And to a point, I would have expected a little more too...at least some kind of sympathy, if nothing else. Not only is it hard to tell others, I've found it even harder to do something about it...not until earlier this year (at this site, no less) have I made any progress. One thing you can try doing is making new friends, especially here --because while we can't "see" you (in the true sense of the word, hence the loose take on it), we've been there.

It sounds like they lost someone special. We are surviors and survivors are strong people that have a lot to offer in friendships. We are understanding and know how to be there for others. It sounds like they were scared. It takes time for me to trust others with my personal information. It means taking risks. You took a risk and that was brave. I hope you are finding peace within yourself. You are strong.

I have told my sister in law and a close friend. i was with both of them tonight at a family gathering and they both avoided me. I have helped both of them throug some rough times. So if this is how they are going to treat me when I could use some support then I guess they were not the people I thought they were.
Kind of stinks, doesnt it????

I can't help but think that if I broke my leg, my room would be filled with cards and balloons, people would be bringing me food, and there would be no question that I should take it easy until I build up my strength. Yes, stinks.

well they may be wary! like if they dont understand anxiety properly! it's not just omg am i gonna do well in a exam! did u explain exactly what it was 2 them? and how it makes u feel? um but if they still r like it than in the words of nana from the catherine tate show they can take there so called friendship and"SHOVE IT UP THERE ARSE!"lol good luckx

I read this and it rings so deep and true! I lost many of my friends. I made new ones. The new ones although only a few, they knew me as is and not by who I was. I realized most people can not handle any more stress then they have, I think this is why people aren't around when your world crashes. It hurts!

If your 'friends' withdrew because you told them that, were they really your friends? You need to just find some true friends who will be there for you, if they aren't supportive they are not friends.

A few years ago I had the same thing happen. For a while I blamed myself but now I have realized that if they were truly my friends they would have stuck it out with me. I have learned that friends are there through thick and thin and it they bail they werent worth it anyway.

I am sorry that you are going through it and it can be a painful process, in the end it will only make you stronger.

I have suffered with what we all have here all my life and have always kept it secret until recently . I have to say; I have NOT
had a response that's positive, and I mean for me, it's not enough. I believe people are too busy trying to be normal
and to be "strong" and when you show any sign of what might be construed as weakness "normal" people want to make a quick getaway.

Hi Joanna. I like what "Nightlistener" had to say. I have some pretty heavy anxiety issues at times since my brain cancer.(over 8yrs ago me now) In the 1st yr people did have concern & show empathy for me, but after that i guess they though that i should be fine. It seems to me that most of the people that i know/knew just can't be understanding if they didn't go through something really difficult in their lifetime? My younger sister has never understood why i haven't just moved on in my life.(even though my brain was cut open 4x) A few yrs ago she had a bad car accident & i sort of thought that she might be a little more understanding of me now, but she hasn't. (not sharing all of this info with you for sympathy, i just want you to know that you are not alone:-)
But back to you. If you have told people about your anxiety and they can't accept the real you why would you want to have them as friends at all. As far as i know, people just want to be accepted for the people that they are, not for the people they pretend to be right? Remember there are still some of us that really do understand and are willing to hear what you have to say, without judgement. Take good care. NC xo

Wow that sucks, I told my friends and found out 2 out of 3 had anxiety also. I hope they come around. if they are real friends they will.