I Don't Want My Anxiety to Ruin My Friendships
Over the last couple of days, I've been so insecure around my friends. I get anxious worrying that I'm bothering them too much. Maybe I'm talking about my problems too much, maybe I'm bothering them when they're busy, maybe I'm being too negative. Even after their reassurance that I'm a close friend and that I'm not bugging them, they'd even let me know if I was bugging them, no physical signs that I am bugging them, I still worry. I don't want to lose my friends over my anxiety, I love them too much. But what do I do?
@dynamicOwl488
I've been through a similar experience. When I was starting out my first year in college, my close friends and I were all going through tough times. During those times, I felt they handled the circumstances way better than I did and I would feel bad for bothering them and couldn't offer much back. I'm usually emotionally and academically independent, but at the time, it was dififcult to balance everything.They told me they didn't mind helping as I was their best friend. Despite that, I still felt guilty. When I got a lot better, I made it up to them later by being there when they needed help (and offering them gas money whenever they offered me rides).
What made things better for me was when summer vacation started and I had time to process everything and find better ways to cope with my depression and anxiety. I would do activities that I enjoy, like watching my favorite shows, reading my favorite stories, and journaling my thoughts and reading those entries.I hung out with close relatives that invited me over too. I also thought about the things that were contributing to my anxiety. I remember talking to my friends a lot about losing sleep, overthinking too much, changing my college major, and family medical problems. Finding the root cause(s) of your anxiety and improving that will turn things around. Often times, it's more than one cause. Try to be open-minded. Give yourself and your friends some space too so no one gets overwhelmed by one another.
@dynamicOwl488
Welcome! Im Lizzy and Im currently a trained listener and intern. I hope you find what you are looking for here in 7 Cups. Please feel free to message me whenever. I will usually reply within the day and if Im online, you should expect a reply straight away! I specialise in anxiety, panic attacks and loneliness mostly but you are always free to message me for other reasons!
https://www.7cups.com/15248074
