how to address this?
Hello Anxiety forum.
Thanks for taking the time to read this if you choose to do so.
It hasn't been until recently that I've learned about myself that anxiety has always - and may always be a part of my life. In high school I was incredibly depressed and anxious and I was generally misreable until a couple years into college. I honestly thought that it was something that I'd outgrown, because it was more or less under the radar for a little bit.
After school I moved across the country to go live in San Francisco and got insanely lucky to work as a designer as a startup. I felt so blessed and I still do. But every day for three years now has become increasingly difficult.
I can't shed my fears. They're a burden that I carry around with me constantly. I want so desperately to enjoy my life out here, but I feel constantly plagued. As a result I haven't really made any seriousfriendships out here. Work feels immensely difficult and even toxic at times. I'm constantly afraid and wondering where and what I should be doing with my life. And, the worst part about it is that I've been afraid to talk to anyone about it, it feels like something I should be able to deal with.
Have you found a counselor in your area? A therapist can definitely help you turn your life around and assist with overcoming these issues. Life may not feel amazing right this moment but with some perspective you will see life in a whole new light
It's sad but ironic that every time i've thought about getting help i get anxious about doing so. I've been anxious about the idea of this being my personality for so long that I've always pushed it aside. I don't want to have to deal with the idea that this is me and always will be. Meanwhile the more stressed I get, the more I think about everything and the more destructive I become to myself. I guess I will have to keep trying. Thank you so much :)
The thing is that anxiety is not a part of you. Anxiety is a way of feeling that can be changed like anything else. When you feel sad you do something to cheer-up, right? When you are stressed, you try to relax. Here it's the same: the "medicine" to make anxiety fade, in this case, is someone with whom you can talk and that will help you to understand from where this anxiety comes from. It may seem obvious to you why you are anxious, but trust me, you don't know what your mind can hide. A professionist will make you understand which are the hidden triggers that build up your anxiety and will help you to understand how you can fight them back, or how you can deal with them, or even how you can destroy them. it's not something unchangeable, really.
These feelings are more common than you think so you are not alone! I've been dealing with panic disorder since I was a little kid and didn't get proper help for it until a few years ago. When things are bad the depression and anxiety double up and it's not at allmanagableon my own. Everyone's journey is different but what worked for me is finally getting the medication to help deal with my panic attacks and finding an awesome therapist. I know how debilitating this can be so hope you find what works for you. Best of luck to you!
I understand your fears so much. I never knew that my uncomfortable feelings were anxiety, even when they were debilitating and troubling. I really think you should get help though, even if it's just one session where you figure out with a professional how to cope with it, and then continue those techniques
Hi aqua, I read what you said about looking for a counselor/therapist.The thing is that anxiety is not a part of you. Anxiety is a way of feeling that can be changed like anything else. When you feel sad you do something to cheer-up, right? When you are stressed, you try to relax. Here it's the same: the "medicine" to make anxiety fade, in this case, is someone with whom you can talk and that will help you to understand from where this anxiety comes from. It may seem obvious to you why you are anxious, but trust me, you don't know what your mind can hide. A professionist will make you understand which are the hidden triggers that build up your anxiety and will help you to understand how you can fight them back, or how you can deal with them, or even how you can destroy them. it's not something unchangeable, really.
Apparentlyphone messed up with the posting. It made me believe that my answer was not posted, so that I should write a whole new message instead of replying under yours. Sorry for messing up >.>
You are in a WONDERFUL city for feeling & healing, there are many wonderful resources to blow off steam and air your fears with no judgment. a CoDa meeting is a wonderful place to just get some respite without commitment. Especially when it comes to fears and feeling plagued. If you have never heard of it, I will post a link. You have the
There is a wonderful holistic healing center therehttps://www.sfsu.edu/~ihhs/
and Coda as well, https://coda.org/