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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Jeff-Gonzalez 08/02/2014

After a very recent break up, I have decided to move out of Los Angeles. I need a change of scenery and honestly, I feel like this place holds to many painful memories.I want to move on. I was talking to my best friend about my future plans. Music has always been a huge art of my life and my main instrument has always been drums. I've been playing for about 8 years now. My best friend goes to a music school in Boston and he suggested that I give it a shot. I have already filled out my application and I am currently filling out my financial aid. They are having auditions here in Los Angeles tomorrow and I have to go. They want to see my skill level to place me the appropriate classes. I have always been an anxiety sufferer so now that I have all this planned out, how can I lessen the chance of me freaking out in a new city? I am overthinking and I feel like I'll freeze up and mess up my audition. Everything in Boston will be new to me so how do you think I should go about coping? I hate change but this is necessary. I just don't want to be a shut in and become agoraphobic or something.. It may sound dumb but I am doubting myself. Any tips on traveling will be greatly appreciated as well.

*It's good to point out that Berklee school of Music has a study abroad program that will allow me to to study at their campus in Spain. I want to go but I dread flying. Not to mention that it's scary that it's half way around the world*

LuckyEmpath 08/02/2014

I am very sorry about your recent breakup. They are never easy. But the prospect of starting a new life in a new city is very exciting! Did you know that the body, on a neurological level, doesn't know the difference between anxiety and excitement. The only difference is the emotional aspect we give to each. So why not look at this with an excited mindset instead of an anxious one?

I have lived in MA my entire life (I am 47) and Boston is a fabulous city with a nightlife to match! You are 23 and are moving to a city that caters to your age group. You will have a blast! And you are entering a school with a wonderful music program that promises to help you make your life entirely about what you love most - music. Embrace this change with excitement and I promise you Boston will not let you down.

Take care

mginmn 08/02/2014

I agree with LuckyEmpath. One thing you'd have to get "used to" in Boston is that it is a very easy city to maneuver. There's an underground rail that is simple and makes sense. And it is also very walkable. There are many friendly people. I don't live there but it's a place I've thought about moving to. The weather of course is colder than LA, but I anyway think snow if beautiful. And it's long been a big music scene.

Some people do not believe in the so-called "geographic cure," because you're still the same person, etc. But in my experience, it often has helped. Not cured, but yes helped. The simple fact of being away from bad reminders, occupying one's time with getting the layout of the land and buying new necessities, etc. has helped me through a few really rough patches.

Whatever you decide, best of luck!

Jeff-Gonzalez 08/03/2014

Thanks for your replies LuckyEmpath and mginmn. I had my audition today and turns out they really like my style. There was an interview portion which I wasn't expecting but I think I did ok as well. Now, I have to wait until I get a letter in the mail in about 2 weeks saying if I got in or not. I talked to my friend again and he said that even if I don't make it in, to come to Boston. He's the only person that knows what's going on with me and is very supportive I might add. Anyway, I guess I should embrace this change and move on. I feel like I'll develop and grow more as a person if I do this. Fingers crossed I get in.

Thanks again!!

LuckyEmpath 08/03/2014

Good luck! You are gonna LOVE Boston!

deleted_user 08/04/2014

Best of luck!! sorry about your break up, maybe this change will bring about good things. Sometimes change is not only a good thing, sometimes it's necessary.

Reed31 08/04/2014

The way I'm trying to think of it is that I can either have anxiety sitting in my living room or I can have anxiety out in the world having fun and doing what makes me happy.

When I try to control it, my anxiety tends to just get worse. I tend to have less anxiety when I'm doing things I enjoy.

Good luck with your move and I hope everything works out great for you! Let us know when your first CD comes out! : )

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