Help and Support

[Char-29]

I've been struggling with anxiety for a very long time now. It's getting to a point that I'm really struggling to hide it. I keep things like this to myself but I'm pretty sure some people around me have an idea. I really need help and support because I don't know how to deal with this. I made a list of things I need to work on:

- Be confident

- Stop doubting yourself

- Stop overthinking

- Memory loss (struggling to remember things)

- Concentration

I recently got promoted in my job, which is brilliant but my brain cannot help itself to say "you are not good enough" "you are not capable of doing this job" comparing myself to other colleagues, thinking they could do better than me. I've been put in situations recently that have made my anxiety go through the roof! I've had to go to training days where the trainer randomly picks you to speak up and answer a question. I remember this from school and hated it! I can't think quickly and it makes me feel stupid. I get fidgety, hot sweats, can't breath, and all I want to do is run away and cry. I feel so different to everyone else and I really don't want to feel like this anymore.

Thank you for taking your time out to read this. I'd appreciate any advice given x

[Mikam1967]

Hi there. My heart totally understands you. I think the memory loss for me is the worst because I lose my confidence from it. Mine has gotten worse and gotten to the point that I don't want to leave my home. I see a psychologist and a psychiatrist who have been helping me almost 10years. Maybe you can get advice from your doctor? Even talking to a counselor may be good to talk too. Having good friends or a close family member are good to talk to, too. I talk to my baby sister a lot when i start freaking out. Journaling and prayers help me a lot. They both help me to release the negative thoughts. Journaling helps me to keep track of the day in case I forget to share anything important with my doctors. I hope I helped somehow. Just know you're not alone, okay? I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Sending hope, hugs, and encouragement.

[Rituals]

I understand where you’re coming from. That’s great news on your promotion, remember you’re worth. They must of thought highly of you & you deserve it. Try & not let others bring you down. When it comes to training & possibly getting picked, I’ll always try & listen & understand so I have answers ready. It’s like mind reading & being 1 step ahead as I can’t think quickly either. If anyone has any tips that would be a great help. Having a good network around you also helps. People who cares, positive outlook & uplifting.

[designguy]

I can definitely relate to what you are going through and I suspect that what are dealing with is social/performance anxiety. i was originally diagnosed with general anxiety but realized that what i was really dealing with was social anxiety which helped me focus on getting the help I needed. I also realized I was dealing with low-self-esteem and low-self-worth which can cause or contribute to social anxiety. I suggest finding a therapist who specializes in treating social/performance anxiety. There are also on-line programs available, I used one from the socialanxietyinstitue.org although I would have preferred to work with a therapist but there wasn't one near me who specialized in it. There are also resources available about improving your low-self-worth, I really like the writings of Dr Bernadette Sewell and did her Break Free program. You might also benefit from medication, at least temporarily which you can talk to a therapist about. Best to you.