How to control my GAD?

[Allyson201]

I had a concussion and ever since then my anxiety has gotten worse and I don't know how to stop it. I am a college student with GAD. I can barley sit through classes because I feel trapped. I am also afraid to drive because I fear losing control. The physical symptoms seem to be getting worse. Sometimes I feel like the world around me isn't real and when I get really anxious I get dizzy. The only times I feel okay is when I am VERY distracted which doesn't happen too often. I am starting to fear things that I used to do without thinking twice and I'm scared that this will never go away. My family doesn't take me seriously. Just want to know that I am not alone.

[vwatson]

Hello,

Have you spoken to anyone about your generalized anxiety disorder and if so are you on medications?

I can understand the fear of being in large crowds of people as I suffer from it too. Is there anyone you are close with who somewhat helps reduce your fear and anxiety to an acceptable level to be able to attend classes? Driving I would speak with your doctor about, as if you're scared you want to be your safest in doing so.

I hope you find something self-care wise to aid you. I do a lot of yoga and take naps if I am feeling to down

[Allyson201 in reply to vwatson]

I have been seeing a psychologist but have only been going for three weeks so far. It's good to have someone to talk to.

I don't take medications because I'm scared that they'll do more bad than good (I get anxious about everything).

The only person who I can truly talk about my anxiety to is my therapist. I've been scared to tell anyone else because I don't know how they'll respond.

Yoga seems like a good idea, maybe I should start doing that

[BonnieSue]

OK. You are NOT alone. The not feeling real is a passing thing and something you don't have to worry about. It goes nowhere, will not take over and leads to nothing. Just let it be and it will gradually leave you alone. Distraction will always be useful in reducing anxiety. The more distracted you are, the less you feel anxious. yes, you'll feel anxious about driving because you might get anxious. You also might NOT get anxious. So what? If you get too anxious to drive you pull over until it passes. So start early. Early enough to take the fear out of driving and being late. You can always out-think anxiety so you can learn to live with it and mostly out-think it.

[Allyson201 in reply to BonnieSue]

Thank you so much. All I want is for this to pass and to be able to control my anxiety.