A loner

[loner6]

Hi im a filipino! 19 years of age and currently dealing with extreme anxiety. I dont know what to do anymore thats why im here haha. My family and friends doesn't even know what's happening to me. I been fighting this battle for almost a year and im still here suffering.

[just_keep_swimming]

are there any triggers for your anxiety or underlying causes ? Have to tried any coping techniques or another way to less your anxiety ?

[AnxiousSilver]

"My family and friends doesn't even know what's happening to me. I been fighting this battle for almost a year and im still here suffering. "

Do you have any family and friends that you can trust to tell this to?

[ktm250]

I can totally relate.

My family and the area that I grew up in always shared the same mindset; to pretend that everything was just fine, and to shame anyone who was open and honest about their experience. After so many years of living in this cycle of anxiety and depression about really anything and everything, I've begun to reflect deeper on the root of all of it. I can only say what has worked for me personally of course, but journaling down my thoughts in a notebook has certainly helped ease the feeling of the weight of the world on my shoulders and to forgive those parts of myself. Also, I've realized that simply writing things down is only the first part for me; I also must have a plan of action for how I can overcome the struggles. When I create a list of small wins that I can make in a positive direction, I find that it sub-consciously helps build me up. It is difficult at first to even believe that such seemingly insignificant steps could help, but when you push through the resistance, you build momentum. For me, momentum is what lifts me up, and then allows me the strength and courage within myself to eventually face challenges I've been dreading, head-on.

Being up front and honest with the family can certainly help; if they have shown genuine support to you before, I'd personally give it a shot. However, if they are anything like my parents, and are unwilling, or unable to respect your boundaries; distance is certainly a must. After sticking around so long and hoping that one day they would come through and truly be there, I began to internalize feelings of shame and doubt. Again, this is just my own two cents, but surrounding yourself with a group of people who prove that they will be there when you need them, can help you put quite a bit of the worry and doubt in the past.

It can be difficult to see now, but eventually, things do change. Be proud of the strength you've shown thus far, and for your ability to overcome! Vulnerability in the right setting is most certainly a beautiful thing.