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...
Hello Everyone-
I'm new to this group and not sure where to start. I've never participated in a group but, thought it may help to talk about some of my anxiety symptoms with others that may be experiencing the same things.
I really realized these symptoms when my husband had two strokes over the last couple years. He was 40 years old at the time and I found myself questioning security and the ability to raise our 3 girls had God decided to take him home.
I'm also a Masters student and work part-time. In January I was hospitalized with what they thought was a heart attack but, deemed it a panick attack. Since then my GP has placed me on anxiety meds and I'm trying hard to maintain "me": who I really am. I find myself wanting to take 2 naps in a day and although the medication has helped with the urgency of things, I still get overwhelmed over finances, school, the kids...the list goes on and on.
I'm looking for support to be able to talk through these things and maybe find some others who can maybe give advice. I'm just trying to do this day by day.
I look forward to "speaking" with you!
BIZZYLife
I'm new to this group and not sure where to start. I've never participated in a group but, thought it may help to talk about some of my anxiety symptoms with others that may be experiencing the same things.
I really realized these symptoms when my husband had two strokes over the last couple years. He was 40 years old at the time and I found myself questioning security and the ability to raise our 3 girls had God decided to take him home.
I'm also a Masters student and work part-time. In January I was hospitalized with what they thought was a heart attack but, deemed it a panick attack. Since then my GP has placed me on anxiety meds and I'm trying hard to maintain "me": who I really am. I find myself wanting to take 2 naps in a day and although the medication has helped with the urgency of things, I still get overwhelmed over finances, school, the kids...the list goes on and on.
I'm looking for support to be able to talk through these things and maybe find some others who can maybe give advice. I'm just trying to do this day by day.
I look forward to "speaking" with you!
BIZZYLife
You are definitely not alone with the fears, feelings and frustrations nor the symptoms and realities of your condition, which is a very common condition. I was recently diagnosed with a panic and anxiety disorder, putting new light on past experiences (like ER visits) that gave me more questions than answers.
It is important to point out, and you may know this, that everyone has some degree of anxiety which is also known as "fear." Some fears are completely normal and rational like taking tests, public speaking, insects, heights, etc. Other anxieties are a little more "out there." Where you fit into that scale is best answered by the person in your mirror.
I have a number of anxieties which pretty much classify me as having a "disorder." So far none of the medications have worked to help calm me down. I have a wonderful combination of social anxiety, performance anxiety, health anxiety, and general anxiety. Meaning it really sucks to be me. As a result, we can add depression to my list of mental health issues.
Your fears of the future are completely normal fears, Bizzy. I would think that people of all ages have those fears. After all, anxiety IS a fear of the "what's next?" and "what if's?" that can cripple us. So often those inner thoughts and voices are what progresses from the inner thoughts to the outer shaking, chest pain, crying, and whatever symptoms that you have which are known as "panic attacks." I live in that world 24/7. From what I understand there are no cures for anxiety, only coping techniques. Medication and therapy can help with the coping but can only lessen the condition, not eliminate it. I have had people tell me that an anxiety can be cured. My opinions are my own. Perhaps a single anxiety can be cured (heights, speaking, test taking) but probably not an anxiety "disorder" when you end up fearing FEAR.
I did read a book that I would recommend to anyone with anxiety and/or panic attacks... "When Panic Attacks" by Dr. David Burns MD. The book addresses cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) exercises and was instrumental in helping me (after I read the entire book, it clicked) discover the root cause of my anxiety. I now have that reality in my arsenal but the knowledge is still not giving me a permanent relief, just a better awareness. I give it thumbs up! Check your library before deciding to buy the book or not. I have bought it to read and re-read as needed. The exercises are cool... but don't write in the library books. (grin)
My biggest tip in coping with all of this is when friendly advice comes in the form of words, "you SHOULD" or "you SHOULDN'T," please replace those with "YOU COULD." Advice from others are usually on their value system, not necessarily yours.
Need to chat? Feel free to private message or just jump back in here.
I am also new to the group. Thank you for joining in. My experience with anxiety is suddenly getting a strong feeling of energy traveling through my body and getting stuck in the center of my chest. It occurs often. I am hoping that I can learn coping skills from members of this group, as well. Take care :-)