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how can i reach out and talk about how i am feeling to friends and family

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 10/31/2013 2:29 PM (GMT 0)
hello

 

I think I probably have an anxiety disorder but I am stuck in a rut because I can't get the courage to just tell someone how I feel, I think I am quite ashamed really and feel that somehow I am weak or a flawed human being who's selfish/self indulging (oddly though I am only this harsh on myself when other people have told me about there depression or anxiety problems I have never judge them as harshly as I judge myself for having similar problems, in fact I have always had much sympathy for them but I find it hard to extend that to myself). I don't know what to do I am tired of beating myself up but I just can't get the courage to tell someone or get help. I think that people won't understand, in fact I know that it will go down like a lead balloon with my family, as its a 'mental health issue' something that's slightly sentive in our household. all this inability to talk about my anxiety is making me more anxious and its making me feel so isolated and scared cry . I am not sleeping and its making me feel depressed too.

 

would love any advice and support from people sorry to have vented so much and waffled on but this is the first time I have write how I feel down openly

 

thanks xxx blush

Post Edited (holly15) : 10/31/2013 8:46:00 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 10/31/2013 2:46 PM (GMT 0)
Holly,

When I was old enough to realize I had anxiety, I felt very simialr to you. I felt like I should not be worrying and instead be enjoying my life and everything. "My life is good, what the hell do I have to worry about? Others are suffering way more than me and it's not fair that I bother people with my problems that aren't even real."

That was my thought process. I too was scared of the stigma of mental health problems and everything, but once you tell someone (parent, close friend, social worker, whatever) you're going to feel a lot better. They'll open up doors you did not even think were there and help put things in perspective for you. Trust me, you're going to go crazy trying to fix this on your own. You need help and that's not a bad thing at all. I think you'll find that your family will be much more sympathetic than you expect.

I remember being scared to tell my parents that I had these wild fears, obsessions and anxieties. It was probably about seven years ago and I was 16. I told my parents that I couldn't stop worrying about things and it consumed me and it was really tough. They told me to "just let it go, don't worry about it" and when I explained to them that I simply could not and I did not know why, they sort of began to undersatnd that this was more than just me worrying. They've been supportive of me ever since and have been a great crutch through the years. I also recently told my girlfriend that I have a history of anxiety and that I was going through a bout. I was really scared that she was going to just jump ship, but she has been so incredibly supportive of me and helped me out a lot through my tougher days.

I'm confident you will find out that it won't be as bad as you're making it and your parents, friends and whoever you decide to tell will love you and help you as much as they can.
Posted 10/31/2013 3:01 PM (GMT 0)
thanks hearing from someone else makes me feel better its not just me alone (I know that sounds a bit dramatic but nerveless it is really comforting!!!), I feel exactly the same I don't want to bother people with my problems (particularly as I am not one to really open up its something I struggle with I prefer to keep things to my self which is a huge part of the problem I think Id rather listen to other peoples problem and help them)
also I find it really great that your girlfriend is supportive of you I have been worry (in my more panicked moments) that my anxiety problems might mean I couldn't have a relationship because a partner would never understand my anxiety I know that perhaps that's silly but its all part of me feeling so flawed and bad about myself I think also my worries aren't always rational

thanks loads
Posted 10/31/2013 5:06 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Holly and welcome!

I am glad that you have joined us and are already getting great support and advice!

I will just add that you are always welcome to come here and talk openly to others who completely understand.

Here is a site that you could share with loved ones to help them to understand what you are going through...it could help to break the ice...http://season.org/information/helping-others/


We have a great Resource section here that I invite you to look through for some effective self-help ideas.:)https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=9&m=104206

Post often!

Scaredy Cat

Posted 10/31/2013 5:34 PM (GMT 0)
thanks very much, and thanks for the links too
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