Oh anxiety

[Goodhumorme]

Hello,

New to the group. I have been struggling with anxiety and depression for most of my life although it varies it degree. In the last several years I have made some personal and professional advancements that have raised my confidence and level of enjoyment greatly. In the last several months I have been having consistent panic attacks, almost daily. Part of the reason I'm here is just to be open about the experience. Except when I'm around close friends I never let on that I have mental health issues. I have a great upbeat group of roommates and I haven't told any of them about these challenges. I think I'm hiding it well but I'm not sure maybe they know more than I think. I feel sometimes like I'm living a double life.

[Sclarkstone]

Putting on a mask can be really draining. I do it myself, so I understand. Talk to them about it when you are ready. In the meantime maybe keep a diary of what you were doing at the time each panic attack comes on, that way you can work out your triggers and avoid them while you learn how to overcome them.

[Hidden]

When I tell people what I deal with and why I "shut down" they are very surprised because I have learned to hide it well. They were also very accepting and understanding so it felt good to be able to talk about it.

[Goodhumorme in reply to Hidden]

I appreciate the feedback, I like the way you phrase things as shutting down that describes how I feel at times. I'm still working up the courage to share it with others.