Life

[Andy-Peace]

Hi, I just wanted to share. It’s my first time, and am new to this app. I struggle w anxiety, and a few other disorders. For about the last year I have turned into a hermit. I don’t want to leave the house. People give me anxiety, and I go into panic mode if I have to leave for groceries, or any task. I even get anxiety in my home thinking and over analyzing as well. I am an recovering addict and alcoholic!! I’ve been sober for 7 years, and that’s probably the best thing I’ve ever done. Even though I struggle I thank God for my life. I’m tearful a lot of the time as well. Back to being sober. I need AA meetings. I use to go all the time, and they help me as a support group, kinda like this I hope. I will get soooo anxious when I am getting ready to go to the meeting. It gets worse as the time gets sooner. I don’t think I look a certain way, or will not b able to communicate correctly bc of my anxiety. And it scares me. I think people are talking about me or are judging me. I pray to God, and if it weren’t for my faith, I just don’t think I would’ve had the strength to deal w all of my problems. Thank u for listening to where I am in life rite now.

[Hidden]

The fear of people watching me/criticizing me used to be huge. I actually deal with it now by looking around me and people watching instead of trying to be invisible when I'm out. I found it waaay surprising how few people (who I thought were) actually look at you or know you exist. Its still hard sometimes and I just want to be able to be invisible when I run my errands or go to stores without people there.

[Andy-Peace in reply to Hidden]

Ty

[Hidden]

Congratulations on your sobriety. That’s amazing. I too find it hard to leave the house. I just have no motivation. Not even for my doctors appointments. It’s getting easier. Some days I find myself friendly and going out of my way to greet others , some days I keep my eyes glued to the floor so I can avoid all communication. I hope it gets easier for you so you can continue to go to your meetings. Again, amazing on your recovery and sobriety.

[Marshall64 in reply to Hidden]

I'm the same way in regards to looking at the floor to avoid making eye contact; especially at work, around managers and early in the morning (not a morning person).

[Andy-Peace in reply to Marshall64]

Ty

[Andy-Peace in reply to Hidden]

Ty

[Marshall64]

I go to depression support groups and they go around the room and people share like at an AA meeting. I get really nervous and my own voice sounds strange to me. I have a hard time making eye contact when I talk. I have never been good at public speaking. It is a common fear for people.

[Andy-Peace in reply to Marshall64]

In the meetings I can’t speak. My mind is racing and I feel like I can’t focus my eyes on any thing bc I am so anxious and am fearful

[Hidden in reply to Andy-Peace]

I hope your anxiety eases. But I am glad you are able to go to the meetings. Keep it up

[Hidden in reply to Marshall64]

Very true. Most people fear public speaking. I will be joining Alnon and I wonder how I will do. Sometimes I get nervous and my words get twisted lol. I guess I am going to try to be positive and just laugh at myself 🥴

[Andy-Peace in reply to Hidden]

I hope u do well!!

[Andy-Peace in reply to Andy-Peace]

I haven’t been to a meeting in like 3 months. It’s really affecting me and am worried bc my sobriety is soooo important to me

[Calm_mama]

Hi Andy-Peace,

I'm so sorry things have gotten difficult. I love AA. I am not in recovery but I have gone to open meetings with my mom for years (she's got 35 years go mom!!) What you are experiencing is so very common. Anxiety has a way of bringing things to this point. The good news is that anxiety is something people can overcome and recover from. I have my favorite anxiety recovery resources on my profile. Dr, Claire Weekes, in particular, is a lifesaver in my opinion. Feel free to check them out. There are fabulous people here who will support you and be here whenever you need to talk

*One day at a time*

[Andy-Peace in reply to Calm_mama]

Oh that is soooo wonderful about ur mom and also that u love AA. That makes my heart happy☺️. Thank u Calm_mama. I will get that book. Thank u. It’s comforting to kno there are others that deal w this. Ty.

*God grant me serenity*

[art62grammie]

I am sure people are not talking about you. That is your mind playing tricks on you. I felt that way for a long time too. The first year of treatment which was six years ago. I dreaded therapy and speaking. I now can say I am so glad I chose to go. I would get anxious as what to say or anything. I made myself do it and kept my appointments. If I had not. I would have died from my forty years of Anorexia. The best choice was to get my fanny out in that car and go. I love life now. The first time in 56 years. I AM FREE. MY RECENT RECOVERY FROM FORTY YEARS OF ANOREXIA IS SO WONDERFUL. I am proud of you for being sober for this amount of time. IT SHOWS THAT YOU ARE A TRUE SOLDIER. BE KIND TO YOU.

[Andy-Peace in reply to art62grammie]

I’m very happy to hear ur winning!! Ty art62grammie. Ur rite, we are true soldiers, and SURVIVORS!! I kno to try again. I just feel apprehensive. It’s hard to get past the fear. Ty I needed to hear that

[art62grammie in reply to Andy-Peace]

Anytime, we are here to help one another by sharing our situation. I wish you the best. Chat anytime. I am a talker. I do believe the saying. If in fear of something do it in fear. What have we got to lose? I have done this in fear time after time. It no longer is a fear.

[Celtic27]

Hi there Andy I to have depression I found this group about 5 yrs ago! Congratulations on your being clean for 7 years bet that was hard! Regarding thinking that people are talking about try shutting them out with something positive! You sound like a interesting person I'm sure if your get out and about you will find out there's more to life than the four walls your within the now! Are you seriously thinking of going to AA you seem to be doing well on your own or is it the company and advice you want! I wish you all the luck keep in touch be nice to see how you are getting on David

[Andy-Peace in reply to Celtic27]

Hey David. Ty ☺️Becoming sober was very difficult, but, has gotten better over time. I use to go to AA. I feel like I need it for my soul. It’s the fellowship and need of for me. It helps keep me sober hearing newcomer’s stories or even the old timers(if I were able to concentrate). It’s reinforcement!! I just haven’t been in months bc of my fearfulness and it’s getting to me. Ty for the congratulations ☺️ and advice