family support?

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-24-2007
family support?
22
Wed, 01-24-2007 - 12:43pm
Hey everyone...I have been @ war with my anxiety since I was a teenager, and just really expressed to my family just how bad it is. I worry 24/7, can't sleep, avoid social situations because when I am nervous I shake really really bad and it has taken over my life. It's so over-whelming, and it is hard to talk to anyone in my family because they don't understand. I have been told that " It's all in your head " and that hurts. My family means the world to me and they have always been there for me, no matter what. It just seems that they don't know how to approach my situation. Any advice?
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-24-2007
Mon, 01-29-2007 - 10:42am

Nice to meet you... thank you for the advice, I think I started to get thru to my boyfriend. He is becoming very supportive about me getting and feeling better. I have not started therapy yet, but I am to start this week. Talking to someone who understands what I am going thru, and is there to help will help soooo much. (At least I hope so) I have faith that I can get thru this. Take care...and again, thank you.

Mandi

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-24-2007
Mon, 01-29-2007 - 10:48am

I feel so lucky that I came across these message boards! I have only been visiting for about a week, and let me tell you it has helped me. It is as if my confidence has been boosted because I now know that I am really not alone. Everyone is so supportive. I just want to give everyone a big hug! I currently don't have the internet at my home, but I am working on getting it turned back on. Long story...but I really can't wait to join in on the chats, I think that will also play a big part in my "therapy." Thank you for being you and being so supportive.

Mandi

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-24-2007
Mon, 01-29-2007 - 10:55am

It's okay...I feel the same way. I want to offer advice, but just don't know the right words to say. I get so frustrated with my family sometimes because they expect me to things that my anxiety prevent me from doing, and it makes me feel worse. Your family is supposed to be unconditional with love and support, but that doesn't always seem like the case. I do agree that if you do not have anxiety that you really can't even begin to understand what it is like to walk everyday in our shoes. Thank you for taking the time to shed some light...

P.S. Your children are adorable! I can't wait to start my own family.

Mandi

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-24-2007
Mon, 01-29-2007 - 11:03am

WOW...I didn't know that you could get anxiety from different chemicals in foods. That is something I would like to do some research on. Have you tried eating organically? My Mom is a health nut and only eats organic food. It is actually really good and great for you.

Some days I feel like I could conquer this easy and other days I don't even want to
attempt to get out of bed. I guess you just have to take one day at a time. I am working on getting my internet turned back on...Long story, but as soon as I do I will be posting and emailing more often. I can tell you that I feel like I have a new set of friends that understand me in a way that no one else can.

Take care...and I am here for you. Much support and comfort...

My email is ptmj@iup.edu

Mandi

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Mon, 01-29-2007 - 1:25pm
This question is way off topic, Mandi. I read your e-mail addy. Are you a PA girl? I'm very familiar with IUP;) Just wondering. jan

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iVillage Member
Registered: 01-24-2007
Mon, 01-29-2007 - 1:31pm
Sure am! Bored and raised! That's awesome!
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Mon, 01-29-2007 - 1:44pm
I am NW PA born & bred;) Sounds like a horse. LOL Also, a grad of CUP. My gf's dd graduated from IUP this spring. Two cousins & one of their hubbies grad from IUP a few years back. I have friends in the area & visit often. Someday we'll meet for coffee! jan

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Community Leader
Registered: 10-22-2001
Mon, 01-29-2007 - 3:01pm
Hugs and my heart goes out to you!
Nightangel
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-29-2007
Mon, 01-29-2007 - 6:19pm

I understand how frustrating it is to explain to family. The Anxiety/Phobia workbook (author last name Bourne) has a sample letter for telling people you have agoraphobia (or something like that) Anyway, it might be a good start for how to word your own letter. Writing it and sending it are two different things. If you are like me, you might write that letter a hundred times and never send it. But after writing the facts over and over, I felt pretty confidnet in talking about the basics and I was suprised at how easy the info came out of my mouth. About half my family began to understand. Some people will never get it but when you feel good saying it, that's half the battle anyway right? When I hear "Get over it, I say something like positive and affirming like "Actually, I am. Guess what I jut did!!" and then I tell them some

Peace and good luck to you

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-24-2007
Wed, 01-31-2007 - 9:21am

Sounds great! I just graduated in December 2006 with a B.A. in Journalism. It's a small world! Can't wait to meet you!~

Mandi