Anxiety

[Willow-Dawn]

Hello. I’m 22 years old and I was diagnosed with anxiety in late March. I have constant fear of aging/dying everyday and I am not myself. I do not find joy in activities anymore because I am just always worrying. I have been on medication (10mg of celexa) for a month now and I feel like it has took a little edge off but I still don’t feel normal. I did therapy for 7 weeks as well but it didn’t help much. I absolutely hate feeling like this and was wondering if anyone had any advice? I just want to feel happy again!

[gogogirl]

Well, I hope this helps-of course I do not know you- but I am decades older than you and do not have a fear of aging - I am already there!!!!! It's sounds like you are doing this to yourself- I hope you do not spend too much time on a smart phone or computor ( studies have shown this adds to depression and anxiety) and get outside. Just live.

[gogogirl]

One of the things I do not regret in life is my age- it is what it is.

[Willow-Dawn in reply to gogogirl]

Thank you for your reply! I’m trying to think positively about aging and I do not know why it scares me so much. I have been trying to get outside more and stay off my phone!

[gogogirl in reply to Willow-Dawn]

BTW- good about staying off your phone.

[gogogirl]

Why not talk to your parents or grandparents if they are still around ? Aging is part of life, and yes it has its drawbacks but positives as well. Hey, seniors can get some discounts if you're around long enough! How's that one?

[Willow-Dawn in reply to gogogirl]

I have talked to them and they just keep saying that it’s nothing to worry about and I need to stop worrying about things that I can’t control! And hahaha I like that one. thank you!

[gogogirl in reply to Willow-Dawn]

It's true- it's good that they gave you that advice. I hope you do something nice for yourself or do something that is meaningful .

[mrsherron]

I have generalized anxiety and depression. I have struggled with it since I was a teenager, and now I’m 35...my anxiety and depression has worsened over the past few years. I have the same problem worrying about aging and family and friends aging...worried about death of loved ones. It is obsessive the way it bothers me...I even called my mom the other day telling her I though she was going to die. The only thing that has helped is sticking to my therapy...specifically cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It deals with confronting my anxieties and doing exposure work. I have seen dozens of therapists, and CBT is the only thing that has helped (along with my medications). I know how exhausting it can be to have such anxious thoughts. I hope you can find some peace. I am here if you need to talk.

[Willow-Dawn in reply to mrsherron]

Thank you for your reply! How long have you been on medication? I was told I would see improvement in 6-8 weeks and I really haven’t and it’s currently week six for me.

[mrsherron in reply to Willow-Dawn]

I was originally on medications 20 years ago and never quite found the right combination until I found a wonderful psychiatrist 6 years ago who has found a good mix. The first 1-2 months trying to get used to a medication and seeing if it will work is the worst! If you feel like there is no change, tell them. Maybe a combination of a longer acting and faster acting med would be best. That is what worked for me. Started with Lexapro ( took about 6 weeks to give relief) and clonazepam (faster acting anxiety med). That really helped those early times trying to wait and see with some meds. A few others have been added, and doses are tweaked, but they have worked well. Going through a tweak in doses right now because of how depressed I am. Just be open with your doctor.

[pink83737]

Hi, you are not going to die anytime soon. You are very young so I don't see why that would happen. Try not to worry about that, distract yourself from your thoughts simply by doing things you love. Have you tried mindfulness? You should look into it. Hang in there, you are not alone x

[Willow-Dawn in reply to pink83737]

I have not tried that! I will look into that. Thanks so much

[Hidden]

You sound like a thinker. You are pondering questions that have plagued humanity for thousands of years. I can share the Christian perspective. When God created humanity we were in a state grace. Meaning we were in communion with God. God gave us one command to obey. Man was tempted and disobeyed God. Because of that death and illness entered time and humanity. Disobeying God broke mans communion with God. Gods nature is existence itself. Man was called into existence by God and is not able to will his own existence and thus without communion with God we die. I am not preaching but only sharing one perspective that I found helps me. Everyone is free to believe what their conscience tells them.

[Hidden]

Fear of death is natural, I struggle with this too but in an obsessive way. I started Lexapro the other day. Journaling my thoughts and feelings helps. I also listen to speakers talk about death and just make it less of a shock and more of a spiritual process to understand. Running away from fear only makes it worse. Death is the ultimate fear for every human. This is also why my faith has increased greatly as I ponder life and it’s meaning, my answers come in the Person Jesus Christ. You are a deep thinker for sure and if you can stay with your fear and explore it you will gain much insight and even peace, some medication won’t hurt either!

[Willow-Dawn in reply to Hidden]

Thank you!!

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I was going to mention that communion with God is restored by the sacrifice of Jesus, but was afraid it might come across as to preachy. My journey has led me to that truth. Everyone must make their own journey when it comes to making peace with death. I have found peace and contentment.

[roseofmyheart85]

Fear of death is normal but I am so sorry you are experiencing a lot of anxiety. I would talk with you parents about additional therapy or joining a support group. I will be praying for you. Take Care and God Bless!

[lalit458]

Hello

As I am suffering from GAD for past 2.5years and more, I have diagnosed that if will think of our anxiety it’s harm us.

I think u take a good rest and try to go with someone out.

I also suggest u try to eat healthy and never be empty stomach always eat little little and go out with friends and family.

I also think we got this life once if we not enjoy it it’s not worth.

[jesset]

Talking about it he's me, I just now got back in touch with old friends that I can talk about everything with and pray for me it helps a lot of been feel anxiety real vad about 3 weeks now