Saying hello! New here 🙂

[Apowersyavg]

Hi! I’m Kristen, I’m a college graduate - double major in English Lit & Creative Writing and minor in Visual Arts.

I love painting, Neil Young and J. D. Salinger. If you ever get the chance, tackle Franny and Zooey.

I suffer from undiagnosed anxiety/panic disorder/substance abuse.

I self medicated with alcohol to control my anxiety for a while - however, I realized after having to move out of my apartment from having constant panic all day every day that it was hurting me rather than helping and I knew I needed to change. I am currently on the journey of being sober and figuring out the best ways to control my anxiety, medication free.

I feel as though talking is what has helped me get through some of my toughest times. I would love to talk with people experiencing those same tough times to give hope and reassurance that what they’re going through shall pass and let them know they’re not alone.

I am still battling this journey, however with the help of others - it only makes things easier.

[PessimisticOptimist]

Are you in rehab? It would really help.

I can see you have a spark in you and now you have something to push you forward; pain. Great artists and personalities who go on living after their death have used their pain to create masterpieces and I have a feeling you might be one of those people.

Go on fighting; give it all your strength. I believe in you.

[fauxartist in reply to PessimisticOptimist]

I think, being a recovering myself, that rehab helps if your life is so unmanageable that you cannot function socially without drinking or using constantly, and or, if your unable to manage going to any kind of outside help such as recovery programs and therapy...and there are many these days to choose from....I will say that just trying sheer will power for some is not an option, they do need to have a support system in place...others in recovery they can call on when you feel yourself slipping...

[CazO46]

Hi, lovely post, thank you. Well done for having the courage to tackle your problems and hopefully we can share that journey with you X

[fauxartist]

congratulations on your sobriety...and I as are many here deal with addiction and sobriety, it's a life long maintenance just as our anxiety, depression, etc. are too. Your in good company here, a lot of kind people.

I love that you like Neil Young....I actually saw him perform when he was with Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young. His current girlfriend Daryl Hannah just made a film together with Neil and his band which has two of Willie Nelson's boys. The soundtrack goes with his new album release as well. It's eclectic.

I agree writing helps....I think it takes just a little bit of power out of our stuff and when we get positive feedback it's nice...and giving it back to others in comments on their posts as well is paying it forward, which makes you feel good giving as well as receiving. Glad your sharing...

[Dubba61 in reply to fauxartist]

Love C.S.N.n Y. Willie Nelson too. Bet that's a great Soundtrack.😊✌️🌻

[Hidden]

Set goals, keep busy, achieve, do exercise, eat healthy foods. These are the things that helped me.

Keeping my attention on things enabled me to not let my anxiety take over and now I'm free of it.

Chat anytime.