That's great Cheryl thanks for sharing. I hope you reach your destination too! Most people that are close to me are aware that I am suffering from bad anxiety, however It always seems to me that they just don't quite get it. I haven't actually met anyone who suffers from anxiety like I do and can relate with my experience of it, that's why it's so encouraging to hear from all of you to make me aware that it is a common illness and it can be overcome. I find being a Christian I learn to lean on God and call upon his help, knowing he understands me completely gives me a sense of peace about it all. 

Ashley, Health Educator

My ex was a bit supportive at first but it eventually pushed him away and that's why he's my ex now. So from that I've had a hard time to admit/say that I have, espeically agoraphobia and anxiety disorder. But I was able to tell one friend and then she shared me about her anxiety as well. After that I've told another person and they were just 'cool' about it, it didn't make them stop being my friend. so now I'm eager to just tell people who ever come into my life now.. and if they have a problem with it and let me know, then I will know not to rely on them. But it's not easy for me to say it still. but it's a relief when I find someone like me, so i'll take the risk.

Hi Josie, just to clear up one sentence below...I was saying if she got help, she would call it "personal growth", while for me it was seen as "therapy", contrasting us.  I thought that really hurt

Members,

It is often difficult to share the difficulties you are currently experiencing with friends and family. Many often debate as to whether or not informing family and close friends would be beneficial.

Remember, what you tell your friends and family is up to you. What you can say probably depends on what your friends and family are like. Some people may try to understand your problems and respond to you with support. Others may not understand and have trouble supporting your efforts to get better. Seek support from those who are most likely to give it.

If you decide to tell a good friend or a supportive family member about your anxiety, just tell them the facts. Tell them that you believe that you're struggling with anxiety and that you're trying to do something about it. If you've been trying to hide your anxiety from someone, sharing this information may help them understand your behavior.  If you tell them that you have a problem and that you're working on it, good friends and supportive family members usually want to know how they can help.  Tell your good friends and family that just knowing that they're trying to understand your depression and support you is important to you.  You can tell your supporters that they can help by learning more about anxiety. The more they understand it, the better they can help. If you're having trouble explaining how you're feeling, you may decide to point them in the direction of this web site.

Below are a number of general suggestions for what you might say to friends and family members who want to help you cope with an anxiety disorder:

• Only offer to help me if I ask you
• Try to let me be in control of my treatment and recovery even if it seems that I want you to take charge
• Try to stay positive, and be patient with me
• Be prepared for my successes and setbacks

We now invite the members of the group to share how they told their family and friends. We also invite anyone who may be struggling with this problem to share it among the group so that solutions may be brainstormed!