sexuality

buddy22 · Post by **buddy22** » Mon Dec 29, 2008 12:10 pm

Does anyone have any experience with questioning their sexuality and how that might be the underlying reason for anxiety and depression?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Dec 29, 2008 1:52 pm

A bit. I've always had anxiety issues, as far back as I can remember. Though this year, when I did come out to my family and friends as bisexual, my anxiety did seem to worsen some. I haven't really gotten back on my feet yet, so I don't know how exactly I can help you.

Sporadic · Post by **Sporadic** » Tue Dec 30, 2008 4:04 am

That is definitely a factor. Unless you grew up in an area of the country where differing sexual orientaions are widely accepted, you no doubt have some anxiety about it. I am gay and was afraid to talk to anyone about it for the first 27 years of my life. I guess I was afraid that people would not accept me or would no longer like me. Over the last 4 years, (I am now 37), I have come out to pretty much everyone that I know. I was amazed that so many people were cool with my sexual orientation and did not treat me any differently than they had before.

Sometimes, I still feel like a teenager who is just learning how to date, etc. I didn't do these things in my youth and it is very hard to do them now.
I suggest that you take a really hard look at your sexuality and go with what feels right for you. Don't let anyone else tell you what your sexual orientation is or should be. I hope this is helpful to you.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Dec 30, 2008 11:55 am

Thanks for sharing. I am 35 and have been struggling with my sexuality for most of my adult life. I live the perfect picture of the "societal norm" for a single male, but know that its just a facade. I am without a doubt, physically attracted to males, but have never been with another guy. While I feel strongly that this is who I am, and am ready to accept this myself, I feel like I must put it to the test before I come out. This is a HUGE step for me to even be writing about this as I am just recently coming to terms with it. Any advice on the next step? I am feeling a great release emotionally just by looking at myself in the mirror and admitting my feelings. I dont want to rush the process, nor do I want to talk to anyone about it until I can say yes I have experienced the physical side and and yes I am gay. I just dont know how to even go about pursuing this...but I want to. Thanks for any help.