Anxiety Support Group

Anxiety is a physical condition marked by intense and persistent feelings of distress, fear, angst or dread. General anxiety caused by routine day-to-day stresses usually passes quickly and is experienced by almost everyone at one time or another. However, such feelings that linger over time and are very difficult to cope with, and which lack a clear cause, may indicate...

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valerie92 03/30/2015

Hi, I'm Valerie and I'm new to this website.

I've never been diagnosed with anxiety, but I know that I have it. For example, whenever I'm criticized about anything, I fixate on peoples' words and continue to mentally beat myself up over the situation. I do not like being in crowded places with many people. One of the bigger ones is that I can't get myself to drive my own car, and on the rare occasion when I do, I constantly worry of all the worst scenarios ever and it causes me to have trouble breathing.

Recently my anxiety became really bad, and I just got myself to accept that I need some type of help. Two months ago I got married and moved to a new state with my husband.It was a lot of change for me. I don't know anyone here, and I haven't been able to find a job, which has contributed to my depression. I'm home alone all day and I can't get myself to leave my house. Some days I don't even get out of bed. I can't even get myself to go outside to throw the trash away because I'm scared of leaving my home. Just the thought of leaving my house on my own causes me to feel short of breath and my heart to race. The other day a UPS man knocked on the front door to deliver a package my husband had ordered and I couldn't get myself to open the door.

I used to be able to do all of these things without a problem, and now I can't. I honestly don't know what to do, and I'm scared. Do any of you have any advice or first steps that I should take??

gramybear 03/30/2015

I hope you are able to find a Therapist that deals with anxiety as well as Agoraphobia which it sounds like you might have as well, but I am not a doctor so I don't want to give you any advice that might make things worse. I just want you to know that this is a wonderful group of people that are here to support you and moving to a new place is hard on anyone, even people who don't suffer with anxiety. I know that whenever I had to move somewhere new and didn't know the area, I was a little anxious about driving in areas I didn't know. That too is normal. We are here for you! Hugs GB

valerie92 03/30/2015

Thank you so much for your response/advice and for making me feel welcomed to this group. I think i will start looking for a therapist.

kristina14 03/30/2015

Hi Valerie! Welcome! I really feel for you because I know that feeling of being afraid to leave the house. I didn't want to even go out to my mailbox because I was scared and felt like I would pass out. But, I wanted you to know that I was able to overcome it, and so can you. What helped me was gradually getting out of the house. Maybe walk outside to the end of the driveway (or some comparable distance, if you don't have a driveway). Once you get comfortable with that, try driving around the block. Once that feels good, maybe try going to the store for a few minutes. It's not going to be easy, but you need to push yourself to get out. The thing with agoraphobia, or any other anxiety, is that avoidant behavior just reinforces the fear. I hope this helps.

valerie92 03/30/2015

Thank you! I totally understand the mailbox thing. I haven't been able to check the mail on my own since I've moved here. Also, thank you for the great advice. I know I need to overcome these fears and do things on my own but so far I've been too scared. I had not thought about the baby steps though, like walking outside to the drive way, and then moving up from there. I will definitely try that. Thank you so much!!

ann54 03/31/2015

considering how you were suffering already the move is huge for you right now. everyone gets jumbled up with moving and I feel for you. I would definitely look for a therapist to get help and suggestions. I like the idea of the baby steps, it is always one day at a time and each day can be better then the previous. good luck and keep posting

Pollybizz 03/31/2015

Suggestion...friend adventure guide and read her journal. She has such good ideas that at 65 I FINALLY WAS able to drive to daughters house over 4 hours away. Yes, I had turn by turn directions, cell phone, disaster kit, map etc. but i did it.. Her ideas are great.

Also a counsellor used to tell me....,figure what % will that happen. Always afraid to break down. On one trip with hubby, I actually counted cars and realized my odds of breaking down were one in a thousand. Hmmm, doable. Just work on one at a time. let us know how you do.

valerie92 03/31/2015

Thank you all so much for the support. It really is helpful. Today I've been searching for a therapist that is covered by my insurance. I also got a call for an interview scheduled for this Friday, April 3. I already feel awfully nervous about it. I have to actually force myself to drive alone for that day and then sell myself and hope they like me. Also, thanks for the suggestion Pollybizz, I've sent her a friend request. :)

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