Any advice please

Without all the ins and outs of it it would be lovely to hear any advice one may have to help me battle through the torrid anxiety I'm suffering at the moment. Im 21 years of age and have been battling anxiety for about 4 years now. It wasn't so demanding at first however as you can imagine its only getting worse. I used to be a fun bubbly person with lots to bring to any conversation however my mind has withdrawn to only thinking about physical things i.e. what i may eat for lunch what youtube video to watch to take up two hours, films, playstation etc.. Anything so i don't have to think, because its all so negative. My situation at the moment includes staying indoors 24/7, withdrawing from all friends I had (i used to have a large network of friends, but the 'Im dealing with shit right now' excuse become oh so familier) Im only comfortable around my mum however we hardly strike up any meaningful conversations. I suffer from panic attacks in any other interaction (excessive sweating which is really embarrassing, mumble of words). I feel like my body is slowly wasting away. I don't have any money since I cannot seem to endure any interview processes. My little brother who was my pride and joy was moved to my dads house by a joint decision from my parents to stop him witnessing me like this (which i can understand). Im on meds but three weeks in and if anything my anxiety has heightened. Ive tried therapy 4 times but you must understand with having such extreme social anxiety a councillor rarely wants to keep me on, I hardly talk. I told my mum when i first starting taking meds I'm giving myself 6 weeks because i really can't carry on like this. Instead of growing mentally I've really recessed into a state of misery. I exercise now and then but it doesn't benefit me mentally for longer than an hour. What should I do??? Sorry for the mumbo jumbo I'm a little desperate now my life is pathetic and even I can see that.

[tamka38]

Sorry you're having a rough time hugs to u💞 I understand how u feel I been struggling since 8 finally got help at 27 and I use weed and alcohol as a teen to cope with my Depression and Anxiety and P.T.S.D. Agoraphobia is sad we have to suffer like this because is hell and people who don't go through it don't understand it at all. I'm praying for u and sending u good vibes. Hang in there pls.💝

[Hidden in reply to tamka38]

Thankyou missy I appreciate it, I can relate i used and abused weed and alcohol from around 17-20. Weed isn't wasn't as fun as it used to be, i wish i never touched it. Love for the support I hope your dealing things are as positive as possible on your end x

[Agora1]

Hi goatnetwork18, I agree that anxiety can turn our world upside down but it doesn't have to stay that way. Back tracking a little to 4 years ago and what started anxiety is sometimes helpful in going forward. Knowing the cause of you turning from this bubbly extrovert person to one who is void of interacting is important. There is usually some extreme life event that took place that made your mind unable to handle.

This will take a little work on your part but well worth the outcome. Staying in 24/7 is going to turn you into becoming Agoraphobic (believe me you don't want to be there) Being on medication for only 3 weeks is a start but you need to give it time to reach therapeutic levels. While on medication therapy is important because medicine alone isn't the answer. Finding the right therapist will help you feel more relaxed and be able to open up to them.

Exercise is beneficial but like anything else it needs to be consistent. My suggestion right now besides the meds, therapy and exercise (even a walk every day) is to start reading everything you can on line about the Mind/Body connection. Learn about the benefits of accepting anxiety and not battling it. Try different methods to help release the stress of that panic feeling all day. Using meditation and deep breathing can be a start. You Tube has some great audio videos to calm down Panic Attacks/Anxiety Attacks.

Use the forum to your benefit. Take away what you think might be appropriate for you to use in helping yourself. Leave the rest behind. This is about you now and you will know what your body will respond to. Do not lose hope of reaching your goal and becoming the person you once were. It will happen. Stay Positive, don't stay stuck, keep going forward. We will support you because we all understand. This is a great forum because we all care about each other. You are never alone. It's going to be okay.

[Hidden in reply to Agora1]

Thankyou my friend, hard to believe but every bit of advice that you've given Ive saved in my notes and attend to them regularly. I appreciate your words.

[Jmerrick22]

Hey buddy , 😌I know exactly how you feel. Some days it feels like everything is coming to an end and that the world is falling apart, and some days aren't as bad . I've lost some friends since being diagnose with GaD but I got to a point where I wouldn't leave my house or my bed . Then for awhile I would go to work , (I work at a hospital ) and I'd be so paranoid something's gonna happen to me I wouldn't leave or wanna leave I'd try and stay as close to work as possible . Even now with my anxiety today I'm not comfortable unless I'm within walking distance to a hospital. I'm always afraid of something bad happening to me . But we Weill get through this ! We are all warriors against this beast. Try doing new things and going new places , spend time in nature ! A lot of people tell me to do it cuz it's calm and serene . Message me sometime and we can talk , I'm here for you man . Take care

[Hidden in reply to Jmerrick22]

Will do my brother. Thanks for your advice man, when theres a will theres a way. Sorry to hear about your reality. Blessings, stay hopeful.

[Hidden]

This page is the perfect place to find people who are going thru similar things and are great at giving advices

[gibss]

Hey, I can relate a lot to what you're going through, anxiety is a tricky mistress. I also found that working out isn't a solution in the long run. Something that always helps me is doing little things at a time (things that there are no possible negative consequences for doing) and appreciating that I got it done. For example, cleaning my room, afterwards I think of how good everything looks now and feel a little more normal. It could be anything, taking a shower, going on a small walk, etc. Take baby steps, things will work out and you'll be able to take comfort that nothing went wrong.