This is my first post and I'm a bit anxious about it. Ironic, isn't it?
It took me a long time to realize that the anxiety I feel is not normal or at least not something I have to accept and live with for the rest of my life.
I see other people in the world who go through life without worry or anxiety and it amazes me. I'll see people on the train chatting it up or reading the paper casually as if they were home on the couch. I want the level of ease they feel.
I take the train because the anxiety of driving is worse than my anxiety of being around people. I hate being around people but I don't think it will kill me. I was hit by a car when I was about 5, so driving or being in traffic is a problem. On the up side, being as cautious as I am, I have never received a ticket.
I am making progress without medicine. I haven't had a really severe panic attack for about a year or so. I suffer from mild depression sometimes but exercise and positive thinking keeps it from taking a strong hold on me.
My wife has been supportive but deep down I think she believes I need to just suck it up and stop being such a pansy. In discussions I've had with friends some will just come out and express that in their own words.
I am encouraged knowing that anxiety is treatable and curable. This gives me strength to cope with my current state as I work on it. I hope by sharing my struggle that I can help others deal with theirs.
