Intro

[JenM1982]

New to this site. Have horrible anxiety and at a loss of what to do. It's ruining my life

[Hidden]

I don't mean to underplay your situation at all but I am also struggling and starting to wonder why I am here. It's like I can see the blessings in my life, but the anxiety won't let me enjoy them. I think of every thing that could go wrong or start worrying about things out of my control instead of enjoying the present. I can't turn it off. I want it gone so badly. It's lost me my 3 best friends, my in-law's despise me, I can't work, and today my neighbor called me a psycho! Wth? Why does everyone hate me, you know? Do you feel like that? You can talk to me anytime.

[JenM1982 in reply to Hidden]

I sent you a private message

[Hidden in reply to JenM1982]

Sent you a reply.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I feel exactly like this, i only have one friend my best friend but i moved last year (around February march 2016)and i have only seen her probably five times all year and the last was my 21st birthday dinner. she lives about 1 hour away which is where my mum and brother live. and they have to drive to come see me because i only have my learners. and i work in retail so my hours make it difficult to see them. i cant remember the last time my friend has asked to do something like shopping or coffee etc because its probably because i always end up not going out. but ive said i dont want to drink alcohol because i know i will end up crying about my problems or getting angry at someone for thinking theyre judging me. and she says if your around the right people you will be fine and that she misses the old days but i wont allow myself to drink because i cant handle it and literally the last couple times i drank to quick and ended up a messy night. everything in my life career, family, friends work, outings etc are affected by my anxiety and depression. but i havent been to the doctor to ask if i have anxiety or depression.

so maybe i don't have it and it might be just insecurities and fears and dwelling on the past that cause anxiety and sadness and anger i dunno. aha

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Sometimes nervousness can seem like anxiety...the symptoms can be similar. I'd definitely get checked out to see if a doctor thinks you have anxiety or maybe you're just adjusting to your new environment. Maybe there are some new people you can meet in your new area. It sounds like you're relatively young so you have the world at your feet! You can choose to open your heart to some new people and see how it goes. My dilemma, for example, is that I lost my best friend of over 30 years, and 2 more of knowing them 15-20 years. That was hard. Sent me into a breakdown. It's a long boring story but they all decided together that was best for me...which is the opposite of what to do to someone with anxiety and depression. Anyway...I'm just getting over that year old debacle...

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

That's really sad to know people would do that, I'm sorry that happened. Your story would not be boring and I hope you find friends who stick by you and things get better for you, I think I might try and go see a good doctor tomorrow if they're available.

[roninmd]

Go to a doctor. Have them check you out to rule out a medical condition is not responsible for the way you are feeling. Have them refer you to a therapist to get to work on the anxiety. Sometimes it goes away on its own (For example anxiety caused by a specific event/situation resolution), sometimes it becomes more pervasive (GAD/OCD/Panic Disorder) if left untreated. Don't waste your time at a wish washy therapist where you just talk an hour each week. On first session ask for specifics on types of therapy and exposures to deal with the anxiety and a timeline for treatment and what medications may help. Hope you feel better soon.

[JenM1982 in reply to roninmd]

I have been to Dr...

[roninmd in reply to JenM1982]

Then time to see a therapist or psychiatrist. If you have insurance you have options for treatment. Rogers memorial is the best in the country for anxiety and they have many locations. There number is 1-800-767-4411. If you are not near one of their centers they have a list of therapists and psychiatrists where one may be near you. If you do not have insurance or cost is an issue and live near a teaching hospital, most have "free clinics" or "Resident's clinics" where psychiatrists in training (Under the supervision of a fellow/ attending physician) treat patients free or at a nominal charge. All anxiety can be successfully reduced to some degree with exposure and response prevention/medication management. Just sitting and talking to someone rarely provides any resolution to a true anxiety disorder.