Success

[Mate_23]

Hi everyone.

I just thought I'd share a story of success in my battle with anxiety to hopefully provide some encouragement. 

I have some type of General Anxiety Disorder (I've never been professionally assessed to be honest) - I can't really say its as bad as some of the things I've read here but it has had a major control on my life for the last 10-12 years. My anxiety is generally caused/coupled with intrusive thoughts and negative thinking. It has caused me to become quite anti social and miss out on a few opportunities to live a more fulfilling life.

Anyhow, this year I decided that I've had enough and have been learning more about anxiety and trying to overcome it. 

Finally last night for the first time in my life I was able to go out with some friends for a night out on the town without being too scared and just having some fun. When I was invited, part of me really didn't want to go because I was scared I would get panic attacks and what not. So I said to myself that anywhere I go, I'll always get anxious anyway and just accepted it. I pushed myself and went along. I had a great time. Sure there were some moments when started to feel anxious but I just let it be.(I'm currently reading a book on Acceptance and Commitment therapy and it seems to help).

I really think the way to overcome it is just to out yourself out of your comfort zone. Has taken me to the age of 24 to actually go to a club(not saying this is the epitome of fun or anything, but it was an experience I thought I'd never have). I think you just need to move slowly and get out there and know that in the end, it's just the mind playing tricks and everything will be OK.

I know i still have a long way to go, but i just wanted to share this. Hopefully it helps you.

[Zeal]

Hi Mate,

I'm so glad you've reached a point in your life where anxiety isn't controlling you 🙂 I'm 22 and studying second year psychology. It took me until I was about 21 to start to make positive changes and allow myself to enjoy life. Feeling motivated or inspired to face the anxiety and learn about strategies to control it is such a success!

All the best, and thanks for your positive post 😄

[triptych]

Great post mate! It warms my heart to hear about your success.

I think you are onto something that works for you so keep challenging yourself.   It's like if someone is afraid of heights the only way to really beat it is to (literally) push yourself one step at a time.  Before you know it you're at the top of the first flight of stairs looking at the second flight.  It's not always going to be comfortable, but with the right attitude and courage the sky is the limit.

[Narniakid]

Hi Mate_23, thank you for sharing!

It is wonderful to hear that you've managed to overcome your anxiety and try something new! I overcame my anxiety quite similarly to you, by pushing myself and flowing with the anxiety rather than avoiding things in fear of anxiety coming along with them. It's not the right technique for everyone, but it definitely can work for some of us. Self help books are excellent too, so it's great you're getting into one!

Thank you for sharing, again, and I hope you are able to inspire others to be brave and stay strong, because it does get better!

Crystal

[_NaturalTalent_]

Hey Mate,

Lol nice name 😉 I like it lol.

Its great to hear your story of success. I myself have found the approach of occasionally pushing yourself out of the comfort zone to also be a very helpful. I struggle daily with getting to work but if im not 100% sure I cant get through the day, I push myself hard, just to make it to work. The more I do this the more I find myself getting there.

With support from doctors I am able to leave early if I need to but it is getting there in the first place that is the real accomplishment for me at the moment. If I cant stay all day well atleast I tried and don't miss out on a WHOLE days pay.

If im invited out I make sure either I'm driving, or can stay long enough to enjoy a few drinks. I'm by no means condoning alcohol, but it definitely helps lower anxiety and increase socialness when enjoyed with responsibility lol. Basically I make sure im only responsible for myself, this takes a lot of pressure off.

I have also reached a point in life where I care less about those who DONT care about me. Treat me like dirt and ill let you know AND you will loose my time of day. I refuse to pull punches anymore and tell things as I see or feel they are.

I actually originally came here to attempt to talk about myself but as yet have not posted, I find myself expressing some of my issues in aid of others issues, handing down experience. I have always been the type of person to receive more happiness from making others happy.

For those who believe in such things, I am a high level Empath, and I believe this is why I am so well suited to helping others. Due to what im experiencing on this site I am now looking at studying and hopefully becoming a part of the mental health system!