New around here... Just looking for some understanding

[BerthaMason]

Hey there! I was feeling very lonely and misunderstood and looked up "anxiety support group" on twitter to see if there was anything online... And ended up here.

I am a uni student (doing an extremely demanding academic research masters program) and I've been struggling with anxiety and depression in different degrees for the past 9 years. My parents are really supportive but I feel really guilty when I go for them to complain about anxiety symptoms, negative thoughts, etc. because I feel like I should be stronger and able to just get past them because they're "just in my head" (and therefore, not real...).

I don't know, mental health issues are not very well understood in my country and generally, I feel like I cannot share this part of my life because of the high achieving environment I work on...

Lately I've been going through a really tough patch despite therapy and meds and I am just looking for people who get it, I guess.

[Hidden]

I also was looking for an anxiety/depression support group and found this site a few weeks ago.

I am in the US so I may not have relative info to where you are.

But I can tell you that I have found hope, support, friends, and love here in this online community.

The members understand exactly what your going through. Someone here has walked your path.

I am older...but live with anxiety (stress)/depression and have a supportive family. I know they may not understand...it is not easy if you haven't dealt with it...but they do care and will always listen.

And if not, we will.

You are not alone. Welcome.

I wish you hope, peace, and understanding.

[wellnessplease]

You’re not alone. Don’t you have free healthcare while in school? Do they offer any programs or therapy? Take advantage of what they may offer while you are there. I think it is harder to manage if you bottle up. I do understand wanting to hide it. I feel like it gets more magnified if you don’t have supportive people you can talk to. But choose healthy people.

Being “strong” isn’t the same thing as learning techniques and treatment that help you keep your anxiety at bay. And although external things may not match your internal experience in a moment of anxiety, it is certainly real to you and that is ok. You are strong. Sometimes we all need help.

[dragonsnowball]

Having anxiety is not your fault, it is a disease and not something you can just "get over" like some people who don't suffer from it mistakenly believe. One thing I've learned is that fighting it just makes it worse. People with anxiety tend to feel guilt and shame for feeling this way. You're basically feeling bad about feeling bad and this becomes a vicious cycle. So not feeling bad about your anxiety is the first place to start. It is not your fault. You are not alone.

[tlf777]

Welcome! You are NOT alone! Hats off to you for working towards completing your Masters! I'm glad you are also able to talk with your parents...doing therapy....and taking meds.

Do you exercise? I have found that walking and podcasts (and audio books) have really helped with my anxiety/depression. No...it isn't an instant cure...as there is none. Would you like recommendations?

You are loved and seen.