An introduction

[Louise223]

I've only recently taken my anxiety seriously, I've never had a gp appointment or anything but have always felt crippling anxiety is social situations. I believe at times I can perform well in social situations but other times I feel like it's an 'off day' , please let me know if you experience this too. What has made me take it seriously was when I was having tea and cake at my boyfriends house (not during covid), and his mum bought out some lovely tea and cake but I could not bring myself to take out my gum. I really wanted to but felt so stuck as if I couldn't go and take out my gum as its impolite and there was no gap in conversation to excuse myself. So I drank the tea and ate the cake with gum in my mouth, swallowing little bits of gum one by one, was so unpleasant and I felt hopeless and so sick afterwards. Looking back on this I know I wouldnt have been judged for taking out my gum but at the time it felt different. Then I worry his mum saw the gum in my mouth, honestly still worrying about it now. I'm a young adult and I am happy to chat with most people but I get overwhelmed when I speak with someone who I hope to impress, I come off awkward, quiet and honestly I overthink so much I end up not saying anything sometimes. I worry I come across rude and it makes the uphill battle even harder. Another incident that really made me think about whether or not anxiety is a problem for me was at university reading a part of a presentation to only 6 other people, my heart was pounding in my chest and throat and I was sweating, I knew what I was saying and had rehearsed it many many times but felt indescribably stuck and faint. I really feel like talking about it could help and maybe help me understand it some more which may help lead the way to recovery. I'm not sure who said it or if its only from a film but admitting you have a problem is the first step right?

Thanks if you made it this far. X

[John84]

Anxiety is awful!. Have you spoken to your GP Louise?