I'm new here

[stephsharik]

I think I have an anxiety disorder. Not sure how to find out for sure.

[cisco77]

I can remember back 10 years ago when I use to get weird feelings out of nowhere and I would wonder where or what was causing it. The weird feelings would only happen when I would worry about something and I would start to overthink about things that were out of my control.

Be strong and try to think of the present moment and don't start to think the "what if's". This site has really helped me. There is a lot of good info and people here that can help you get through tough times. Good luck.

[stephsharik in reply to cisco77]

It's hard to think of only the present moment because I've got a lot on my plate and a lot at stake. The worst thing for me is that as soon as things start really going well for me, i do this insane self-sabotage thing. Kinda like im so happy to experience some relief that I let go of everything, including self-discipline, preparation, etc. Theres also this unbearable sadness that starts to consume me once i know things are going to be different. It might be fear of change, and i think i start to backpedal and break things down just so things will stay the same. I am seeing myself doing these things, and i have no idea how to stop.

[blackcat64013]

Hi and welcome,

If you suspect that you might suffer from generalized anxiety disorder, also known as GAD, the first thing to do is book an appointment with your doctor who will ask you quite a few questions about thoughts and feelings to make a diagnosis or rule out an anxiety disorder.

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America has actually put a printable form on their website which covers the questions your doctor will ask. You can complete the questionnaire on line, print out the results and share them with your doctor.

adaa.org/screening-generali...

When booking an appointment with the doctor, ask for a longer time to allow for the questions and answers. It is also good practice to write down your questions for the doctor. If you feel better or worse in any part of the day, try and schedule the visit when you feel better.

If you think you might get too stressed, ask someone to come along with you.

Let us know how you got on and what will happen next.

[stephsharik in reply to blackcat64013]

I dont currently have a doctor, but im working towards being able to afford health insurance soon. Thanks for the info!

[Lynl]

Anxiety has many symptoms so. Stay on with us and make a doctor appt. in the mean time , breathe, exersize , and good music

[stephsharik in reply to Lynl]

What kind of exercise is recommended? I have a lot of trouble doing exercise that doesnt engage my mind because my mind gets racing and interferes with the workout. Im not in very good shape either and that's made it hard to start workout routines (because i typically overdo it and crash for multiple days afterwards, failing to set up the habit of exercising). Any advice?

[blackcat64013 in reply to stephsharik]

Exercise doesn't have to be jogging or playing a team sport. Start with gentle walking, weather permitting. When walking, engage the brain by look for a thing e.g. person with a dog.

Inside exercise suggestions include yoga or pilates or stretching. Lots of ideas on the web. Try something new to keep the brain engaged in learning.

[stephsharik in reply to blackcat64013]

Thank you for the suggestions!