Hello!

[Navygal]

I am new to this forum but very interested in how people handle their anxiety. I like the idea of people taking my anxiety seriously. My son and family just call me a drama queen and I get really explain it like I would want to.

[Agora1]

Navygal, Welcome to the Anxiety Forum where you will not be looked down upon or ridiculed. I know how much it hurts when those around us do not understand what anxiety is like. And that is why this forum can be so helpful in letting you know you are not alone. Being put down just feeds into our anxiety by making us feel somewhat inferior to the rest of the population.

Unless a person has gone through anxiety themselves, it is pretty hard for the average person to truly take your anxiety seriously. It's like the bad rap "having a headache" got over the years in that it was used as an excuse so casually it no longer had any meaning. Same with anxiety. The words "Oh I'm so anxious about taking a test, going out on a date" etc that the meaning also took a back seat to Anxiety Disorder. Completely different.

I'm glad you found this forum. A great group of men and women of all ages exchange their ideas and stories about what life is like with anxiety. It's more than just handling it, it's about getting back the control in your life by ridding yourself of anxiety.

Looking forward to hearing more about you. You are never alone. We care x

[Loveydovey0519]

Welcome aboard, and anything Agora said above take it to heart as she is very wise! We all here take anxiety seriously, and know just how debilitating it can be. Anything specific we can help you with?

[Agora1 in reply to Loveydovey0519]

Hi Loveydovey0519, I'm not wise as much as I am experienced in Anxiety through the many, many years I spent in therapy. I probably paid for many college tuitions for the doctors over the years lol

It was worth it, it just took me so darn long to be convinced

[craigcarda in reply to Agora1]

Ha! I knew i couldn't be the only one wasting my 401k and savings to figure out what would work. But as you said it is experience! None of it worked by themselves but together with experience it helps.

[lal0604]

Welcome to the form I have only been here a few days and they have helped me very much.

[Will83]

Welcome aboard Navygal. We all know the feeling. I've been on board about 2 weeks or so and I was so ecstatic to learn that everything I have been going thru, others have been as well. It's good to know you aren't crazy like family, friends and coworkers make it seem. It's great support and knowledge. I appreciate being welcomed in with no judgements. Thank you to everyone

[Navygal in reply to Will83]

Thank you everyone for the kinds words and advice. It is such a relief to be able to talk to people who don't take anxiety as being a drama queen or over sensitive. Even my own therapist made the comment about the job that gives me great anxiety " it won't last forever." I don't think she realizes how 2 years of putting up with these people can feel like forever. I work for the Federal government so there is an extra special list of things to be careful for.