anxiety and talking to my family - i need advice

[hc18]

so i am in the early stages if coping with my anxiety (recently diagnosed) in the midst of year 12 and ive just started with a clinical psychologist. i really don't like talking to my family about it deeply as i feel thats its my situation that i barely understand myself and don't know how to explain to them. It also makes me really anxious to talk to them about it (especially my father as he is a trigger for it a lot of the time). He keeps trying to make me talk about it and i finally worked up the courage to tell him how much i hate it tonight and all he did was say well i need to hear about it. i just feel like he isn't taking my feelings into consideration and i don't know to make him understand?

[blondguy]

Hello HC18

Welcome to the forums and good on you for having the courage to post too!

You have done so well by letting your dad know about what you are going through. From what you have posted...your dad may not know about anxiety...which is fair enough as I also have a parent that doesnt know a great deal about this misunderstood health issue

Can I ask you about your anxiety?....Do you get anxiety attacks?...or strong anxious feelings? If you can describe your anxiety issues we can help support you more effectively. The forums are a safe and a judgemental free place for you to post whenever you wish

I have had anxiety for a few years know and understand you HC

My kind thoughts

Paul

[blondguy]

PS....I have posted the copy & paste link below thats about supporting someone with anxiety....Just in case anyone you know would benefit from having a read

www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/supporting-someone/supporting-someone-with-depression-or-anxiety

Paul

[Bella.s]

Hi hc18,

Its really great that you have shared your feelings in this form. It’s really brave of you and a massive step in your road to recovery.

i struggled with a very similar experience with my mother and the truth is sometimes people can’t understand your feelings especially anxiety when they haven’t experienced themselves.

By the sounds of it your father is just worried about you. Maybe explain to him that your feelings are hard to explain especially when your trying to understand them yourself. Explain to him what kind of support you need because a lot of the time people are so unsure about how support some with anxiety.

i hope this help and feel free to contact if you need anymore support.

Kindesr regards,

Bella

[hc18]

Hi I do get anxiety attacks and panic attacks it’s not social anxiety. It’s pretty recent only this year

[blondguy]

Hi hc18

anxiety attacks often happen when we are frightened of getting another one...some people get them at home and some have them socially. Whether its socially or walking the dog its still an anxiety condition and some people experience these awful symptoms (feelings) in both situations

The anxiety does decrease in its severity with ongoing visits to a GP or a counselor 🙂 I didnt do this when I was in my 20's and my anxiety became worse..unfortunately

One huge tip I have learned is the earlier our anxiety is treated the less anxiety we will have...Unfortunately there is no quick fix. Getting it treated early is a smart and proactive move

There is no such thing as a 'dumb question' on the forums HC. Please ask whatever is on your mind 🙂

my kind thoughts

Paul

[stormcloudz]

Hi HC

That's great advice from Bella on dealing with your dad - he may be trying to understand and may be worried about you. If so, Bella's approach is a great one.

Do you think that's what's going on for your dad? I notice that he is one of your anxiety triggers, so I'm not sure what your relationship is like.