Recently diagnosed

[Tmi1105]

I need help my doctor just diagnosed me with servere anxiety and I don't how to cope with it. I mean I coped with it before but so poorly that I feel even worse now I have no idea how to deal with this stuff 

[Doolhof]

Hi Tmi,

Welcome to Beyond Blue and the Community here.

There are so many people who have found themselves in your position. My mental health issues include depression, borderline personality disorder, stress and a bit of anxiety as well when I am in an uncomfortable situation.

What did the Dr. suggest to you? If they recommended follow up with a professional of some sort then follow that up.

In the mean time, check out the info here at BB regarding anxiety. Look at some of the posts people have sent in under anxiety, and try to take in some of the advice and suggestions that have been given.

Use the phone help line here at Beyond Blue and to which ever organisation you can reach in your area.

Talk to your family and friends about how you are feeling.

I find the more research I do about an issue, the better I feel. Look for ways to overcome your anxiety and try and work on one strategy at a time.

I hope some of this helps. Please get back to me and share more if you feel up to it.

This forum is a very safe place to share your thoughts, feelings and emotions. People are here to help and support you and to listen to your story.

Cheers for now from Mrs. Dools or Lauren

[morgs29]

Hi TMI,

Welcome to the BeyondBlue community! Can I start by saying that I think it's really courageous that you are reaching out to others at such a hard time. The first time we are diagnosed can be a really scary time, especially when we aren't sure how to deal with it yet.

I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety for the first time when I was 15 and it was a really scary time for me too! Following on from what Mrs. Dools has asked, what did your doctor recommend to you? I think it would be a really good idea to check out the online resources on this website about anxiety; they're super helpful. Remember there is also an online chat option if using the helpline number is a bit overwhelming for you at this point.

You say you coped with it poorly before, but you have gotten this far! I truly believe there are things you have been doing that have helped you stay strong for this long. What do you think those things are? It can be anything, like listening to music, going for a walk, talking to people who you trust. These are all self-care activities that help us get through the hardest of times.

I'm thinking of you at this hard time and I'm also holding the hope that things are going to get better for you. You've made the first step by asking for help and getting your diagnosis - that's really brave. Keep taking steps forward, even if they are small! They all count.

 Morgan

[blueangel]

Hey There Tmi1105,

First off, welcome to the Beyond Blue forums and I would like to commend you for seeking help/advice.

Getting a diagnosis of anxiety definitely isn't an easy thing to deal with and I can assure you that the way you are feeling is completely natural. I too, was diagnosed 4 years ago and I recall felling helpless and as if the diagnosis of anxiety changed who I was and affected my identity. However, over time I discovered that a diagnosis made no change whatsoever to my life or who I was - because after all you are the exact same person you were prior to your diagnosis. You are so incredibly strong having already come this far and made it with no help or diagnosis at all!

In the meantime, I would recommend that you take time out and explore some resources and educate yourself on Anxiety disorders (the Beyond Blue website is an excellent start!) in order to understand your illness better. Educating ourselves enables us to develop strategies to overcome barriers and establish the way our mind works. Identify triggers of your anxiety and experiment with ways to minimise it where possible. Activities such as yoga, breathing exercises, listening to calm music (eg. classical/instrumental) are some starting points but just remember everyone is different and it will take some time and experimenting before you find what works for you. 

Always remember that a mental illness does not define you and being diagnosed with severe anxiety definitely doesn't mean you are weak or different. You are strong and you will get through this. Be brave and be patient.

-blueangel 

xx

[Tizlak]

Hello Tmi,
Good form on reaching out on the Beyond Blue Forums, it's not an easy task to seek help but never be afraid to look for help cause people are always willing to lend a hand give some advice and help out 🙂

I can relate to this because there was a time I was certain i had depression and anxiety all the symptoms where there but I could never bring myself to seek medical advice because I didn't want to get told i had mental health issues. I felt that if I ever got told that my life would be worse and I would have to accept the fact I would need to live life with mental health issues.

However I'm so relieved to say I was totally wrong, I'm still the same person, only difference now is that i know my issues and can work through them to better myself. You say you have no idea how to cope with yourself, you can our advice which I would say talk to your family and friends about your diagnoses and let them give you advice also, but when it all comes down to it you can choose to deal with your diagnosis in any wa that makes you feel positive and happy 🙂

There's no hard and fast rules to what will make you feel better personally, but my advice is to take the guidance and advice from other people who have knowledge about the issues and try out what they tell you and find what works for you!

I know this was a bit vague but I wanted to give you a more basic block to build on. Hope I helped and don't hesitate to ask for more help!!! And Remember you are not defined by your mental illness, only YOU define YOU! 🙂
-Tizlak

[Lori]

Hi Tmi1105!

Well done for reaching out and seeking help with your anxiety. Getting diagnosed can be very scary.

There's lots of different resources and activities you can do to reduce your anxiety. I myself to cope with my anxiety i got to gym everyday and i also do yoga. Exercising is really important for your mental health, it will definitely help you with your anxiety even just going for a 30 minute walk every day will help you. 

There is also many relaxation skills you can try to relax your body i find they really work and are extremely helpful and are important. Most importantly take deep breaths. Stay strong!

 - Lori

[Narniakid]

Hi there Tmi1105 and welcome to BB!

There's tons of info here on BB about anxiety and how to manage it so I strongly suggest reading up on it. I also recommend keeping a diary - when I was first diagnosed, every night I would write down what happened that day and how I felt about it, and I would take it to my counsellor/psychologist and we'd discuss any issues and point me in the right direction. When you're starting to feel anxious, close your eyes, breathe in for 10 seconds, and breathe out for 10-15 seconds.

Keep yourself busy, keep yourself positive, and remember you CAN do this! 

Let me know how things go 🙂

Crystal