Anxiety

Hi guys,

I think I suffer with anxiety, particularly social anxiety. I have rejected 3 job offers before because I really cannot handle interacting with others because I feel like I will be judged or do something wrong. It's really affecting my ability to make decisions and go ahead with life and I feel so stuck I also feel like a disappointment because I can't go forward with things.
I do not really want to go GP because I feel like it won't help much... I was thinking I should maybe start running in the morning to help with the anxiety.
Are there any tips anyone has to suggest? It would really be appreciated! Pls be nice tho

Hi sorry to hear that,
GPs can help, they can refer you to specialists that could help you. You have just got to push yourself and fight against yourself and just remember when you get thoughts that are stopping you, just remember that they are just thoughts - think does this though benefit me right now an if not, mentally bin it.
Anxiety is horrible, but the only way to battle it is by dealing with the problems you have and facing things, such as a new job. Also I remember when I get anxiety moment, I think- this is isn't going to kill me, why am I scared. I believe anxiety is really a battle a with overthinking and just doing things, cause how else are you gonna get better if you never face things. start small, work up!
Hope this helps

First few things to look at/evaluate. What's your social circle like? Are your friends toxic (if you have them)? Do they bring you down? Do you spend too much time on social media comparing yourself to others? What are your family members like? Do you get on with them?

What's your diet like? Are you drinking enough water? Are you exercising moderate amounts? Are you getting daily time out in the sun? What's your sleep like? Poor? Do you have hobbies that allow you to express yourself (painting? music? writing? crocheting? etc.). Do you journal? What about gratitude journalling? What about mindfulness?

Like I could go on. But these are some things you could think about. Make changes gradually and try to stay consistent. But be kind to yourself if you fall off a bit, we are all human, we are not perfect. Self-compassion is important.

Reducing negative thoughts helps

Yes it does! I just find it hard sometimes

Believe in yourself, you can do it

Aaah yes when I look at it that way, my daily life is not the best! My friends are fine but I definitely do not have a best friend anymore... I feel like my friendship with my friends is more of a thing where we just send each other funny posts but not really talk about deep things. It is quite sad because I have NEVER talked about my feelings to them before.
I do not get along with my family too well. I don't talk to one sister and one brother because of past issues and my dad is out all day so we barely talk too. My mum does not talk to me much either. My diet is very poor.. I am underweight. No exercise at all apart from the odd walk here and there. My sleep is actually okay luckily! Nope I do not journal
But thank you so much for that end bit. I just feel like I want to finally change myself. Go gym, improve my mental strength, focus on things that matter, help the community. Its just that anxiety stops me from so much but I need to beat this !!
Hope you are doing well x

What I would start with is journalling - Calm is a good place for prompts for gratitude journalling and for self-reflection. You could maybe make a thread on here about things if you felt able to. Or do it the old fashioned way.

Work on improving your diet too, before you start adding in any additional exercise.

You can beat this, but like I said before - be kind to yourself. It's not going to be easy, and if you feel you can't manage, then speak to your GP. I know it's scary, but it can be really helpful.

You're more than welcome to send me a message if you need to talk. Take care.

I feel the same way. I have rejected jobs offers too - I can’t handle assessment centres!

I have crippling anxiety & social anxiety since a long time. Eg. even walking in the street makes me feel self conscious- I think people are staring at me in the cars, traffic jams are the worst.

Parents and family don’t help either. I don’t have any close friends as I hate sharing my problems with them - I end up pushing away everyone that becomes a close friend.

As for family- they are quite toxic, I hate living with them. I can’t wait to get married some day and move out & live with my husband who would love me and give me the affection that I haven’t had and accept me as I am with my insecurities.

Sorry I needed to vent... OP I’m a similar position . It’s a never ending cycle of hopelessness.

I am the exact same! There was a time I used to hate walking to sixth form so bad (and it was only 7 minutes away) because everyone else would be walking in the opposite direction to me and I felt like I was just being stared at. I hated walking past the bus stop too because I knew it would be super busy.
I hope things get better for you! We need to both beat this - it is definitely possible <3 Take care x