Anxiety

I could've sworn I already posted this, but aparently not? Basically I think I'm ever increasingly getting some form of anxiety - though don't know if I have or what to do about it etc.

Yes, I've looked around the internet - wikipedia, bbc, nhs, bupa etc - and at other TSR threads where others have asked, but am begining to think maybe it's something you need a personal response from - like no matter how much I know about it and try to ratinoalise it away it doesn't. What's more, I read that it can develop paradoxically into being anxious about anxiety, and as a result think I might have been guilable and cnotracted that!

So what am I feeling? Continually atm: fast heart beat, feeling nauseus, out of breath, tired, general uneasiness, quick to panic.. I think that's about it. When I have it in propper it's more like a complete dehabilitation - I can't think but worry about whatever (sure I'm a worrying kinda person but never thought anything of it, my heart skips a beat if my bus is on diversion and I didn't know about it!) and it's agonising to be unable to think logically; then I also hyperventalate, feel petrified and even went so far as to break down and uncontrollably sob the other day >yeah I'm a guy, don't remove my anonymity!<

Is it stopping me live my life? Well lucky for me my jobs easy and I can do it even when feeling petrified, but writing a personal statement was trying and if I get an interview..

Where did it come from? Oh always. Always thought I was just nervous, though when it stopped me from revising completely during my A2 exams and I could do nothing but sit and take deep breaths I thought it might be a ilttle more.

Any idea where it comes from? I've just always been self-conscious, others say I'm just self-depreciating and find it annoying >probably think it's compliment fishing, but I honestly think these things<. Not got any confidence nope, tried pushing myself into situations, helped a little but makes me panic. I get nervous answering the bloody phone, it's rediculous! That or I over think about things, thinking into circles then getting paranoid..

This isn't like being depressed, but can lead to it.

Am willing to hear anything anyone might be able to say to me, thanks! :smile:

Reply 1

99p And A Flake

It sounds like you've realised that you might need help with this; why not go see your GP or college nurse or someone? Better to get in there sooner rather than later with this kind of thing I'd say - sometimes these things get worse and worse with time. Good luck :smile:

Reply 2

Melancholy

Yes, your GP can advise you - they're there to help. :smile:

Reply 3

Cthulhufiend

Yeah, sounds like you have anxiety - pretty much everyone with an anxiety disorders gets anxious about feeling anxious. It's basically an annoying spiral which keeps the anxiety going.

Sorry, I'm tired and horribly inarticulate, but I know how scary it can be but loads of people have it and it's not difficult to learn to control (though it can take some time). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can help you recognise and correct irrational thought patterns. I would definitely recommend seeing a doctor - it'll reassure you more than anything.

Just remember you're not going insane and you're not going to have a heart attack (heart palpitations can be sketchy if you've never had them before but it is just anxiety).

A good technique to distract yourself when you're feeling anxious is to choose a 3 digit number and count backwards in sevens. Sounds silly, but it works.
Also, a technique my therapist taught me is to:
1. Write down the thought that's bothering you the most
2. What percentage out of 100 do you believe the thought to be true?
3. Write down all the evidence that suggests it is true and everything that suggests it is false
4. If your friend thought the same thing would you think they were being irrational?
5. How likely is it to be true?

Hope that helps!

Reply 4

danni_bella

It's good that you (OP) have pin pointed your problem, now you're defo on your way to a much more relaxed lifestyle :smile:

Just thought I might add though that a lot of people suffer from anxiety (including myself sometimes) so you're certainly not alone. Best of luck with everything x