I have anxiety

[leigh81]

 Hi Im Leigh,
Im 24 and been dealing with what the doctors call anxiety, however I just feel like Im gonna die. Im working on 3 1/2 yrs now. Im very frustrated if anyone has any suggestions please let me know. Im glad to know Im not the only one in this situation I think that scares me the most thinking Im the only one with the problem.

[Chibling]

Hey Leigh,

I have had a generalized anxiety disorder ever since I was a child. I was always very shy and would blush easily. Being shy and extra sensitive tends to make you more at risk for developing such a disorder. I also suffer from a negative disposition, I have difficulty thinking positively and have suffered from depression in the past. It is a very difficult disorder to have as it affects your self esteem and prevents you from living life as you normally would. I find myself haveing irrational thoughts and behaving negatively to others when I am highly anxious. When im experiencing an anxiety attack my heart rate goes very fast and I panick about everything thats worrying me as I predict the most distasterous outcome possible for everything. I have decided to try this forum to gain support and advice. I am going to try and get some therapy as well. I would like to think more positively, have a higher self esteem and better anxiety coping mechanisms eventually. Breathing is very important, google some breathing techniques, this is a good stress releiver. Most importantly know that you are not alone, many people have anxiety and you may not even know it

-Brandon

[apple]

I have suffered for 15 years. I am by no means cured yet but I am getting ahead.  I would suggest you talk to the doctor about medications ( I have a post under medications and therapy that can help with considering which meds are in which category, works on different parts of the brain)  this way you can get some assistance with the physical symptoms of anxiety while you get other help.  Then be sure to ask for a behavior Therapist. The behavior therapist will help you regain control.  Most of our anxiety comes from the way we think or react to things in our life.  They can help us reprogram the way we think and react.

I believe the combination of the right medication and behavior therapy is the key.  I am still in therapy and I have come so far, I have more hours of calm and normality now than anxiety.  Each week seems to get better.

I hope everyone could suffer less by knowing more