Quetions about GAD

Hey Hardtime,

My anxiety wasn't (and isn't) quite the same as yours. I had good periods but I had days where I spent my day feeling like I was going to pass out or vomit or something. However, I want you to know that it will get better. I went from panicking in every class to being able to sit in a crowded theater without much trouble - just don't shut yourself in. Find friends you can talk to, do some counseling if possible (please don't put this off - some people avoid it because they feel ashamed or nervous or something, but it is definitely worth it). There are a thousand things to try - listen to music, go for a walk, watch a movie, talk to a friend, do things that make you nervous to prove to yourself that you can (just bit by bit, don't do the worst thing you can imagine at first - build up to those scary things). Just keep trying and find the things that help.

Anyways, I'm not a doctor or a counselor, but I know enough of them and I've talked to enough of them to tell you not to give up, things get better.

Hi H.t.,

GAD can be very tricky...because we often don't have a clear reason of why we are stressed...and we aren't having an acute attack of panic...it is often just this constant level of unease.:(

I am sorry, I can't remember, but have you looked into therapy as OAN suggested? If not, then you now have two endorsments!:) It is highly effetive...especially CBT, in my opinion.

In the meantime, have you checked out our Resources? (main page, 1st post) there are some really helpful links for breathing and relaxation exercises that are amazing at anxiety and symptom reduction in there. Try it for a week consistently, and see how you feel.

Keep posting with us as well. We understand and are listening!

S.C.

Veteran Member
Have you ever seen anybody with this condition get better. I have been going out for the last couple of weeks, but its really hard cause I shake bad and feel dizzy when walking. I've had moments but they are far and few between. This last year has been a living hell. It's hard to do the simple things on life.

Hi hardtime. I know how you feel my anxiety keeps me from doing the things that I like to enjoy as well. Anxiety does suck I know but you WILL get out of it. Now I am still fighting and have seen improvement compared to how I was like 2 months ago. And keep in mind everyone's anxiety is different so some people may experience shaking like you and others may have breathing troubles etc and may not notice it in others because some may try to conceal it. anxiety can manifest itself in so many ways it's unbelievable if you think about it. But there is a light at the end of the tunnel and what you got to try to do is remind yourself that it's only anxiety and ignore it. Think positively and start to enjoy the little things in life instead of avoiding them. That's not how life should be spent. Now I know that this may seem really hard to do at times but it'll pay off in the long run. I deal with health anxiety and experience it differently but we are all in this together. Wish you the best.

I do have flashes of dizziness myself yes, but it's not bad but like I said anxiety is different for all of us. It can manifest itself in many different ways.

No problem stay strong!

Mine comes and goes. I have learned how to set aside my anxiety, the meds help me to be able to do that. I can't always do that though. The times when I can't do that, is awful. My heart rate increases, my thoughts race out of control, it is awful.

Just know you are not alone.

That is no way to live your life! Life is meant to be lived to the fullest and not to be lived sitting around the whole time even if you have GAD. You only have one life. Please you got to believe me that it gets better. It may not seem like it now but trust me it will! you just got to fight it and say to yourself " anxiety doesn't control me" you control your whole life and how you spend it and choosing to give into anxiety is not the right way to go. You got to stay strong even if you may feel weak or dizzy you will get through it and fight. You just got to put in the effort:) I believe in you!

Yes I tend to he the same way when I leave the comfort of my home. My anxiety symptoms start to flare up, but I try to not let it get to me because I want to enjoy life. I'm sorry that your friends don't want anything to so with you but you can turn that around with some positive thinking, self talk, and try some breathing. Or try something to get those endorphins flowing through your body:) even though I'm a little iffy about exercise when I finally decide to do it I feel great afterwards:)

Oh I'm so sorry you're suffering so intensely.

I do know how you feel and I believe when there is no reason for the anxiety it is even worse..and anxiety definitely brings on dizziness.

Sometimes I can have waves of anxiety which last all day and my only real help is distraction which believe me is pretty simple around here as I have a *very* hectic life!
Which is probably why your anxiety is so viciously heightened..you're completely zoned in on it and if you barely see anyone/go out, it will begin to take over your life.

I know this may be an incredibly hard suggestion, but perhaps you could ask your GP (local Dr) for some CBT? It truly is an excellent source of help and many people with anxiety and panic are helped through
this. There is group therapy or one to one.

Anxiety and panic are cruel and thieves...try to stand up to them and begin to fight back. We're all here behind you!

LP

Sometimes I do really odd distractions..which can become what's known as safety behaviours but this is okay for when the panic/anxiety is unbearable..

A few of my countless ones;

Looking at my photos (I *love* photos) on my computer. Moving rooms, or just walking around to 'prove' to myself I'm not really going to expire, making a cuppa, hot choc with double cream, kneading bread and use it as a punch bag to 'dispel' the anxiety!, read my panic books of which I have a few! ('Panic attack' by Christine Ingham is excellent)....etc.

LP

If i may ask do you take any medications now?