Why do I feel this way?

I'm 48 and I don't remember a time when I felt normal. I didn't know how to describe how I felt or what was going through. Extreme anxiety disorder explains everything.

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What exactly is normal supposed to be??? I’ll never know. If you ask me weird is good. The people who walk around thinking they’re so normal are usually putting other people down around them and putting themselves on a pedestal.

[Agora1]

Hi shelbyw23 and Welcome.

We certainly understand what you are saying as to how you feel.

Anxiety is not just physical but a mind game as well.

As you interact with others on this site, you will see that you are not alone.

We are as normal as "apple pie", just a little high strung. I'm glad you are

here with us new friend xx

[Babe1213]

Do you remember the time when you did feel normal? Do you want that time back? If the answer is a resounding 'YES' - then you must take it back. Stop dwelling on the bad times and look toward the good times to come. Only you can do this for yourself, you will need support from family and friends, but it must come from you. Start by making a couple of lists, 1 The bad things in your life, that hold you. 2 The good things in your life you can hold. Change your 'loser' attitude to 'Winner!' Every negative has a positive. Work through the negatives, why they happen, what they are. Clear them out just as you would clear the clutter in your home. Let them go, and rejoice in what is left.

[designguy]

I went for years with high-functioning anxiety disorder and not knowing what I was really dealing with and then had my first big panic attack and after that started trying to get help. There wan't nearly the information about anxiety/panic back then that there is today. At one time i was prescribed Klonopin and it was like a switch had been flipped and I finally realized what "normal" could be like, it didn't eliminate my anxiety but helped me see that recovery was possible. Eventually I learned what panic/anxiety really is and how to constructively deal and heal it. Panic/anxiety are highly treatable anymore but you have to be willing to do the work and realize that you are in charge of your wellbeing and take the action you need. You might check out the DARE Anxiety book and youtube videos as a start.