Anxiety does not define me... or you!

[Snicki123]

Hey everyone,

I'm new to this site and I feel a little more at ease after reading some people's posts, knowing that I'm not alone in my feelings... I guess my first post will be a long one describing me and what I've experienced. If anyone takes the time to read it, I appreciate you. Otherwise, it's more of a therapeutic thing I suppose!

I've always had some anxiety and obsessive thoughts for as long as I can remember; Mainly about my personal health and the health of my loved ones. Over the last 3 years it has gotten progressively worse to the point where I started experiencing panic attacks. Man, let me tell you, I wouldn't wish those on my worst enemy.

I was in a physically and mentally abusive relationship for 3 years that I recently was able to finally break the cycle of abuse and narcissistic behavior, 7 months ago. Being in that relationship excelled my anxiety and obsessive thoughts and I believe, caused the development of my panic attacks. It was during that relationship, when I had my first panic attack and ended up in the hospital because I thought I was having a heart attack and I'm in my 20's! (later I found out that, that is a common feeling during panic attacks). It's gotten better since I've been working on noticing my triggers and warning signs but there's still a lot of work to do on coping with my anxiety and overthinking.

Anyways, if you made it this far give yourself a pat on the back and I thank you. I hope this post helps others realize that they are not alone! And that you are NOT crazy. We are like everyone else, we just have to work a little harder than others sometimes and that's OKAY!

[Anxiousmermaid57]

Thank you for this. I too struggle with anxiety on a pretty daily basis. It’s very hard. Today is a day where I just feel blah and and wish my anxiety wasn’t here. I had a good weekend and today anxiety is there and it’s frustrating. I love the good days but detest the bad ones. All of this uncertainty in the world definitely doesn’t help matters.

[Beevee in reply to Anxiousmermaid57]

If you learn to accept the bad days, in the same way you accept the good days, those bad days will fizzle out. In other words, when you are having a good day, you probably don’t dwell upon the reasons why it is such a good day or try and do anything to change that feeling. It’s just there and will change all by itself. The exact same attitude should also apply to those bad days. Accept it and don’t try to change it for the better. It is the trying part that keeps making all those days.