How do you live with it?

[Mel98]

Hi, (first time posting)

I've had anxiety for some time but recently have been feeling worse and worse. I don't know what to do. I'm constantly tired yet can't sleep most nights very well, I cry all the time and don't even know why. I shut myself of from family and friends as none of them seem to understand, my parents just tell me I'm stuck in a rut but it feels like so much more. Most days I can't even bring myself to get out of bed or when I do I struggle to get the motivation to go to work or do anything. My appetite is completely gone, today is day 2 of eating a biscuit a day and even that I struggle to get down. I just don't know what to do or where to go anymore. I used to be the 'social one' always with people and outspoken, now I rather sit at home alone in my room and not see or speak to anyone. I don't know what I'm hoping to come out of this but I just needed to say something to someone.

Bye for now.

Mel

[romantic_thi3f]

Hey Mel98

Welcome to the forums and thanks for your post.

I really appreciate you opening up to us. It sounds like it was a big deal so a really warm welcome to you.

The question in the title was 'how do you live with it?' and I think everyone will have different responses to this one. It's a great question. For me, I get through it day by day, but I think the most important thing especially with anxiety - is to know and feel like you're not alone.

I'm guessing that by now you know that anxiety is pretty common and a lot of people experience it, but it can often feel incredibly isolating. I know in your post you said you have family and friends but if they aren't able to see or understand what's going on for you I imagine it's almost like they can't be there for you. Have you considered opening up and talking to them about it?

The other option of course could be a therapist; which can be particularly helpful if you feel like talking to your friends and family is too overwhelming or they feel like they can't support you. This way they can help you and give you lots of support; and hopefully allow you to work through this.

I also think that it's important that you can stay fuelled; as the last thing that I would want is for you to lose too much weight because then you would have less energy and be too tired to function! Are you able to drink? Things like juices and smoothies can be very helpful as they can allow you to digest lots of nutrients especially if eating is too hard right now.

Finally - I hope that it helped a little getting things off your chest. Please feel free to continue posting as you're always welcome here and there will always be someone around.

[Starwolf]

Good to meet you Mel.

Kudos to you for deciding to post. Acknowledging something is wrong is a brave and wise step forward.

It seems that you are struggling alone at the moment because those around you don't understand what you are up against. It doesn't mean they don't care, just that -like yourself- they have no real understanding of what is going on so have of course no idea how to respond.

You may be experiencing symptoms of depression. I suggest you do the K10 test (see top left of this page in the Facts section). It could help you learn more about the cause of your distress.

The next step would be to book a long GP appointment. You may need to go on a health plan, including subsidized counseling sessions, perhaps medication to help you manage the situation and regain some measure of control and functionality. Mental/emotional conditions are medical conditions requiring medical attention and treatment. So please take good care of yourself. Quality of Life and peace of mind are your birthright but you need to be proactive. You deserve much better than what you are experiencing right now.

If face to face conversation with a doctor feels too daunting, writing down how you feel and handing those notes over would help. No need to feel embarrassed about a situation which is out of your control.

Meanwhile, please feel free to continue to post and let us know how you go. You will find here support and understanding from many who are battling in similar conditions. Traveling in good company makes the journey towards recovery a lot easier.

Good to have you on board.