How has anxiety limited your life?

fear not · Post by **fear not** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 7:01 am

Hello!I was just wandering how having anxiety disorder has or did limit your life?My world has become so small that it's really starting to scare me.I have trouble taking a shower because i start having anxiety in there or panick.I make myself take one everyday regardless but I really struggle with this.I haven't been able to drive in over 2 years.I have trouble leaving the house.I have been forcing myself to go out because I'd let myself become housebound for almost 2 years and finally realized that I'd had enough.It's very hard when I do go out!I have anxiety when I talk on the phone alot of the time.I even get really anxious around my family.I've been critically judged by alot of people.I have so much more to offer but this disorder has me trapped!My dream is to serve God and help people who are hurting.Let's just say I know what it feels like to have a sick soul.I've been very heartbroken.Not over any one thing but several things.It's just unbelievable that I'm unable to do the simplest things without a struggle.Please tell me that someone can relate.Am I losing my mind?Any posts would be so appreciated.God Bless!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 7:12 am

Hello.

I can relate.

At my worst I wasn't leaving my apartment, and I found many ways to avoid going out. I would shop online, submit homework to my professors by email, and only order take-out food from restaurants where you could place your orders online.

If it wasn't for my mom and my boyfriend (now he's my husband) I don't think I would have ever left my apartment. Sometimes, when the depression really kicks in, I feel like I can't leave the apartment...but they notice and try to help me.

Hang in there. This program is really helping me. xoxo

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 7:17 am

fear not,
I know where you are!!! I started with one panic attack, and ended up at home for 8yrs..
The more we avoid, the harder it is do anything.
It is horrible, but we allow ourselves to be so afraid, of ONE thing, it multiplies into LOTS of fears.
FREE yourself!! Anxiety cant harm you! Keep doing the program and everything it says,,, You will overcome anxiety and fears!!
There are healthy fears, but what we have isnt healthy fears.. They are fears from symptoms brought on by excess adrenilin.. Keep working, keep getting out,, keep floating through the fear and the symptoms!!! I did!! I no longer have to stay in my house, i drive again, i lead a very fullfilling life , AGAIN! You can to!!! Take care Nelly:)

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 7:40 am

omg yes...after reading all of these messages I have made a promise to myself that I will get the mail today & not ask my son to do it. My car will be paid for in 10 months & I can't drive it, my husband has to take it for a spin ever so often or else we just spent almost 5 years paying for an expensive thing that just sits in the garage. The shower thing too. This is sad but I have gone 5 days before w/o a shower because I am sure as soon as I am out someone will need me to do something. I stay in pj's all day everyday, shop on line, husband does all grocery shopping. Dang, it's lookin sad, huh? Nope, nope...not going there again...I am leaving right now to go check the mail...wish me luck

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 7:46 am

I didn't rad all the posts, just yours. I haben't chcked the mail in days! I get the same way with the shower and everything else you have said. My cae, a sweet classic little Jag. So pretty. So not used like it should be. Scared to progress with the program but I know I should and will do so today after reading your post, Thanks. When you feel like it is only you doing these strange things, it hard to believe that anyone could understand.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 8:08 am

You are not goint crazy I get the same way. the shower thing just started with me about a month ago. I have no idea but it seems so stupid in my mind because it is us getting clean. Sounds funny when you think about it. I hate going out as well I make myself go somewhere every day though because I feel like it is Satans way of stopping us from doing what God is leading us to do. I feel like if we are homebound then we can't serve God. I stopped going to church because of the anxiety I get. That and one of the people in the church caused me bad anxiety. That I am sure was satan! Every day I make myself go somewhere I wouldn't usually go. It is getting easier. I pray that you will be able to handle this and taking baby steps helps. Today I posted something about my day it is called changes. I don't know if you are in the prayer group or not but we would love to have you if not. It is also posted for the time and number. God bless and remember God doesn't give us anything that we can't handle and psalms 91 tells us of his pertection. You will be okay God is always with us. Try if you have a shower curtain to have it open a little bit it helps me and going out I start singing and I turn up the radio to drown out my own thoughts. Remember to just breathe!
Your sister in Christ,
Jennifier

Gman5256 · Post by **Gman5256** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 8:28 am

Since 14 I was anxious, in my 20's & 30's I notice an increase in my mind of negative thoughts, recently injured for a pull muscle and bad lower back at 46, I was in DEEP pain and my stress and anxiety started tightning up on me. I know what It is, when I feel it. I stop drinking coffee, because it was make my adrenaline skyrocket. Driving long distance makes me anxious. But I make myself do it. I have to challenge myself. I will take the long way, at least I would get there through town, but once I arrive, then HEY is wasn't bad at all.
Everything is OVER the top, it just the hormone inbalance we have in our bodies. They say in Fight or FLIGHT, so I choose to Fight. When i come around and I get pressure in my head, my neck tense up, I know OH it's here and then i meditate or chill, until it pass. Call a friend to change my position and thoughts. Share with someone you trust, someone you can really count on to be supportive. We are together in this, so I will continue to improve. I believe in GOD then I believe in ME.

deedee00 · Post by **deedee00** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 9:06 am

Hello!Thank you for helping me and I'm glad that I could help some of you!Did you make it to the mailbox?I was wishing you luck.I had to laugh because I had just asked my son if he'd get the mail.He wouldn't so I guess that I'm on my way to the mailbox too.I plain on making a trip to the drugstore later also.Jennifier thank you so much for your post.I believe the same way when it comes to satan trying to stop us from doing Gods will.I also refuse to let that happen.I would love to be apart of the prayer group!I live in Indiana so what would be my time to call?Thank you guys so much!God Bless all of you!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 9:09 am

Hello! Anxiety disorder takes all the life out of my soul. I have anxiety disorder and major depression. Been on meds for over 20 years and hope I will get off them one day. Everyone in my family has it too so we feed off one anothers anxiety. I don't swim because I fear I will drown myself or others. I don't socialize because I feel others are waiting to attack me. For many years I wanted to die but didn't want to hurt my children by taking my life and the symptoms go on and on. Now, I recognize from starting the course that I do talk negatively to my inner self all day long. My world is very small. I don't leave the house unless I have to. But now I feel excited, hopeful, and feel like I am starting to live a little because I know I create this world and I now have the tools to stop it.

Tendertouch · Post by **Tendertouch** » Wed Mar 05, 2008 9:31 am

I have been anxious for as long as I can remember. I bought this program many years ago and it is wonderful. We never get over being stressed/anxious but we learn to handle it better. We have moved way out in the country with no neighbors. With paying bills and shopping online, I realized I had not been off the place for over six month. I rode with my husband today and had a panic attack before we even got out of the driveway! I have recently started having panic attacks again so I am dusting off the StressCenter.com sweet tapes and getting back to a refresher course. Not going has become a habit and I need to practice, practice, practice. I know a panic attack will not hurt me but I certainly don't enjoy the experience!