I can't control it

[jeepinhoney81]

How come I can never control anxiety?!? I'm frustrated! The only thing I've ever learned was to reach for a pill and it will all be better. I'm sick of pills I don't want to depend on them anymore. I want to be stronger than this! I want to be able to leave my house happily

[Sarah1111111]

There are alternatives. They are harder but worth it. If it's leaving the house that scares you then break that down and gradually try to challenge yourself. Like one week it could be sitting on the front step each day gradually building up the length of time, then the next week it might be walking to the gate, next week the lamppost etc etc. One thing I used to worry about is people Watching me/judging me but when you do go out notice people's reactions. Most will glance briefly then look away. The truth is everyone is far too concerned about themselves to worry about others in the street!

how long have you been anxious?

[jeepinhoney81 in reply to Sarah1111111]

20+ years and have been worse the last 7 year I can barely leave the house now

[Sarah1111111 in reply to jeepinhoney81]

Gosh that's a long time, you must find it hard not being able to get out. Have you ever had support for it? Have you kept in touch with friends or. Family?

[jeepinhoney81 in reply to Sarah1111111]

I've been to therapy and my husband and daughter try to help but I don't really leave the house or communicate much with others

[Sarah1111111 in reply to jeepinhoney81]

It's good you do have family around, and great that you have found this site too as we are always here for you to talk to.

[kelli333]

I understand completely, I have extreme anxiety along with other illnesses and it always feel like an uphill battle. I hate taking meds too but I don't have a choice, Ive tried everything else. I wish you the very best.

[jeepinhoney81 in reply to kelli333]

I'm bipolar ADHD and have ptsd on top of anxiety

[kelli333]

I'm so sorry. I know what it's like to live with multiple illnesses (4 for me). Meds don't work for me. My heart goes out to you. I wish I had a cleaning OCD so everything was clean all the time but I"m like the opposite--messy. I hope you didn't mind my joke, I know it's a very serious disease.