I Miss

[bonkers65]

I miss my former life

[Lucille-B]

Hi, I know the feeling. Before I had an Anxiety disorder I felt fearless. I was very confident and adventurous. I use to feel like I missed the old me for years. I'm a lot more cautious now, more introverted more afraid. I've been living with anxiety for over 10 years now and I don't miss my former self anymore. Living with anxiety has given me focus and drive. The new me is thorough, reliable and thoughtful. I have poured myself into my work and it's made me a better artist. Try to find the positive side. Your perception will alter your feelings.

The longer you life with anxiety the better you will get at managing it. As frustrating as it can be try and utilize the disorder to your advantage..... It gives you heeps of nervous energy right? So be proactive when your anxious. Move your body and it will help calm your mind down. Do something physical. Join a kickboxing class, or reorganize your home to make it feel fresh and new.

Create a new version of your life that has meaning. Slowly but surely. Just keep moving. I have a routine that keeps me motivated and sane and proactive.

Anyway, that's what works for me. I hope you can find a new version that makes you happy.

You are strong. You can do this. Everything is ok. x

[bonkers65 in reply to Lucille-B]

Hi Lucille. I've had anxiety/depression off and on most of my life and I'm 65. But it has gone into remission for years at a time and the depressions didn't last that long. But this one I'm in now is by far the longest. But I have moments when I feel better so I'm thankful for that. But I just don't enjoy things like I used too. I have things I do to cope though such as read a lot and go to a gym and work out which I enjoy. So I'm hanging in there and doing the best I can. And I know you are too.

[Hidden]

I honestly don’t remember my former life except the painful parts involving a mix of alcohol and drugs just to barely hang on. Lithium and the knowledge of my mental disorder began to help me change my life for the better. I grow through my trials in life and am eternally grateful to still be standing tall! Acceptance of your disease and what that entails is beneficial. Make the most of what you have at this moment, and you won’t be disappointed! Wishing you the best 🌺😉🌺

[bonkers65 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Gratitude. I do practice acceptance and it helps. Also count my blessings and that helps also. Wishing you the best too.

[fauxartist]

me too... I miss the money and the security, but I wouldn't trade knowing my partner now for any of it. I gave up everything and lost the rest at one point in my life due to a lot of reasons.... but it's very humbling... and hard to have any self esteem when you worked so hard to have a 'normal' life and see it all fall apart within a couple of years. But we survive, and figure out a way....

[bonkers65 in reply to fauxartist]

Yes Fauxartist life sometimes doesn't turn out like we planned. But like you said we find a way.

[Benny3221]

me too! You wake up full of energy and excitement. Now I wake up dreading the day and wishing I can just sleep forever. Talk about from riches to rags o well I can’t do much else going to have to suck it up I guess.

[fearc9]

i know! i was so optimistic back then

[Hidden]

Ditto x 100...i was once happy. Trauma changed that...