I need professional help..
My anxiety only started off with the odd stomach problem last summer and now it's just spread out, getting worse and affecting me mentally as well as I'm pushing people who are close to me, out of my life. And I don't want that. I met the most amazing girl a few months ago and we are still together. She's stuck by me through my insecurities but I often fear that one day they are going to push her away from me and today I very nearly did.
My friend keeps trying to persuade me to seek therapy but for some reason I keep holding it off. I'm nervous. Like I'd love nothing better than to talk to somebody and actually get help, but I think what I'm nervous about is telling my family that I've sunk this low. They all think I'm happy and I'm not. I don't really want them asking me questions all of the time, I kind of just want to do this on my own although I can imagine it's one of those things I need their support on.
Anybody out there with a story to share on anxiety/therapy? What should I expect if I go? How do they help? And any advice for me?
Of course looking for help is scary. You're accepting that there is something wrong, and that on itself is a big step to take. But it's a very important one as well. Maybe you can talk about it with someone you really trust in your family? Or write it down in a letter, to make it easier (not face-to-face).
Therapy is very different for everybody. Mostly CBT is used for anxiety treatment. This is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. It learns you how to think different, how to perceive bodily sensations differently etc. It's very helpfull. There's also EMDR, a newer but very effective method. And last, of course, medication. But most of the time this is only used when only therapy isn't enough :)