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! This is my first ever post, so firstly, hi. You will be seeing a lot of me.
Just a brief introduction since you've never met me.
I started suffering with anxiety (GAD) in my late teens, so I've pretty much had it for the past 7/8 years without much relief.
I've had therapy, and done some courses of CBT, mindfulness and am on Fluoxtine at the moment (think it's called Prozac in other countries). I do have a lot of past issues, just with neglectful parents/ family issues etc, but I have talked it out and don't think there's much more I can do in that respect. But the feeling has never left me.
Every day, always, is a major struggle. I sometimes worry about specific things (okay, quite often) - but most of the time, I just get this horrible restlessness and tension that settles on me. It feels like a weight is always on my chest and I'm always eager to get onto the next thing, and can never just be where I am.
I exercise often, have a good diet and my fiancée is really supportive.
I'm a teacher, and at the moment, my work is literally halved and I pretty much have my afternoons free at the moment. I struggle to do activities that I used to love, like reading. Whenever I do something like this, the weight on my chest gets heavier and heavier - and I just want to do what I'm doing. But my brain wanders off.. what about this? What about that? It's exhausting.
I have been trying my best to be really mindful of my breathing when this gets too much, and take a few deep breaths, however it's horrible because I just feel like I can't enjoy anything. Even when I've looked forward to it all week, its even a struggle just being with my fiancée who I love so, so much and spending time with her is my favourite.
Suggestions welcome! Thank you.
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I haven't written in my diary on my computer since May because I thought that my computer was dying. I got away from writing but my computer is hanging in there. I think that I will start writing in it again. It's so therapeutic.
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Years ago, I won a mirrored armoire from my job. It's in my bedroom but I rarely stand in front of it. Yesterday, I had to have a dexascan done so I had to change into a gown. There was a full length mirror in the changing room. I'm aware that I gained 5 to 7 pounds over the last year from cheating on Keto but I didn't know what it looked like. It was a reality check.
You've taken the important first step in writing it out.
Keep a daily private journal.
Distract your thoughts with positive plans and words to help you stay focused in the moment.
Best wishes as you find your better balance.
I have a hyper-active metabolism and a wandering spirit. Restlessness is a way of life for me. It sounds like you and I have similar methods of dealing with ^it^.
Since the masked promises and social distancing of the current world yaddah blahs shut down so many of my coping mechanisms, it has become harder and harder to cope. I am verily short-circuiting on the threats of a renewed round of marshal law.
I am providing foster care for 3 children (ages 7 and under) who lost both their parents last September. I believe they are currently grieving the loss of their world more deeply than they are grieving the loss of both parents. All this is even harder on the forgotten ones of Coronaville who were already socially distanced before that was declared a good thing.
Prayers in progress that we can work together to find ways to stay sane within the New Normal of Coronaville. I am deeply worried that protecting the at-risk 10% is going to kill the 100%.
I deeply resonate with you, my coping mechanisms are usually outside.. or at the very least, I like to be in the comfort of a cafe.
I hope your foster children find a light at the end of the tunnel very soon.
Yes I think mental illnesses are getting worse now, I feel like my anxiety is a constant shadow, getting bigger every day.
We have seen several proverbial lights at the end of the tunnel in this Hell Year. Those lights keep turning out to be fast moving trains. The socially distanced and masked social/education work attached to these 3 orphans are especially bright.
Still praying for Team America to find peaceful solutions and healing.
Acceptance is an important part of recovery and learning to separate emotions from the series of events. Have you gone through exposure therapy? Like you I have a lot off agitation and restlessness and have to be doing something. I find that be creating a schedule of things that I want to accomplish m helps. Also when you do your deep breathing do you breathe from your lower belly? It makes a difference,
Post here as often as you need. People here are very supportive. I hope tat you can find serenity and peace. Best wishes.
@Secouya I’m sorry for everything you’ve gone through. No, I’ve never gone through exposure therapy .. maybe that could be helpful. Just therapy costs a million pounds and I’ve been through it three times or so!! Breathing is a very good tip, it’s funny how much we forget! Thank you and I hope you’re doing okay.
@frogsoup Yes!! This is exactly what it feels like, just constantly on the verge of something that never happens. So frustrating! Thank you and I hope you’re doing okay.