Reaching out to others with anxiety

[Cowgirlcat84]

I've lived with panic attacks and extreme anxiety since I was 18. They began when I left home to go to college. I've had decades of engaging in therapy, 12-step support groups and Recovery groups . The possibility of getting Covid has made me afraid to go to my 12-step groups in person. Being on-line (for groups) seems to make my anxiety worse, and I am willing to challenge that fear. Please see my bio for more.

[Agora1]

Welcome Cowgirlcat84 to a caring supportive community.

We are happy to have you with us. xx

[gajh]

Hello and Welcome. I read your bio. You said that being on line for groups makes your anxiety worse. I hope this group will be a good format for you. You can read through posts at your leisure and reply at your leisure not in real time. If you connect with someone here in the posts you can Private Message with them so that it is just one on one instead of in a group. I hope you are able to find the support you are looking for here with us.

[Cowgirlcat84 in reply to gajh]

Thank you for your kind response. I will continue to read posts and post. I already feel more grounded from having taken this action and reading your response. I'll keep coming back!

[gajh in reply to Cowgirlcat84]

That is so wonderful to hear. I am so glad you will keep coming back. There are so many wonderful people here. There is so much support. It will be so nice to get to know you.

[Mailo]

how are you finding the 12 step programme?

[Cowgirlcat84 in reply to Mailo]

I've found various 12-step programs hugely helpful for decades. I went to live meetings untll Covid arrived. On-line meetings don't work as well for me. I particularly like the concept of turning my concerns over. I don't believe in a traditional god, but just letting go of trying to fix things or predict a disastrous future is so freeing. Thank you for asking.

[Spooky99]

We are very much alike! I’ve been suffering since 17, I almost 57. I’m in AA. Im petrified of dementia. Just so you know your not alone!!!!

[Cowgirlcat84 in reply to Spooky99]

Thank you. And, I wish neither of us were plagued by the fear of dementia. Among other things, it is irritating to keep checking my thoughts! Back at you with knowing you are not alone.

[Pitalife]

I feel for you I'm a male that's suffered w these panic attacks since childhood and I'm 60 now,been long tortuous road,and it seems to get worse,the anxiety and no shortage of crazy society we live in,it's gotten dire....I pray you find relief, I too hope so too...

[Cowgirlcat84 in reply to Pitalife]

Thank you. And, may you feel relief.

[punkster]

I, too have anxiety related to Covid. I have to attend in-person meetings as part of my job. I wear a KN95 mask, as it is very effective at preventing contracting Covid. Could you try this? I understand how online meetings make you anxious. I worked remotely for 1 1/2 years, and remote meetings remind me of the worst of Covid.

[Cowgirlcat84 in reply to punkster]

My anxiety is so tricky - I use 12-step work to free myself from it, but so often when I am relieved of one fear, another arrives to take its place. I think I have lived with a baseline of anxiety since I was a little girl. My home life was intermittently frightening - and I have a genetic base for anxiety.

[Weatherwoman in reply to punkster]

Me, too re. Increased Anxiety since Covid. I wear a KN95 mask everywhere I go. I do go to restaurants, as well, & just Pray I don't catch anything. (Anxiety & Fears around Covid & All the Nasty viruses out there). I live alone now since my Sig. Other passed in Nov. of 2022 which is A Major contributor to my Fears of maybe getting ill & All alone. His passing, in general, has A lot to do with my Feelings of Sadness, but re. this post am ans. about our fears. Hopefully, the KN95 masks & the Surgical masks will help to prevent Covid & other viruses. We are Not alone with our fears, but people without these Anxiety Disorders are Not so anxious, I am sure!

[Cowgirlcat84]

Thanks again, will check out.

[Weatherwoman]

Hello Cowgirlcat84: I just read your Bio. & sounds like you are doing pretty good walking 45 min., being involved in envior. issues, writing, & teaching, etc. I am 79 so not so far behind in age. However, being older has brought me more anxiety in some areas like losing loved one's (in the last three years, I have lost my Sig. Other --he was my Best Friend, & my Anchor, lost my Mom, also an Anchor for me, lost a close friend since childhood, lost cousins, etc. Also, lost the home I lived in with my Sig. Other. Have since moved into a tiny studio apt. Now, am All alone & it Scares me silly as if I were to get ill, there is NO one I can "run" to for help! I have lived alone before, but I had my Sig. Other, and my Mom in my life. Have no children, have few friends, but they are busy with their own life. So, Covid & all the other Nasty viruses out there are Plain Scary esp. now that I am alone! Have had Anxiety, too, for Many years, but being older now brings it's own "new" fears. I do wear KN95 masks, or the surgical masks so hopefully they will keep us well! As far as worry re. dementia, don't have that fear, oh sometimes I do, but have Lots of other health fears as I do have health issues. That you are keeping fit, writing (I write, also), keeping busy is good medicine! I do have a Grief Support Group, but the Sadness esp. of the loss of my Sig. Other is Overwhelming, at times --the thing that cannot be fixed. It's a Struggle!

[Teaching]

Welcome to the community!