chronic anxiety

It truly amazes me how people who have never suffered from Anxiety or Depression think it is a wimpy illness!! I have heard and seen that a few times with friends and family.

They always think that because there is 'nothing' visibly wrong with you then it must be an easily rectifiable illness!! With a click of the thumb and finger all will be healed!

I would hate anyone to go through Anxiety / Depression!! It is, for me, the worse illness there is!!
 
There's a lot of people who don't understand it and there are cases where it's severe but I wouldn't say it's the worst illness there is. I don't think it's really a good idea to rank illnesses in order of seriousness either.
 
Ayahuasca said:
and you would put it above life long conditions where people are literally vegetables for their entire existence?
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I have multiple sclerosis as well as generalised anxiety disorder. If I could choose to keep just one, I'd choose the multiple sclerosis. I can deal with pain and lack of movement sometimes, but dealing with utter, abject terror at having to go to the supermarket or shops is unbearable.
 
Do any of you have children? I've recently come out of a four year relationship because I don't want kids. The anxiety around them is bad enough, I cannot imagine having to do the sort of things parents have to but this isn't a factor in my decision really.
 
*raises hand*

I get it quite bad. It started in late high school really but I spent many years bottling it up. Even now I hate crowds and I can't bring myself to really trust anyone as I seem to convince myself that everyone is going to screw me over eventually.

It got to a suicidal point back in 2013 after I lost a job where I was being treated like dirt but managed to convince myself that I somehow deserved it (!) and one trip to the doctors later i'm on 150mg Sertraline which takes the edge off the low dips.

I'm in a better job now and a lot happier but I still spend a lot of time feeling utterly hollow. I tried going to DAS but they just basically told me it was my own fault and there was nothing they could do. Utterly useless.

Spending time with family helps, as does taking the car out for a nice blast along the roads nearby when it's quiet.

Noxia said:
Do any of you have children? I've recently come out of a four year relationship because I don't want kids. The anxiety around them is bad enough, I cannot imagine having to do the sort of things parents have to but this isn't a factor in my decision really.
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I'm at the point where my girlfriend wants kids and marriage and honestly? It terrifies me. I really don't feel like i'm worthy of her and I really don't want to inflict my inner problems on my children.
 
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I suffer badly with this. I have a very understanding husband who will ask 'do you feel up to the supermarket this week?' The supermarket is one of the worst for me, I don't know why! He often goes on his own now! He also knows when I say I don't feel like doing anything it means I am too scared to and sometimes we spend weekends holed up in the house. It helps to have a supportive partner. My family are very much the 'snap out of it' kind and would drag me to places I didn't want to go.

I have a home based job which helps but also means it is a big event when I do have to go to meetings. Especially as I have to use trains on my own, which is a huge issue for me. I will worry about meetings months in advance, but I do manage to get to them. I amaze myself sometimes.
 
In general make sure you get more than enough sleep EVERY night. DO NOT stay up late. So go to bed at 11pm. Your brain needs enough time to replenish neurotransmitter levels and perform "maintenance" at night. Do not skimp on sleep.

This is the single most important bit of anti-anxiety advice.
 
Nomisf said:
I have never been sure if it is anxiety or something else that makes up the largest part of my problems.

I work as an IT consultant and spend most of my time, trying my hardest to avoid having to visit customers, speak with people or even speak with my co-workers - the thought of it terrifies me, in the same way i got scared about exams at school and Uni. The net result of which is I usually jumble my words, make a bad impression then "run away".

It also chases me around in every day life, i get nervous of answering the phone, speaking to cashiers in shops - and often makes me freeze up or change my plans to avoid the situation. I laid last night, unable to sleep worrying about a presentation i have to give in a month !

Might have to give some of these books a go...
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Absolutely the same. If I use the phone to talk to someone who i'm not familiar with, I need to rehearse and (in cases where there's a lot to say) write it down on paper along with common responses to their questions so that it's all there if I need it.

God help me if they ask something I don't have a pre-prepared answer for. I just want to burst into tears.

It's almost the same in person too. If I get caught off guard I stumble my words and make a fool of myself. Then it's a massive battle to stave off the oncoming panic attack.
 
I have trouble in supermarkets, but am much better in newer ones.

The old ones can be dimly lit, stuffy, narrow aisles and when they get crowded, I have to get out.

We've had a new sainsburys open recently in Charlton, and it's great. Extremely wide aisles, brightly lit with a lot of glass letting natural light in and very cool all over. Much better for my anxiety.
 
Just got back from A&E which they nearly admitted me :( I had 2 ECG and a blood test :( I need to get to the bottom of my attacks :( On the plus side they changing my meds yay
 
meh? said:
Just got back from A&E which they nearly admitted me :( I had 2 ECG and a blood test :( I need to get to the bottom of my attacks :( On the plus side they changing my meds yay
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I had that on Monday. Had chest pains that lasted so went to A&E. Had ECG and blood test and everything was fine. Came home and went to bed.

Suffering from shortness of breath today, but it's all in my head. Looking forward to the day when I actually feel 100% well.
 
The hospital was brill even tho when I have an attack I make all kinds of noises :( I can't wait for these tablets to work. Lots of theropy ahead tho :(
 
radderfire said:
In general make sure you get more than enough sleep EVERY night. DO NOT stay up late. So go to bed at 11pm. Your brain needs enough time to replenish neurotransmitter levels and perform "maintenance" at night. Do not skimp on sleep.

This is the single most important bit of anti-anxiety advice.
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This isn't easy, I personally have to take meds (not sleeping meds but a certain type of anti-d called Mirtazapine) just to get to sleep and I can NEVER sleep early, even if I only had 1 hours sleep night before.

Aside from the obvious meds/therapy, I would argue that exercise is the most important thing you can do physically and talking with other sufferers mentally.
 
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