“Think Positively” makes me angry

So much anxiety. I suffered panic attacks as a teen that were triggered by smoking weed. It was more like it open the flood gates to what had welled up after so many years prior. Anyways, what helped me was doing sports. Volleyball, basketball, track, and then becoming a flag girl. So, basically exercising is what really helped me in the long run. Get ur body moving every time u feel that anxiety. Jumping jacks, running in place, arm circles. It’s all the adrenaline that needs to be used up.

Another thing, write what u feel at that exact moment, even if it seems like gibberish.

Spend time in nature.

I had horrible anxiety when I was going to school for my BS in math. I drank and it was probably was the worst/best thing I did. I literally forgot what anxiety attacks were, but I got so much regret and sadness in the long run. Don’t self-medicate.

I will be praying for you. I hope u consider some of these things, if not something else someone else might say. U are not alone. Always remember that. 🙏❤️💕

Hello StarryNight72, first I would like to congratulate you for graduating, just my opinion I would have stayed where my family and friends where, moving is hard to start with and your health that's even more difficult. I know when you're told positive words its easier said than done but I thank them anyway, they're showing they care, only God knows what is going to happen. All I can tell you is pray and don't be disappointed if your prayers aren't answered right away it's God will not ours, my heart ache for you and to a lot of others here, I know how it feels I been sick for as almost a year now and haven't worked for a year......just waiting to get better....

I HOPE

Hello StarryNight, so sorry to hear about the difficult time you are having with anxiety. I can 100% identify with you having suffered anxiety and panic attacks all my life (and I still do). Like you, my job was in the emergency services (police), working in a very macho environment, most of the time as a supervisor....hmmm.... I wonder how I survived all that machismo!! Well, one of the turning points for me was just being told by a consultant that I am an anxious person, that's just the way I am wired, and I can't change that. What I can do, is learn how to manage that. For me, beta blockers have helped but also, maybe, lots of small adjustments also help: better diet, exercise, social activities and so on. Just keep putting one foot in front of another and keep moving forward. But, and I think this is the key, it's the realisation that actually all my fears and anxiety are totally groundless. I worry about everything but am so totally useless at it because whatever I worry about never happens ! Funny thing, for years I chaired interview panels, advised others on job difficulties, coached, mentored and supported others on how to succeed, but, all the time I was struggling and had very low self-esteem. I guess, what I'm trying to say, but in a very confused way (sorry !) is that you just need someone to reassure you that everything will be ok. Now, if I was your manager I would do that, I would guarantee you that everything will be ok, and I hope your new manager will do that. Please ask for help and understanding. Sorry, I haven't expressed myself very clearly here. I've rambled on a bit - but I do 100% get it (well, 110% actually). Please be kind and compassionate to yourself - we all need to give ourselves a break. Take care,

Thank you and please keep sharing.....it's reassuring to me that other people see the world in the same way, although, of course, I wish we were all anxiety-free. The internet has lots of negatives but forums like this, where like-minded people can help each other, is a definite benefit. Self-reflection is good, but please reflect on all the positive things you did well (i.e. the 99.9%). Take care, and, if you work in neurology, I could do with some advice on how I can form some new neural pathways as I feel I'm running a bit low !!!

My anxiety started small with mostly math class or tests but a few years back it got REALLY bad, I had moved away to go to college 6 hours from my family and friends and lived with two toxic people, one being an narcissistic, abusive ex. So I started smoking pot, which for a while sure it helped but that's when my anxiety skyrocketed. I had no clue how the hell to talk myself done or even begin to feel calm, most days I thought I was dying. My attacks would last 2 HOURS, it would take me forever to come down. So I quit smoking pot and cigarettes and started looking at tips and tricks to try to help my anxiety. Last April-may, I stopped leaving the house, my depression made it worse cuz I wanted to go out but every time I did I panicked. I had given up hope and accepted maybe that's just my life. A year later, I dumped my ex and am now dating someone SO much better, my family helps however they can and I know some of my triggers and for the most part know what to do when something happens. In the beginning, the whole positive thing is BS, I thought the same way, but later on it does help. The main thing I'll say to you is that exposing yourself does help, try walking to the end of your driveway then go back in and push a little further everyday. Self care is also SO important, a little goes a long way. Music also is a great outlet, Weightless by Marconi Union was actually made for anxiety and helps reduce it by 60% (don't listen to it while driving, may make you drowsy). I understand where you're coming from, and you're in the right place to vent and speak your mind. We're here to help where we can ☺️Sorry this was so long, didn't. Ran for it to turn into a novel aha 😅

Hi there, you are definitely not alone. I couldn’t live in a new city without my support system. Can you move back? I know you said you have a new job, but without support nearby this may not be the best situation for you. Are you on any medication to help? Is there a church group or some place of faith near you that you are connected with?

Hi Lynn,

Thank you so much for helping me think of creative solutions. I’m such a hot mess. I kind of think of myself in two different sides. The anxiety side is constantly telling me not to do stuff and that something terrible will happen if I do. It can be anything. I can’t get out of bed today because if I do something bad will happen (ie: a car accident, I’ll catch a disease, I’ll get stuck in the elevator). Or I can’t go to college because I’m not smart enough or there are too many germs. Or I can’t go to that grocery store because the lines are long and I might pass out if I stand up too long. Or I can’t move to that city because then I’ll be alone and end up homeless when I fail at life away from everyone who could help me. I mean what if I have a heart attack? Who would call 911? What if I get in a car wreck? How would I get a new car? Etc, etc, etc. Then there’s the other rational, non-anxiety, side of me. That side says: Do you really want to spend your whole life hiding from things that “might” happen?? Do you want to be on your deathbed someday and regret never pursuing amazing opportunities to live in exciting cities and meeting wonderful interesting people? Do you really want to spend your life never making your dreams come true because anxiety tells you it isn’t safe? Or do you want to live? Do you want to decide you want to spend a month in Europe and work hard to make that happen and then go do it? Or do you want to hate yourself for not having the courage to get on a plane or to explore a forgein country alone? The answer is always for me that I want to live. I want to push myself to do things because the alternative (for me) is doing nothing. And I want to live. I want those experiences. I want to carve out my path and squeeze every drop of passion out of every moment I’m given here. It’s just that I forget how hard and scary it is to actually do it. You know?