What is normal life like? With anxiety, life is tough. Every day, every hour, and for some, every minute is filled with hardships. Waking up in the morning is hard for many, but for people with anxiety it means dealing with rapid heart beats, panic attacks, dizziness, or just to get up from bed. Anxiety makes every task ten times harder. You would think that most people enjoy eating, driving, shoping, working out, but with anxiety these tasks seem like a burden. I’ve heard so many people say “it’s all in your head” or “your an attention seeker”. Many people think that mental illness is something anyone can overcome or can control just by changing their thoughts. If only it was that easy, then I wouldn't be writing this. When you try to explain anxiety to family members, parents, even spouses they either think your crazy or just treat you like you are a helpless person. I can’t really be mad at anyone for not understanding anxiety but It upsets me that people can be ignorant and dismiss anxiety and say it’s all in your head. Anxiety comes in many forms. Many people have anxiety for their health, OCD, GAD, and many more. I can remember the first time I got anxiety. I was scared to death. I absolutely thought that I was not going to live. I would shake and have panic attacks in the middle of the road. I would stay up all night and when I finally woke up I would hate waking up, wishing I could just keep sleeping and not think. I got to the point where I stopped working and decided to just stay home. Every minute I would feel as if i’m going to drop down dead or have a stroke. After many ER visits I thought that I was going crazy. Thankfully I found this group on facebook and I learned that all my symptoms were part of anxiety. Going to work, school, and trying to live life to the fullest is tough but I fight everyday because I know that no one will fight for me. I hope, for those who are having a hard time, that you don’t give up. Don't stay in your bed searching on google because all you will find is things that will terrify you. Life is beautiful. Every morning its best to wake up and make goals. Plan on driving and get somewhere where you usually couldn't drive! Get up and go shopping!! Anxiety may always be there but you can always cope with in a way that it won't stop you from living life to the fullest. Challenge when you wake up so that at the end of the day, you will be proud! I used to stay home all day, afraid to drive, going to multiple ER and doctor visits, dealt with dizziness. My anxiety was so bad that I nearly lost 30 pounds in less than 2 months. Right now I am doing better. I work, I go to school, and at times I go out with friends. Although anxiety is part of my life, its not keeping me from living. I believe that everyone can fight and improve everyday and live a good life. I hope you all keep fighting and fighting because no one else can fight for you but yourself. For me my Faith in Jesus has helped me greatly and idk how I would be doing without my faith. I Just hope all of you will get better and live a better life. Thanks for your support.
This anxiety is tough: What is normal life... - Anxiety Support
This anxiety is tough
Thanks for your post. I’m in the midst of full on health anxiety & you described everything I feel. Thank you for describing the positives at the other side because sometimes it feels like I’m in a black hole. Take care. Xx
Hi isaack I was very moved by your explanation of anxiety.you would think family would be more supportive ? But sometimes they can be very negative.I'm sure you have heard things like ....what have you got to worry about......or don't worry about it.....or my sisters favourite one was ...I haven't got time to worry ! I'm to busy.which did nothing for my confidence.Don't people say the stupidest things to you when your really anxious.when you have anxiety you learn to live with it as you and I myself are doing.have have some great days and some tough ones,but like yourself I carry on with my life and do the best I can , thank you for your excellent post.
Yes I think people need to stop being ignorant and start to understand people who are suffering because its just so hurtful sometimes ya know..
I totally agree some people can be so thought less. Its only understood by a fellow sufferer.I always describe anxiety to people who have never had it.By saying how did you feel when you took your driving test ? They often reply oh I felt so scared and nervous ..I then say well hold that thought ! How would you like to feel like that 24/7 day in day out ? Not nice is it.?
I am lucky to have supportive friends who do try to understand and are so sweet to me....also my husband has basically the same issue, more depression. My daughter is a psyc. Social worker who understands and has been there......listens and tries to help every day.
Hi Isaack, so glad to hear you're feeling better. I will keep fighting along with you! Some days are easier than others. Can't wait till spring. Winter time is depressing sometimes. It's true for me as well that having faith in Jesus helps so much. Have a great day!
I find myself getting obsessed about the weather. As I don't know when I shall be working again I am compromising on heating. It really is a vicious circle.
Which state you live in?
I live in the UK which is promising and delivering rain all day
Isaack......are you on any meds for your anxiety?
I go through it 24/7..Im lost most of the time..I keep fighting but I'm also very tired doing so..its being going on for 2years..What keeps me going is my faith in God..nothing else..Im not going to bible bash but the only help I can offer which has helped me is prayer..talk to God and say exactly how you feel from the depths of your heart..talk to God as you would to anyone else..ask for help and believe..it saves me and it will save you..
Yes you are right!! My faith in God has kept me going and it really works!! Its not bashing !! Its the truth!!(:
I’m glad you are functioning well. I rarely go anywhere but there’s a lot more to it than just anxiety. Usually once I do leave I feel better. Getting out and opening my mind. You are right though. It’s a fight but I think sometimes you can’t fight it. You just have to coexist with it and live your life with it.
It is true though that it is so true people don’t understand what they can’t see. I’m so sick of hearing, “suck it up” or “get over it!” If only it was that easy.
Its okay tho I'm just happy we have this group of people. At the end of the day we will always have each other no matter what.
FYI: Anxiety is my normal though. So I’m living the normal life and it is no fun. Normal is only a setting on a dryer. Whatever your normal is defines normal. My normal is an alphabet of mental health issues. Everyone’s “normal” is different since no two people are alike. Some have similarities but each person is unique so we’re all normal. Just different! ❤️😜