Weekly Prompt #35: What type of anxiety do you struggle with?
Hello all and welcome back to another discussion,
A couple of weeks ago we discussed: How do you conquer fear and the "All-Eyes-On-Me" feeling? Thank you to all who participated and shared your thoughts with us. I appreciate you all. I hope all who may read it find it relatable too. If anyone hasn't shared yet, please share them here and I look forward to reading and discussing them with you. Thank you to @JollyRacher for suggesting the topic of different types of anxiety or panic attacks one experiences and that is what I look forward to discussing and hearing you all in this discussion.
Anxiety can come in different forms, shapes, and intensity for everyone. The type of anxiety you struggle with is a deeply personal experience that can have a significant impact on your daily life.
This week's prompt: What type of anxiety do you struggle with?
So, let's discuss and share different types of anxiety or panic attacks you experiencing and if there are any first steps you taking, even when it's scary. I am looking forward to hearing your thoughts and experiences!
@ASilentObserver
Hi, ASO,
I didn't know there were different kinds of anxiety. I know I have PTSD and I do have panic attacks.
@purpleTree4652 That makes sense purple. There are different types of anxiety like social anxiety,, panics, test anxiety, gad, then phobias etc. however , it sounds like you have a good awareness of your experiences. How has having PTSD and experiencing panic attacks impacted you?
@ASilentObserver
The panic attacks are monumental and horrible. Before I had help with the panic attacks, they would break me down physically. I would literally double over and break down in tears. Now at least I can start to pray. That is my go-to way to combat panic attacks. They don't make them go away, but they help.
@purpleTree4652 I am glad your faith helps you during difficult times. What do you turn to when your faith is not feeling as strong?
@ASilentObserver
My faith doesn't fail me, and God never lets me down.
@purpleTree4652 🙏❤️God bless you
Under the official label of the different types of anxiety disorders, mine falls under GAD, but specifically, I'm an obsessive worrier, and work toward controlling my environment and everything that affects me so that I feel better.
It's exhausting because I'm always "on" trying to fix things and make everything okay (in my mind), and I don't sleep well, and have random panic attacks. I've been doing much better since starting therapy, but I still have a long way to go.
@thoughtfulmomma you'll get there ❤❤ your doing really well ❤❤
@thoughtfulmomma I am sorry to hear you are dealing with GAD. That sounds like a lot of hard work and energy goes into trying to control your environment and managing your anxiety. You must be exhausted. How do you cope when you feel overwhelmed?
@ASilentObserver
I go for walks. I find ways to treat myself and direct my brain elsewhere, whether it's reading a book, playing a game, watching TV.
@thoughtfulmomma That is nice. You have some great coping strategies that help you when you're feeling overwhelmed. Taking breaks and engaging in activities you enjoy can make a difference.
@thoughtfulmomma grateful that you are giving yourself the chance to grow - keep at it. The mind is a tough battle. The meaning control has for you is very important and can give an outlook to your thoughts on boundaries. Good luck!
@ASilentObserver
Hands down anything that has to do with admin and finances. I do not have a problem, mind you, but I have worries. Worries and problems are two different things and often confused.
@Fradiga I understand what you mean by "worries" versus "problems". It can feel difficult when anxiety creeps in and affects our daily experiences. Have you found that your worries about administration and finances have increased or decreased since the pandemic started?
@ASilentObserver
Fair question, Observer. It has nothing to do with the pandemic, but rather that over the years, I had to deal with plenty of difficult situations for one thing, and another might be a sign of my age, having lived in four countries where I had to re-learn the admin/fin systems. However, I do not let the mail pile up unopened and my office area is actually in good shape.
There are times when you'd think that a new administrative task is going to be done in a few minutes and suddenly, you've spent the whole afternoon on it.
My anxiety gets physical at times. My heart races for a while after everything is concluded. However, I do have an excellent sidekick: My own brother is very good at untangling problems and he just finished my tax returns for me, so I am fortunate anyway.
@Fradiga Totally, I can understand how dealing with different administrative tasks and financial responsibilities can bring up feelings of worry and anxiety, especially if you've had experiences in the past that have heightened those emotions. However I am glad you have a supportive brother who can help you navigate these tasks and provide assistance when needed.
@ASilentObserver
Yes, and I spoil this brother plenty as well 😃
@ASilentObserver
What type of anxiety do you struggle with?
I struggle with GAD, Social anxiety and PTSD. I must have severe anxiety as well because I become nauseous and throw up.
