Need ideas on support

[JolliX]

I haven't been diagnosed yet (appointment with doctor next Tuesday), but I'm pretty sure I have some very bad anxiety issues. I need tips on finding support for this regardless of what it really is. I plan to keep my friends and family filled in on what is going on, but I feel like I should have someone that is unbiased as my "support buddy". Someone has started me (just yesterday I admit) on writing a journal of thoughts, feelings, etc. that I can revisit to see if I am improving and how I am doing. However, due to her own issues, she can't be a support buddy.

 

Also, I want to keep my girlfriend in the loop, but this anxiety has stressed her out a lot, so I don't want to put the burden of this on her. As a matter of fact, things are very rough between us because of this, and I'm not sure she will even stay with me.

 

I need to fix this anxiety for myself, but I admit that she is one of the major reasons I want to fix it.

 

So, I need ideas on where to seek support so that I can keep working on improving. Thank you.

[88monsters]

hi there, i am very sorry to hear about your anxiety issue but i know it's a terrible thing because often i am also trapped in anxiety. i feel that i am constantly living in fear.

 

i guess it's good that you are seeking some help for yourself. for me, i also am trying to help myself. i am definitely not in the best position to advice you or whatsoever, but i do have some suggestions!

 

what works for me, is to read on self-help books or websites. reading them usually inspires me because some of the things they say really do make me look at things from different point of view. also, i like to write down my thoughts and feelings, which i believe you are already doing. i will just write my sadness, worries, fears, frustration, etc so i feel less trapped because i let it all out. recently, i have also started picking up my old hobbies--things that i like to do before i become someone who is so emotional and always over-think. i guess finding something that interests you will help you be more focus on the happier things in your life, and also help to find your self back!

 

most importantly, keep trying and not give up. i know it's very tempting to just give up because it's so tiring to keep trying. there are so many times i feel like giving up. but i hold on to the faith that one day i will lead a happy life again!

 

all the best ok? cheers~

[cerridwen]

It's good to hear a doctor's visit is imminent.

If a diagnosis of Anxiety Disorder is given, ask the doc about local support groups.

Some operate out of hospitals, or as part of a day program, so your physician would be in the know.

Also consider anxiety-focused message boards.

They're not difficult to find with a quick Google search.

While not in-person, they can still be supportive.

As an aside, a girlfriend of mine started listening to Binaural Beats which she buys through iTunes.

She swears they've helped her cope with her situational anxiety.

 

Wishing you well.

[JolliX]

Thank you.

 

I do need to remember to ask my doctor about additional means of support/help for anxiety (or whatever it may be).

 

Good news, I've been succesful at writing enough down (so many pages) that I can at least become excited and happy about dumb little things.

[cerridwen]

Thank you.

 

I do need to remember to ask my doctor about additional means of support/help for anxiety (or whatever it may be).

 

Good news, I've been succesful at writing enough down (so many pages) that I can at least become excited and happy about dumb little things.

 

Are you kidding?!

Dumb little things are the tiny boosts of happiness we need during the day!

Feel free to share any of those things, and we can do the same.

 

Also, tell your gf about your progress so she'll see you're sincere about being responsible for it.

I'm so glad you're headed toward a better place!

[JolliX]

Well the first thing was that I just remembered something (a video of a baby skunks stomping) and posted it on my GF's facebook page. Simple comment from her "This is my favorite video ever." I of course knew she liked it because she had shown it to me in the past.

 

Second thing was that we just received Just Dance 3 at work today (I work in a public library in teen and youth programming). I though, "Holy ****, I forgot there was a third one! I wonder if I can swing putting together a program tonight to challenge the teens?!" I was pretty excited at that thought.

 

Also, since I have been stressing her out, I'm not going to full out contact my GF until tomorrow night. She has midterms for grad school tomorrow anyhow, so she is busy. I just posted that video and sent a small message wishing her luck and asking her if she wanted to going dancing sat night (see, I'm excited about Just Dance 3). I'm not sure if she will want to since things are rough right now, but I wanted to ask. I also plan on having what I have been working on ready in case she ask about it or if she can see it (I am ok with showing her my writings).

Edited November 3, 2011 by JolliX

[cerridwen]

Well the first thing was that I just remembered something (a video of a baby skunks stomping) and posted it on my GF's facebook page. Simple comment from her "This is my favorite video ever." I of course knew she liked it because she had shown it to me in the past.

 

Cute.

 

Second thing was that we just received Just Dance 3 at work today (I work in a public library in teen and youth programming). I though, "Holy ****, I forgot there was a third one! I wonder if I can swing putting together a program tonight to challenge the teens?!" I was pretty excited at that thought.

Cool!

I'm a big supporter of libraries.

They are SUCH a benefit to communities, it always breaks my heart when hours or budgets for them are cut.

And it takes a lot of creativity, patience, and energy to program for YAs.

I hope you take pride in that.

 

So, working in a library, I assume you looked through books/information about anxiety?

There maybe actual workbooks with exercises for coping.

 

Also, since I have been stressing her out, I'm not going to full out contact my GF until tomorrow night. She has midterms for grad school tomorrow anyhow, so she is busy. I just posted that video and sent a small message wishing her luck and asking her if she wanted to going dancing sat night (see, I'm excited about Just Dance 3). I'm not sure if she will want to since things are rough right now, but I wanted to ask. I also plan on having what I have been working on ready in case she ask about it or if she can see it (I am ok with showing her my writings).

Your thoughtfulness is really impressive, OP.

Giving her space, and yourself time to get a handle on the anxiety is smart.

Stay mindful and try not to let the anxiety lead to catastrophizing about the state of your relationship.

Just continue to work on your goals, and stay positive.

Both will impress her.

[KathyM]

I haven't been diagnosed yet (appointment with doctor next Tuesday), but I'm pretty sure I have some very bad anxiety issues. I need tips on finding support for this regardless of what it really is. I plan to keep my friends and family filled in on what is going on, but I feel like I should have someone that is unbiased as my "support buddy". Someone has started me (just yesterday I admit) on writing a journal of thoughts, feelings, etc. that I can revisit to see if I am improving and how I am doing. However, due to her own issues, she can't be a support buddy.

 

Also, I want to keep my girlfriend in the loop, but this anxiety has stressed her out a lot, so I don't want to put the burden of this on her. As a matter of fact, things are very rough between us because of this, and I'm not sure she will even stay with me.

 

I need to fix this anxiety for myself, but I admit that she is one of the major reasons I want to fix it.

 

So, I need ideas on where to seek support so that I can keep working on improving. Thank you.

Your doctor/psychologist should have some ideas on support groups or other resources you can get involved with to help you cope with your anxiety issues. Ask him when you go to your appointment. And don't overburden your gf with this stuff. It will get to be too much for her, and she'll bail on you.