?

Thank You ,

[JessF]

Hello Aparecium7, I hope you're still reading. Sometimes the posts come through all at once and they can slip down out of view.

I'm glad you've taken some early steps to speak to someone and figure out what's at the bottom of your anxiety. You're not alone in worrying about where just to start when trying to explain things to loved ones.

Perhaps you could use your thread here as a bit of a dress rehearsal? Get your thoughts written down and into some sort of order. If worst comes to worst, you can always print it out and hand it over as a letter.

There are lots of resources on this website you can send to your family to help them understand more about anxiety. But I expect the more helpful things will come down to, how would you like your family and partner to support you? What can they do that would make a difference? Supporters can often feel helpless, giving thems omething practical to do can be a huge benefit.

[Summer Rose]

Hi Aparecium 7

I am also new to this site and I know that it takes courage to post, so well done.

JessF has already provided some really helpful advice on how to prepare for the talk, so I don't have much to add to that. I am responding because I want to also encourage you to prepare to receive a range of reactions. You may want to talk this through with your treating practitioner before you speak with your family and partner.

Some people may be overly concerned about you. You might want to help them put things in perspective by explaining that anxiety is a common and treatable condition and with the right help most people recover. Some people may want to support you but not know how. I think it's important to provide them with clear guidelines and set boundaries that work for you. You may choose to ask for support attending appointments or you may just want to know that you can talk about things when you need to. Other people may find it hard to understand what's happening. I think it's important to remember that they love you and because of that they are likely trying their best, even if their response falls short of your expectations. Perhaps you might like to give these folks some time to come to terms with the situation

You are not "crazy". You may be unwell at present but that's okay. By seeking professional help you have put yourself on a path to wellness. By reaching out for support you are helping yourself to heal. One step at a time.

[MsPurple]

HI Aparecium

Sorry it took a few days for someone to reply to you. Like Jess said we try to get back to you asap however sometimes this isn't always possible. This is a peer based forum and even though there are community champion volunteers and other forum users, sometimes like you we struggle with mental health and need some time off.

It can be hard explainig anxiety to people who have never experienced it. Like Jess said there are some resources on the beyond blue page. Maybe showing them some of it can help give them some perspective. Also showing them some video resources. One that beyond blue made is really handy. I'll attach a few links you can look at.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYn86bNQVjk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjxhqd5QJBU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mi6INfrkODk

Hope some of these are helpful