@reservedTangerine9348 That sounds like a lot to deal with. It sounds like you have been through quite a bit. What has it been like for you experiencing all of this?
@ASilentObserver Social related anxiety and fears. Being judged, how I am perceived. Being very outgoing when confortable, but very introverted and closing myself off when not comfortable. "Shrinking" more and more, the more people are involved. And becoming passive over the fear of taking initiative and doing it wrong or getting judged or having all the responsibility on me.
@Michelh1996 social situations cause you stress because you worry about being judged and feeling like you're always responsible. How do these feelings make you feel?
@ASilentObserver True, they cause me to always be very aware of how I am perceived and how I look. Which causes some insecurities.
Also, I focus a lot on other peoples body language or messaging in tone of voice and stuff like that. I take this all in and jump to conclusions because of this. Like if I get the idea that someone cares, I can be more open and pro-active. If I get an idea of something that makes me unfomfortable, I jump tot that conclusion and things become more negative in my mind. And more often it is the second of course.
@Michelh1996 I hear you and can relate when you have high self-awareness which is good thing but at same time it tends to increase your anxiety. What would you recommend to a friend who had these challenges?
@ASilentObserver I always hear people say that it is often in your head, because people are not always busy with judging you, as they are way more aware and busy with their own toughts, problems and how they are perceived by others. That might give a calming idea and can help being more pro-active, and join in with conversation or just do something without worrying too much about what others think.
Recently I also started seeing a therapist who noticed these patterns and want to explore self-worth further with me, as a lot of this is in your own head. So I will try to learn more about this topic in relation to recommendations and tricks hopefully in the near future.
@Michelh1996 you're already taking steps towards understanding and improving your situation by seeking therapy. It's good that you're working on identifying the root causes of these feelings and developing coping strategies. Please know everyone has different comfort levels when it comes to social interactions, and there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Finding activities that bring you joy and connecting with supportive individuals can make a difference. Also, please know that it's okay to take things at your own pace and set boundaries when needed. Sometimes all we can do is try.
@ASilentObserver It is an amazing question btw, to turn the tables and your perspective and see how you would help someone else with it or something like that. I remember I recent prompt post as well about this and how to help someone else with this which can also help yourself reflect!
@ASilentObserver social anxiety...
@tealCircle3806 I am sorry to hear that social anxiety has been challenging for you. What aspects of social interactions cause you the most anxiety?
@ASilentObserver When i have to speak up in front of a large crowd or people I do not know. When I need to interact with strangers make me anxious.
@tealCircle3806 public speaking and interacting with strangers cause you the most anxiety. Those can be difficult situations for many people. How do you typically handle these situations when they arise?
@ASilentObserver I have social anxiety I think. I don't leave the care home, cause people are scary, the world is scary. And I don't think the way I look will be accepted, people will run away screaming, or say mean things. I even panic if say something wrong on here, or think I've done something to anger someone. Anger is my biggest fear.
@Tinywhisper11 I have the same fears. It's awful. I try to take small steps by walking outside. I always feel like people are judging me ugh....
@Tinywhisper11 I hear you tiny, social situations bring up a lot of fear for you. You feel scared about what other people might think of you, and this keeps you stuck in your safe space. Can you tell me more about what it's like for you to have social anxiety?
I struggle with GAD, but mostly health anxiety and worrying about my children getting sick. Covid has intensified my anxiety and I’m struggling to return to normal life.
@TheAnxiousMommy I am sorry to hear you're going through a challenging time with your anxiety and worries about your children's health. The added stress of COVID-19 is understandably making it harder to cope. What's been weighing most heavily on your mind lately?
@ASilentObserver
i did not know there were dif anxieties but i worry about everything now even small things
@alysianna It sounds like you have been experiencing increased worries about many things lately, even small things that might not have bothered you before. Feeling anxious about so much can be overwhelming. What kinds of things trigger your worries?
@ASilentObserver
mostly tests and the stress to packing
My anxiety comes from others mental illness. If I live in an unhealthy spot. Bad habits kick in to relieve stress. Never good. Sometimes when I leave certain environments. My stress levels decrease. First I thought it was myself. People around me don’t want help. Then you are in contentment in others problems or concerns.
@MoonLightShadow423 you have noticed that being around certain people or living in specific places can trigger your anxiety. You are not alone in feeling this way, as sometimes our environment plays a significant role in our well-being. What are some of the bad habits that you turn to when you're trying to relieve stress?
It’s complaining, frustration, ignore situations, get lost in an addiction, etc