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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Stress from Social Pressures?

clajo
clajo
Personally....I could care less if my shoes even match:) It seems that so much pressure is put on looking a certain way, acting in a certain way. Our society can really heave a lot of expections on us, but I wonder if anyone finds this triggering their anxiety. I for one feel some of this from people that are close to me, but for myself.......I could wear the same clothes until they disintegrate, I'm not interested in designer labels matching, not real impressed with titles, status, etc. All in all, you'd think I sound pretty laid back. So I wonder where the anxiety comes from. I feel like part of my struggle is war'ing against all those so-called "Norms". I would like to make life as simple as possible, but the world does not allow that... Life does not allow that. Most of you have probably noticed I say "peace" alot......it's like this holy grail I constantly seek. Anyone care to share what they find peace in?
clajo
clajo
Sorry, I meant to say Society puts "expectations" on us.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I understand how you feel. I feel the same way about being a mother. So many expectations are put on me. I feel I can't win. I can't be that martha stewart mom I try and when I realize I can't I feel defeated.
koolman
koolman
Oh, sure, I feel that!!! And it's easy for one to say "fuck society" or "fuck the world", but it gets kinda lonely around us at times, and we can't help wanting to "fit in", even if "they" make it damn near impossible.

My FAMILY, that microcosm of society, more than "society" at large, particularly my mother, always puts pressure on me. My dad's more laid-back, but is deeply methodical, and I find it difficult sometimes to get inside his head and wriggle around without pissing him off, which I do frequently. My mother's a workaholic, and, no matter what I do or how much money I make, it never seems to be enough...for her. I limit my time around her, naturally.

Gotta follow the beat of your own drum, man, and look for similar-minded "cave-dwellers" or whatever label you choose to hang on yourselves, to hang with.
Janvier
Janvier
I also feel this pressure & anxiety from the expectations of society. I want the freedom to "just be me" but I also realize that I need other people & I want to "belong". I find it difficult to find the right balance.
deleted_user
deleted_user
It is interesting that since I have developed this awful anxiety, I no longer seem to care about much of anything that seemed important before. I was so perfectionistic all my life--which can be crippling. I would no more have a Thanksgiving dinner without scrubbing the whole house than I would go to the table naked! This year I barely dusted and served store bought potatoes and NO ONE noticed. This makes me wonder if I did all those "societal show standard" things all those years for nothing. I am very confused.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Clajo, I forgot to answer your actual question. Believe it or not, I now find peace in watching Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune! I am not being flip. It seems that at 7pm my body calms down. Any shaking, anxiety and tremors stop. I wish I could figure out why. I plop on the couch in front of those two "brain candy" shows and I am at peace. Interestingly, I sign things "Peace" as well. It is what I seek. I believe that my body became used to "speeding" when I was hyperthyroid and overdosing on synthroid (originally diagnosed as hypothyroid) At 7pm, it was 12 hours after taking the synthroid and I think it had worn off enough for my body to quiet down for the rest of the evening. Although my thyroid is now under control, I still don't feel better until the evening. Maybe with time, my body will unlearn the anxious, "speeding" feelings from the past???
deleted_user
deleted_user
I dont know that other peoples expectations cause my anxiety to be worse, but it can be hard to deal with. When i quit my job due to the horrible hours I was working, finding that being constantly sleep deprived aggravated my anxiety (and made life in general miserable) I received a judgemental comment from someone very close to me. It really hurt. People sometimes see those, like me, who desire and need a simple lifestyle as lazy. Tough luck for them lol. I have learned over the years thats its ok to be me, dont have to do something just because society says so!
Redgoblin
Redgoblin
Its interesting that you should bring this up. Personally I couldn't care for designer labels and such, although sometimes its nice to look and comfortable in the clothes that one wears. If you look at my avatar pic don't be thinking I wear designer labels its from Tiger Woods PGA golf on the Wii.

I've always been labelled 'Laid Back' especially from my parents, however I think my anxiety or some of it is perhaps to do with that deep down I'm not as laid back as some would assume. I would love to get back to being laid back :)

I find peace in my own family, but its not always peace in the household but its the safest place for sure.
clajo
clajo
@ Gemstone...I have the same sensation of "shutting down" (in a good way) in the evening....except mine is Cashcab, although I like Wheel too.
clajo
clajo
@ broken....I agree, people are quick to label you as lazy if you purposely try to kick into low gear to stay even-kill. I really have to pace myself just to keep my head together.

@ red....I was wondering if that was an advitar.......:) No judgments here, "things" are great as long as you have them and they don't have you. My thought...........avoiding them to feel accepted. Doesn't make you the sum total of who you are.....right? Peace...
koolman
koolman
You're right there, brother. What seems to be required here are some fellas who can have a hopefully drug-and alcohol-free good time with you. Laugh, tell stories, talk about personal problems, burp, fart, whatever, or simply veg to a movie or football game or something...in total peace and acceptance, mutually free of judgment.

Tried meetup.com?
deleted_user
deleted_user
clajo i know what you mean...sometimes i am working as hard as i can to keep my head above water, so to speak. many dont get this. that is of course their problem. I do have to struggle with the tendency to just withdraw from the world....its easier for me. And at times I dont want to withdraw!