GAD/Social

[Stephjacobs]

(I have GAD and social anxiety.)

i feel like no one understands how hard it is to deal with the thoughts that go on in my head. I am considered 'well-known' at school so everyone automatically assumes that I'm confident. I'm not. I already see a counsellor but what are some other coping mechanisms for GAD and social xx

[Zeal]

Hey Steph,

Welcome to the forum!

Anxiety can be a real pain. I've had an anxiety disorder (OCD) since I was 13 - so for 10 years now. I used to be very shy and felt uncomfortable in social situations. It's great that you're already seeing a counsellor. The fact that you are actively trying to develop personal coping mechanisms is really positive. Your willingness to try new strategies will be an advantage in breaking down the anxiety.

There are some great resources I'd like to direct you to:

http://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/resources/infopax.cfm?Info_ID=40 I highly recommend these social anxiety modules. It's okay if you don't work through them in order. Module 4 and 6 would be good to focus on. The last four modules are helpful once progress has already been made.

http://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/resources/infopax.cfm?Info_ID=46 This resource is very similar in format to the one above, but instead focuses on GAD.

You might also like to bookmark this site to browse now or in the future: http://www.mindhealthconnect.org.au/

I hope you find this forum helpful 🙂

Best wishes,

Zeal

[MarkJT]

Hey Steph, welcome along to the forums - they are a mountain of information.

I use mindfulness to control my anxiety and deep breathing exercises. They have worked really well. If i feel myself starting to get anxious, i stop, slow down and concentrate on big deep breaths and then concentrate on the clouds or stars or music or whatever i can fixate my concentration on.

Great stuff in reaching out - you are certainly not alone in your journey.

Cheers

Mark.

[TheSteve]

Steph,

Thanks for sharing. I understand what you are going through, many of us do. You are not alone.

Zeal and Mark have given some great advice. This is one of those things where you can use multiple techniques, simultaneously, to deal with the GAD, to get relief, and to change your habits of thought and feeling.

As Mark said, I also have used breathing and mindfulness, which are very powerful tools and put you firmly back in control Go and get a copy of The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle, and The Tao of Natural Breathing by Dennis Lewis. These are life-changing reads.

All my best to you.

Steve

[BballJ]

Hi Steph,

Welcome and well done for posting.

I too suffer from GAD and understand what you say when you just want to find a way to deal with the constant thoughts... over thinking is a massive symptom of GAD and one I just am trying to deal with every single day.. the above posts have great advice... I personally find peace in music.. I listen to various music to relate to how Im feeling, sometimes It will make me sad, others will make me happy... but I find it a coping mechanism because it almost distracts me. Also working out, playing a sport all help ease my mind, do you play any sports or have any hobbies you enjoy doing?

My best for you,

Jay