A message to all: keep fighting

[breynolds95746]

   Hey all, so I've been dormant on this site for a few months, but let me just say that since I first found anxietyzone, I've met dozens of strong and fighting people, hanging on and fighting through every disorder and anxiety known to humankind. I just want to say, from the bottom of my heart, that I wish the best to all on here. I hope to be able to help anyone on here that has any questions about handling stress. For all of you that are feeling weak-hearted, you should know that life is one big struggle.
   When I was newborn, all of 19 years ago, my parents told me that I cried on and off all night. I whined. I was a complete mess. They called my pediatrician frantically, asking if anything was wrong or if they could do anything about me. You know what the good ol' doc told them: "Your baby is a worry that you are going to have to worry about for the rest of your life- deal with it"
   This seems harsh I know, but that is the true key to handling stress and the pressures we face day to day. It is blunt, but isn't the world in general? We must learn to deal with our problems, because there will always be anxiety looming around the corner. When we are children, we shed tears over scrapes on our knees and poor Christmas gifts. When we are teenagers, we moan and groan about popularity and SAT scores. When we reach full maturity, we shake and grimace over our career situations and the economy. It is all a cycle, but fortunately if you are reading this, you are going in the right direction. Everyone is- you have the strength to turn to the community, turn to others for assistance. We are all here for you, whoever you are, to lean on. And we always will be. It may not be me or any of the other brave comrades on this site, but it will be your friend, your wife or husband, or maybe even your grumpy old mother in law who hates everything about you but for some reason is a good listener.
   You all are strong. Every single one of you. Believe it. Always. Keep up the fight all!

BR

[darkeye]

Thank you for posting that... i have been having a paticularly bad day today and reading that has kind of just put it in to perspective for me and given me the strength and encouragement that i need to make it through another day... Thank you again
Take Care
D x

[justanothernervousgirl]

Thanks for this. Today's rough, but I know I can make it through. I'm staying strong.

[breynolds95746]

hey guys, it makes me very happy that I was able to help. Keep up the battle, we all have our bad days sometimes, and though it sucks, just know that itll definately get better:) glad to help:)

Take it easy

Brad

[SASKRS]

Thanks. I needed to hear this. I just went back on meds yesterday after 5 years without. I needed this encouragement to remember that things get better.

[cutebutpsycho]

Thanks, breynolds!
This is similar to something I've been thinking about since I was diagnosed with anxiety (4 years ago this past July!). Those of use with depression/anxiety might tend to think that we're weak. I know I do sometimes. But every morning that we wake up, every day we survive, we're winning the fight! Even if we take steps backward, as long as we survive, we're winning. It was kind of weird to think about that, but I've decided I'll think about it more often. Sometimes I worry that I'm just a pathetic loser. Most people can make it through the day no problem, right? But for me it's a big deal. Instead of thinking, "Oh, that's so sad. Waking up in the morning is hardly a milestone," I try to look at it through those positive glasses I rarely wear. I may have different struggles than the people who are 'normal,' but even though the BIG things to me are 'little' things to them, I'm still doing it! And if it's a big deal to me, then I should feel good about my accomplishments.
I don't know--it was just what I thought of when I read your very encouraging post. Thanks for your thoughts (all of you), and everybody keep up the good work!

cutebutpsycho

[breynolds95746]

    I'm so glad that my post has helped some of you out. This is like my third response on my original post, but I'm truly thrilled to have helped you guys out. I've always wanted to assist those that have to suffer through anxiety and the disorders that come along with it. I never want anyone to ever feel alone and without help. To all those that have come by my message, thank you for taking some time to read what I wrote. I appreciate it. To those that I helped, please stay strong. You all have it in you.
    Cutebutpsycho, I know exactly what you have felt. Feeling sad and feeling pathetic, the thought itself cripples us doesn't it? We want people to help us, but feel pathetic thinking something is wrong with us. Why aren't we normal? Why aren't we doing better or getting well? Its very frustrating. What's worse is that when we are troubling ourselves with our worries, we fret that our "story" or our pain is not unique, and that we do not deserve the attention we get, because there are those that have "real" pain out there (i.e. those with cancer, AIDS, etc). The fact of the matter is, we all have a unique story, and we all are worthy of help and assistance. We are in pain, and while we don't have some cataclysmic disease, we do suffer. And we all need a shoulder to lean on. And thats why we are all here. To bounce back. To help ourselves find our footing and handle our stress. And we all can do it. Thank you for all that are fighting, you are strong, and you are brave. You have nothing but friends here. Keep it up.

Brad