First time ever...

[pinkflamingo01]

This is my first time ever trying an online support group. I am hopeful that I can find people who relate to what I have been through with my anxiety and panic disorder. Over the course of the past couple of months, I dropped out of school because I just couldn't live like this. I am stuck!

[Sillysausage234]

welcome aboard 🌞

[Hidden]

You will find, as I did after becoming a member 7 days ago, that you have found a safe place filled with genuine, caring people who absolutely understand whatever you are going through.

They will offer advice when they can and offer support when you need it.

Welcome!

[teemo1]

Yes, you will find plenty of others, including me, dealing with anxiety and panic and all that goes with it.

I have found these posts to be quite helpful:

healthunlocked.com/user/beevee

[PrimoB]

Welcome and you’ve found a good place. There are a lot of people here to help with your problems and to just listen when you need it!

[Agora1]

Hi pinkflamingo01. Welcome to this amazing support group. You've picked a good one for your first time. x I am so sorry you had to drop out of school because of these issues. We all have been "stuck" at one time or another with anxiety issues. It becomes so overwhelming that it makes us freeze in our tracks unable to move forward. It won't always be that way. As you read of other's experiences on this site, you will see yourself in many of them. You will learn how they overcame their fears and symptoms. In time you will also.

I've had anxiety for many years that also went into Agoraphobia. I've been on meds, had therapy and tried different modalities in getting unstuck. It wasn't until I overcame the fear that comes with anxiety, did I find the "key" to success. The methods I use most are

meditation and deep breathing which made me overcome my agoraphobia. We each need to find what works best for us. We learn this through each other. It takes some work on our part in getting unstuck, but so worth the reward.

I'm glad you're here with us. Time to take a stance, claim back what's yours, get back your life, get back in control and walk the walk with us. Stay Positive flamingo, it will happen for you xx

[Tmarchand1977]

Welcome! I’m new also and I’ve found that there are many caring folks on here. They (we) know what you’re going through and try to advise and help how we can. We all suffer and can help each other.

[AZ1970]

Hang in there. It can get better. Chances are there are several years that lead up to where you are now. Recovery takes time. Reaching out is a very positive step.

[viiexplorer]

Learning the importance of being around a support group, so its nice to hear that your here. Do chime in anytime!

[goofyrose]

Hi! This is my first time too! Exactly a year ago I dropped out of school. I was trying to take control of my anxiety and depression. I was testing out different medications and I left college because my grades were suffering. I couldn’t deal with it all while i was figuring out how I could treat my mental illnesses. It was really hard for me, I felt like a failure and some days I still do. It’s a process about figuring out what is best for you and I hope we can both receive answers and clarity through this group!! Good luck and know I’m hear to talk.

[Shutterbug65]

I know the feeling. You have come to the right place. There are so many kind, non judgmental people here who are going through the same thing. Hang in there and good luck.

[coffeelover1]

I am so sorry you are experiencing this anxiety. It is crushing, I understand. I am almost 40 & the anxiety that began for me was also while I was in college - it got so bad I moved back home & transferred schools. Since then, I have gotten married & have 2 beautiful children. However, the depression/anxiety has been a hard battle to fight.

I often explain it like ocean waves - sometimes the waters are calm, other times it feels like the waves of anxiety are slamming me down like crushing waves - leading to feelings of hopelessness/depression. This is when you truly need to seek help. Personally, I am on medication, have openly talked about these issues, exercise almost daily, and most of all have a strong faith - which I believe is what strengthens me the most. It really does help to surround yourself with uplifting people, whether it is trusted family/friends, a program like Celebrate Recovery that focuses on helping support others with a wide range of issues, a church family, or even this group is a great starting point.

My particular issues are around the thoughts that pop up in my mind - often they may be fearful-ugly-intrusive unwanted thoughts. My recent therapist addresses it as depressive episodes, however I think it may be that coupled with OCD with intrusive thoughts. Either way, it can be crippling. I understand how and why you felt like it was too much to handle school. I do hope you can find comfort in knowing you aren't alone, we all struggle with something, and it is very brave that you are reaching out for help. Continue the good fight!