Growing up With Anxiety

[Green42]

Hi everyone,

(first time posting, so I'm a lil' nervous)

Does anybody have any tips for becoming an adult? I have to move out of home soon (family divorce and other complicated reasons) and I'm also starting university next month. It all feels like I'm growing up to fast. I only have two friends, one of which I'm going to be flatmates with, and the other friend seems to be drifting (but lets be real I'm the one who's drifting).

Anyway my anxiety has gotten extremely bad, I haven't left the house in almost two weeks because work isn't giving me shifts (which is another problem I have to deal with before moving out) and anxiety is stopping every other reason to leave the house from flying.

I'm really hoping that once university starts I'll make friends, but I know my social anxiety isn't going to magically cure itself.

I have about a month and a bit before university starts, in that time I need to start working part time and apartment hunting, all while dealing with the stress of my parents divorce and possible selling of the house I currently live in at any moment. But I can't seem to do anything, I'm extremely stressed, but since I'm also depressed I'm just spending every day at home sleeping/stressing.

So in summary; does anyone have any tips for moving out/making friends/working 25 hours in a job with people/being an adult in general- all with anxiety?

Thanks! - James

[BballJ]

Hi Green42,

Firstly, welcome to the forums.

I'm not sure there is a straight answer to how to become an adult, it just happens. One way I believe to growing up as you say is facing adversity which you seem to facing in abundance right now, these types of situation can help you become an adult if you don't feel like one already. Many people deal with these things over a period of time but for you they are coming all at once, sorry to hear about your parents as well, that is unwanted stress you didn't need and I know the pain, you almost have to block it out as hard as it is and work on the things you can control, I.E finding an apartment, working etc...

Making friends as well is something that just happens, you generally make friends at Uni because you with likeminded people studying the same course as you so you have something in common from the get go, just let that happen, don't force it... look at the positive you are moving out with your friend, many people would love to do that.

Regarding all the anxiety, have you ever seen a doctor or psychologist to discuss your mental health?

My best for you,

Jay

[Green42]

Hi Jay,

I have seen a psychologist before, they diagnosed me with anxiety and depression, I saw them for about a year and then I became to busy (and thought I was recovering). I've never had medication though because my mum doesn't think they're good, she's had some really bad experiences with medication for anxiety/depression so I think she's just scared for me.

I'll most likely try to see someone again this year though, but again that would cost money and take time, so I'll have to wait a little.

Thank you for replying

[BballJ]

Hi Green42,

I am in a similar boat, I stopped seeing my psych and thought I was recovering and almost feels like I need her again, everything felt a little clearer especially with the family problems I was facing, made it seem easier but since I stopped going (Time and money factor) it seems to of progressed into anxiety/depression again, so I fully understand where you are coming from, I am wanting to go back and I think I will...hopefully you do the same as well.

My best,

Jay