First Step

[ToadFace00]

This is my first step. The beginning of healing; for which I hope I will have the courage to continue. I've never been formally diagnosed with anxiety but Ive been paralyized by it since my early teen years. I've missed out on many things in my life for fear of being judged and humiliated, always believing I'm just not good enough to be accepted. I've never been able to seek help, convincing myself this a weakness which is my fault and if I was a stronger person I could just "get over it." However, it never happens. The fear, the terror.. always returns. But now, a bit of strength has emerged in me after witnessing my daughter hiding when the door bell rang. Hiding just like ive always done. Afraid to answer the door for anyone. Afraid to let anyone see my unacceptable self. My daughters need me to show them how to be strong. This my first step on that path.

[Hidden]

Well done for taking the first step in posting on here, that takes courage. Now take it to the next stage and go and see your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Meds and counselling should be able to help.

You have no need to be ashamed or feel weak as anxiety can affect anyone. You doctor will have heard it all before a thousand times.

If you were diabetic for example would you not seek treatment? Of course you would. It's not your fault, you didn't ask for it did you? Same as with any other illness. Seek help.

[ToadFace00 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you. I really appreciate the response.

[Meeasy]

Here are some tools to consider . These are suggestions that work for me Your results may vary

- excercise releases your brains natural anti anxiety/ depessant chemicals. Rigorous enough to get to heavy breathing and blood flow. It can be as simple as jogging in place or climbing stairs

- diet changes. Caffeine and sugar work against you

- meditation , I use podcasts and YouTube videos to find guided meditations, self hypnosis and inspirational self affirmation. Use the search bar. Get a podcast app

- stay connected, don't isolate. Find Meetup groups, forums, recovery , church, etc to express your feeling and get feedback

-Volunteer or support or encourage others is a good practice. doing things for others gets you out of ruminating about yourself.

- attitude of gratitude. As hard as it is, it could always be worse. I make gratitude list to remind myself of my blessings.

- write it down. Keep a journal, dig deep. Write letters to yourself, to god, your resentments, your fears, your inner child etc. be your own therapist. It's cheap

Avoid news, politics, and advertisements They all use fear to control your emotions

Avoid social media. Don't fall into the trap of comparing your insides with other people's outsides

Try Q96 brain supplements. Google it. I have not gotten dramatic results but I know people who have

With or without medication these tips have no negative side effects Good luck

[ToadFace00 in reply to Meeasy]

Thank you soo much for this. I truly appreciate it.