New to trying to understand my anxiety

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-30-2006
New to trying to understand my anxiety
5
Tue, 05-30-2006 - 6:09pm

I, in my early 20s, have just recently started to truly deal with my anxiety (or even accept that I have an anxiety disorder) and I'm finding it really difficult. In my quest to understand the roots of my anxiety more I have been finding that I've been having more panic attacks than I used to. I don't know if that is because I am also simultaneously under a great deal of other stress or because I am now more cognizant of the panic attacks but either way, its getting scary and hard. I don't want to become overly dependent on my therapist but it is scary sometimes to feel like this is never going to go away.

I'm terrible about catastrophizing and I'm wondering if anyone out there has been through this and can tell me if its normal, if its going to get better or even just let me know what techniques work best for you.

thanks.
~Kelsey

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Tue, 05-30-2006 - 7:57pm

Hi Kelsey & welcome!

Sheri Ann

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Tue, 05-30-2006 - 10:10pm

Hi, Kelsey! Nice to have you stop into our caring community for support. You are NOT alone. Dealing with the root of our anxiety can be very painful, leading to more anxiety. Just what we don't need): It hurts to get better.


As for becoming dependent upon your therapist, it has been known to happen. In my experience, that happens to folks who are very needy. A professional therapist knows the signs of dpendency before it gets carried too far & has ways of dealing with it. Your *T* would speak frankly to you about it. If you are worried, you could ask about it. Perhaps like many of us with anxiety disorders, you don't like to depend on others for help. Others have posted that they didn't consider their disorders as being as *real* or as legitimate, as diabetes for example. They wanted to make themselves better & felt guilty for reaching out or even neglected seeking help. I commend you for searching for answers. You are on the right path.


We are all great *what iffers.* I know I make mountains out of molehills. That is par for the course. It has taken me many years to deal in the reality of situations & keep things in perspective. That will come in time. For now, you are doing the best you can. Check out our *coping tips & tricks* folder below for ways to calm yourself when the catastrophic thinking begins. Belly breathing & meditation have helped me alot.

 

 


 



iVillage Member
Registered: 01-21-2000
Wed, 05-31-2006 - 7:08am

Hi Kelsey!
My name is Yaddiya, and I just found out that I have Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) earlier this month at the age of 33. I was a little different though. I couldn't really identify what was wrong with me, since I didn't feel that I needed therapy until I was having problems keeping a good permanent job. At first, I thought it was not really knowing what I wanted to do with my life despite earning my Masters in my field. Then, I thought it was a hearing problem, but then, I found out my hearing was ok. Then, my Family Practice (FP) doctor then suggested me seeing a psychologist, and that's when he diagnosed me with GAD.

I too don't really like being too dependent on my psychologist more so though because even though my dh and I have insurance, we don't like paying that much for services if at all it can be helped. We're trying to save especially with the advent of our first child being born. My doctor though suggested breathing exercises and forming a positive support network as the main remedies for my GAD. I have to admit, since I've been practicing the breathing exercises since early May, it actually has made me feel better. Even my brother admits that I sound calmer.

Try the breathing exercises, and maybe eventually, if you change your mind, a little therapy *if* those techniques don't work. I didn't think I needed it (therapy), but I so wanted to continue with my life, I really had no choice. So far, it's really helped me. Just a thought.

Yaddiya

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-10-2005
Wed, 05-31-2006 - 7:43am

Welcome Kelsey! You'll find tons of support here.. this board is awesome! Hope to see more of you!

Check out my blog! A Hesitant Housewife
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-02-2003
Wed, 05-31-2006 - 10:52am

Hi Kelsey, I have not read any of the other post but I think this is something we have all gone thru.It is just a shock to find out that you have got something that will probably be with you the rest of your life and you can't see or touch it, for me it was the thought of taking medication forever.I was diagnosed over 20+ yrs and I only see my therapist 3-4 x's a yr.and that is just for 20min. to do check on meds (a law thing).No matter what your trigger is, just thinking about our problem will make it rear its ugly head. that is one of the reasons I don't post very often because it brings on my symptons where others find comfort in talking. Hang in there because it WILL get better. Debbie