Hate myself

[Rubzey]

Not really sure where to start... I suffer from anxiety and tomorrow is the first day back at uni. Part of me is excited but the anxiety side knows tomorrow when I get up there's going to be aong list of battles to fight before I even get to class. I hate my body. Deciding what to wear has already got me panicked. having to walk by myself to the bus and then face all the people looking at me on my way to uni means by the time I get to uni a good half hour is going to be spent calming myself down in the toilets. I'll go into class sweaty palmed but no one will know I'm a nervous wreck. No one will know the up hill battle I've dragged myself through just to get to class. I cover my anxiety well and I won't let it stop me because I fear falling apart. But I wish I could get up and not have a thousand worries. If only each day was as simple as getting up and going.. Feeling like I need a hand to hold.

[Doolhof]

Hi Rubzey,

The help and support that people so generously give each other here in the Beyond Blue Community is wonderful isn't it!

It does help to know that you are not travelling along the road by yourself. There are people out there willing to walk alongside of you, to encourage you and to share their experiences.

I have so appreciated the contacts I have made here at Beyond Blue and hope that you do keep in touch and let us know how you are getting on.

There are a lot of people fighting similar battles. When we share with each other what helps, we can add strength, conviction, hope and comfort to another person's life.

I hope you travel well through your day,

from Lauren

[morgs29]

Hi Rubzey,

Thanks so much for reaching out to us. I can really feel how much you're hurting in your post. I also suffer with anxiety & depression, and have had these feelings myself when my anxiety snowballs. It can be such a frustrating set of emotions to feel.

What helps you when you find yourself dealing with anxiety? Is it music? Singing softly to yourself? Taking it slow in the mornings while you get ready? These things help me, so I hope some of them might help you too. When I take life a little slower, and make sure I stop to pause and calm my physical reactions to anxiety down, I find that everything becomes more manageable. Don't forget that you have made it so far and to even be going to Uni shows just how dedicated you are to building your life the way you want it.

Know that looking after yourself is key. Focus on the small positives of the day and teach yourself how to just acknowledge the negative thoughts and move them on without them taking over (this takes practice!) For me, it's taking deep breaths in through the nose and then exhaling out through the mouth. This is also something you can do at Uni when you're feeling the nervousness.

Take care,

Morgan