Crying seems to be the greatest built in form of distraction and such a powerful tool. We should all use it and not feel guilty. It is there for a reason and it works even for men such as me.
Davit, Who is not a wimp but cries when the need is there.
Crying is good, it's a release and it helps me organize my feelings. You don't have to do anything with yourself, just be and you're doing a good job at it. I think it's very courageous of you to still get through the things you are doing. Let us know how everything goes!
Hi A90: Congratulations on taking the first step towards your healing and wellness plan! That did take courage. I think crying after seeing the GP was excellent as it is a great release of stress and pretty normal. Good luck on your exams.
Welcome to the program and support group. It is reassuring to know that we are not the only ones out there with these problems. The course here does take time and sometimes it does feel like it is moving slowly but it does get better. Congratulations on your decision to talk to your G.P. that took a lot of courage. This is something I haven't had the courage to do yet. I am happy to hear that he gave you a name of a CBT therapist. It sounds like you have made some really good progress. It must of been a relief to talk to your doctor and get it out in the open. I can see how this would be a release and bring you to tears. I understood you to say public transportation is a problem for you. I was wondering if it you be possible for you to take some time away from your studies and do some exposure work relating to this. They have chapters in this program that deal with this, doing exposure work. The 10 question list in chapter 3 Challenging your anxious and negative thoughts maybe a good place to start. Let us know how it goes. Someone is usually one line reading posts and will have a comforting ear and may offer you some advice on how they are dealing with a similar situation.
Thank you all so much for the kind words and for sharing, it really does help to know that there are people out there who are going through the same as I am! I'm chipping away at the course on this site slowly, I'll admit its gone a bit to the wayside lately with exams and work etc..I also took your advice and went to see the G.P yesterday, we both agreed that meds weren't the way for me at the moment and he gave me the number for a CBT therapist in my town, I'll admit I havent worked up the courage to call her yet! I will though...I want to get on top of this! It helped talking to him yesterday, and I haven't felt overly panicky or anything since, I've actually been very numb..I suppose now that it's out in the open I dont need to bottle it up anymore and to be honest, I dont know what to do with myself! I spent most of yesterday crying after I'd visited the G.P and I have to say, it wasn't the reaction I was expecting of myself. I don't know which way is up at all. I've to go back up to college in the morning, to do an exam...Public transport is a real weak point for me as regards anxiety..I'm hoping I keep it together, for myself and my own sanity moreso than anything else..I've to get back to my study now though(yay)...Thank you all again for the support, I don't know where I'd be without this course and these forums!
I used to be such a happy person too and I never let worry get in my way, so it was such a shock for me when anxiety came into my life too. I was also away from my family and when i came back, the change was so drastic and depressing and very lonely for me. I couldn't believe that a few months ago, I was partying with friends or traveling or going to school/working, but suddenly getting out of the house was even frightening. It was really disappointing and shocking. But now I am in a better state from the 'shock'... I've stopped remembering my past and fearing my future, far less than then.. but it took time, because I really had to slow down.. my life was really speedy.. and I didn't even have to consider how speedy it was because it was so fast. And I was doing a lot... had friends, a job, school, family. But the best way I've come to a better state, is being ok with me... I mean, I still have a lot to work on, but knowing to like myself without the people who let me like myself, in my past. I had a lot of people and things that used to represent me that i was able to hid in back of but now that anxiety has taken all that away, it gets lonely, but eventually i learned to find ways to enjoy myself without the attachment of people. But you're doing good at venting here. keep doing it and learn yourself. best wishes.
I am not advocating the use of meds here but I suffered with anxiety for over 20 years....hiding from it,fighting it, getting mad at myself and thinking I should be able to cure it. I've pretended so many times that I was physically ill I actually made myself sick...anyhow, I wish I had talked about my problem to a doctor years ago..and maybe try a medication. I am taking a SSRI for almost 3 weeks, and feel so much calmer (not perfect) but I see my negative thoughts decreasing and the positive increasing. I was at "rock bottom"..not being able to function at all at work. I'm doing this program (slowly) and have found it so helpul.... I don't think I would have been calm enough to concentrate with out the med. Stay here and listen to the thoughts of these great people...don't forget to post/vent!
Hi A90: Sorry you are going through such a tough time. I've been there, I was so frustrated too and thought I had to live like that for the rest of my life, afraid and exhausted. Ever heard of the saying "when you're down, there's no other way but up"? You have found this site and if you read past posts you will see that this CBT program works! Take it one step at a time, don't rush through any chapters. Have you seen a doctor and told him/her everything you have written here? They know so much about anxiety disorders nowadays and I'm sure they will be helpful. You can fill in the questionnaire at the beginning of this program and bring it with you to the doctor. This is not a mental illness and there is no shame in asking for help "for your nerves". Whether you decide to take medications, usually SSRI's, or not will be up to you and the advice of your doctor. However, speaking for myself, I found it most helpful to take SSRI while studying the CBT program. As the medication worked - no more panic attacks, and I was then able to relax enough to learn all CBT teaches. People often talk about side effects of the medication and how afraid they are of taking them, etc. I have found the side effects for the first couple of wks. to be nothing that bad and they don't last. Please don't hesitate to ask for help from you doctor. What have you got to lose? We are here to support you whatever you decide.
Thank you for opening up and sharing this with us. I can hear your frustration with how you have been feeling lately. The program is really great for tackling much of what you are experiencing. Have you worked through the program at all? It will help you to better understand panic and learn how to challenge negativity. There are also more specific sessions on relaxation, worry, shyness and sensitivity. Take a look through the program, work through the sessions at your own pace and also make use of the session tools.
Exams can be a stressful time,be sure to focus on studying and use the box breathing and progressive muscle relaxation techniques to help you relax.
You are not a downer A90, we are always here to support one another.
It’s been a while since you were active on this site. Please extend your session below
You have been logged out due to inactivity.
Please sign back in.
We use cookies to help us learn about how our platform is used and how we can improve your experience. To
learn more please see our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
