I’m a 38 year old man, and I’ve had terrible anxiety for the entirety of my life. I was officially diagnosed with PTSD, SAD and GAD about 5 years ago after being unable to get my stress responses under control while at work. I was always bad at speaking to people, but 5 years ago is when my voice started clinging to my throat like one of those sticky mats you put down to catch spiders. I ended up leaving my job and becoming a recluse for most of the 5 years since then.
I am on medication for those problems now, and I see both a psychiatrist and a psychologist. Progress is slow, but I have gotten at least a little better.
Things are looking up, at least at the moment. If your anxiety is anything like mine then I reckon you know how it is to be so sure of something, and then have it all flutter away like embers in the wind.
But, the medicine is helping, and I’ve actually started college as an older student in a field I have an interest in.
The problem is that before each class I have a difficult time controlling my panic response, and constantly thinking that I’ll be awkward, weird, disliked, ridiculed.. etc.
It is a very lonely life when you feel so uncomfortable in your own skin, and I’m hoping this is the place to talk about things like that.
Thanks for listening, I look forward to making your acquaintances.
Written by
Wabbajack
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Hello and welcome, there is no right or wrong way on here. You have made a good start by posting a bit about yourself, sounds like you have been through quite a lot and you have started to head along the road of recovery. On here you will find people who have similar experiences and issues to you. We are all friendly and supportive.
Yes, I was mature student and found it hard to deal with but now you have youtube(just google) which makes it easier to understand subjects and internet to help you through - at that time I had nothing and muddled through. As long as you are studying and trying to stay ahead you will do yourself great favour. Just lots of breaks and revision. Coping with people was tough but they liked to talk - so was very lucky in that respect. Got a job where talking (I am not good talker) was necessary but no one to judge me just client and me talking. Get subject you really like and job you really want and you will have success. Just share what you are going through with others or teacher and they will help you cope/manage people are nice that way. They love helping. Well I hope you have the right people around or find here mature students. One step at a time. Accomplish the goals of course work and share your journey. Just imagine the right things happening instead
I’m uncomfortable in my own skin cause my anxiety manifests itself physically by temperature changes, cold sweats, nerves, shaking, headaches etc.
I understand better now. Until recently I suffered greatly from my own severe anxiety. Mine was like a massively dense fog with weights in my brain. Turns out after 27 years I was under medicated. The shaking felt like being plugged into a low voltage socket. That also has subsided greatly. Uncomfortable social situations can definetly increase symptoms so I tend to stay away. Do you ever find yourself crossing your legs and pushing down at the ankles. Clenching your fist?. Hate that! When I’m aware I uncross and unclench , but then they go back.
I too feel uncomfortable. It’s better but it still sucks. Anything you do to help those crappy feelings?
The only way for me to thermoregulate is to take a very hot shower, it temporarily relieves the temperature changes and cold sweats. I need something to compress my body for the shaking and I do cross my legs at the ankle but I don’t make fists. the headaches I try and manage with Tylenol.
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wanting to give up but not sure how 
New anxiety/depression person here
New Here --- Hello. :)
