Hey guys,
Just want to say, what a cool site. But then its always nice to be there at the start of something new!
Ok, well, not to disapoint a little background (oh how i love talking about myself
). So I'm 24, a law graduate, and I've had anxiety related issues now for about the past 2.5 years. Sure, if i look back there are probably times in my past before then that i can identify as "anxious" or "depressed" but they were never an issue then, so they dont count!
Anyway, so i started having panic attacks, then GAD due to the panic attacks. Tried to igonre it all and went travelling for 9 months, which was absolutely fabulous! Admittedly very scary at times, and my coping stratagies wern't all that sofisticated (drink, sleep!), but it was amazing, and i will always be glad i found the courage to do it.
Anyway, i got back from that and it got really bad. I became completely agrophobic / socially phobic and had to live under my mothers wing, which at 23 wasn't exactly where i pictured myself!!!
But the point is is that i dont anymore. I suffered desperately for about 6 months, and 1year, 3 months on from that faitfull day of giving up, i am back at work in a good job, living in my own flat with a shiny new girlfriend and we are both planning to move to Brighton (hence finding this on gumtree!!!). So please, whoever is kind enough to read this post DONT LOSE FAITH! You can do it! I would be lying if i said i am completley unsymptomatic these days, but it is in no way dihabilitating. Sometimes i will enjoy things less than i would like, and sometimes i get that "nagging repetative voice" (doesnt that get old quick!) and i can still feel spaced the **** out sometimes, but when i think back to how i was i can do nothing but smile.
I hope this post doesnt seem too self concerned, i just wanted you all to know that this thing IS BEATABLE if you just STAY POSITIVE! And once you have done so you will reap the rewards of a fuller, more enlightened life.
Stay Strong,
Junk
ps. if anyone calls me a hypocrite when i come on here and rant after a bad day then a whole heartedly apologise in advance!
