Hi! i'm Saia. I just signed up for this because I think that it would be really good to be apart of a community that understands what I am going through. . A little bit about my journey: I was diagnosed with anxiety when I was 12 years old, and ever since then it has just been getting worse and worse. I have been getting better at coping with my panic attacks, but right when I become confident in coping with them, they become more terrifying. This is the same thing with my stomach aches. They just start becoming more and more unbearable to the point that I can't tell if its my anxiety or a medical thing.
Other than that, I feel like I am a burden in everyone's lives. Whenever I get a panic attack when i'm out with friends, I feel like I just ruined their entire night. This is why I hate going out (other than the panic attacks themselves). I'm getting so exhausted at this point, I really just want to stop trying . No matter how hard I try, it always comes back stronger. I really don't know what to do, and if I am being honest... I'm scared. My medication doesn't feel like its helping anymore, but I'm too scared to try another medication ( am really paranoid that a knew medication could hurt me). Also, I have a really big issue with food. My therapist says that I associate certain foods with stomach pains and panic attacks. Because of this, its really hard for me to eat in public because I am always scared that if I eat the food, I will get sick from it somehow. Um so yeah. I guess thats it. Thanks for listening!!
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flawlesssage
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Welcome. I also just joined and the love and support I am receiving helps. I would also would like to extend my love as well. I also have enxiety but I'm learning ways to deal with it.
The support really is wonderful. It’s one thing to get support from people who have never been through anxiety, but it’s a completely different experience when you’re receiving it from people who know what you’re going through. I only joined yesterday and already feel so welcomed and safe. Thank you!!
Do you know what I hate? When you tell someone something sad and they keep saying, "I know what you are talking about, I understand and it is going to be alright". At that very moment I want to give the person a slap of the year because they don't even know what I am talking about. I know they say such things to make you feel good trying to help and then they go on giving you fantasy advices. I hate that like a lot. Here however we all know what depression is like and we also have found ways to deal with and I am practicing some of the techniques I am getting from people here combining them with mine I already found to be effective. I was referred by someone who is also in this site even though they refused to give me their HU name but I am fine with that, I won't give them my HU name as well. Much thank
Saia, you have had anxiety for so long the original cause may be forgotten and the fear of anxiety attacks is what continues to keep your nervous system in an over sensitised state.
When your symptoms come, such as panic attacks and stomach upsets, you feel a flash of first fear, that's normal and can't be helped, but you are adding second fear whenever this happens.
Your anxiety feeds on fear which you supply in large amounts in a vicious circle of fear causing symptoms causing more fear causing more symptoms and so on without end.
Recovery depends on you breaking this vicious circle by overcoming your fear of the symptoms, even your fear of stomach upset when eating in public.
But how can you control your fear of these symptoms? I hear you ask. You must frame your mind to accept all the symptoms which have hijacked your life and well being. Yes, you must accept them for the time being: stop fighting them as fighting only causes more tension and stress which are the last thing your frayed nerves need.
So accept the symptoms for the moment and lead a normal life regardless: even dine out with friends and accept the queasy feeling when you feel it.
When you replace fear with Acceptance you have taken your first steps that in time will lead to your recovery and regaining your quiet mind.
Actually it's the other way round: I write about exactly what Claire Weekes describes😊. As you've realised, gaining the knowledge from the books is one thing, respite and recovery only come with time.
Jeff thank you so much for your response! I have tried this technique and it really does help! But I definitely need more practice. When the pandemic started, I was a master, but now I am back at square one. I need to keep practicing acceptance. Thank you!! Being reminded of this really helped.😀❤️❤️
Do you have Claire Weekes' first book in which she spells out Acceptance in simple terms: 'Self help for your nerves' also published as 'Hope and help for your nerves'?
You can pick up a copy new or used on Amazon or Ebay at little cost or an e-book. The same book is published under the title 'Hope and help for your nerves'.
My best friend has anxiety, and her having a panic attack would never ruin my day. I WANT to help her. I care about her. Real friends will never make you feel bad for having an anxiety attack.
Hi there, I honestly don't think you will ruin anyone's day if you have a panic attack. Be kind to yourself. Relax and breathe I had panic attacks in a spiritual centre, twice! The people there tended to me with much care. I also had a panic attack in my room once and rang someone for help. Another time it happened in front of a stranger and he gave me a paper bag. Another time a stranger helped call my friend to come get me as I was squatting next to a bus stop when the attack happened. Of course, some people would run away as they don't know how to handle it but there are still some who want to be around you. Most importantly, these attacks may not come back after you get proper treatment or therapies. I haven't had a panic attack in over 3 years, and I am very thankful.
But if you don't have panic attacks you can't practice Accepting them which is how to fully free yourself from panic attacks according to Doctor Weekes.
Hi I am new here as well and struggle with anxiety too. I have had it for 8 years now. I don't get stomach pains but I do get severe shortness of breath. That has made me afraid to go outside too. I am less independent that I used to be and that is a scary thing but I am working at getting better each day. I know what you mean when you feel like you have ruined others time. I feel that way all the time when I have a panic attach with friends. I have had panic attacks at the movies or just at a friends house and I always feel bad about it. The important thing to try and remember though is that if they really do care for you it won't be a big deal to them. They will understand that the panic is not you and still be there for you.
I recommend mindfulness for helping with the anxiety symptoms. It's really useful in understanding your thought process that leads to the anxiety. Most people think you only get anxiety about one thing and that is not the case. The trigger can be anything. Anxiety at it's core is an over reaction of the fear response and so working to understand that we can then help control why we are anxious.
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I had panic attacks in a spiritual centre, twice! The people there tended to me with much care. I also had a panic attack in my room once and rang someone for help. Another time it happened in front of a stranger and he gave me a paper bag. Another time a stranger helped call my friend to come get me as I was squatting next to a bus stop when the attack happened. Of course, some people would run away as they don't know how to handle it but there are still some who want to be around you. Most importantly, these attacks may not come back after you get proper treatment or therapies. I haven't had a panic attack in over 3 years, and I am very thankful. 
I'm new here, just joined
Hi everyone; I'm new here...
Hi everyone! I'm new here.
I'm new here and this is my story.
I'm new here and have health anxiety 
