I've recently learned about Generalized Anxiety Disorder and realized that I may have suffered from it all my life. I was never able to commit to a career or even graduate school because just the thought of it terrified me. If I try to go to sleep too early at night, I suddenly have this massive rush of pure fear of absolutley nothing. The anxiety has gotten worse in the past couple of years-I seem to go from anxiety to anxiety (a Common theme does seem to be my fear that i'll do something bad) and I seem compelled to keep being anxious. I also seem compelled to deny myself any pleasure at all (possibly,I don't think I deserve any). As I said,I've been wrestling with this all my life-finding out what may be wrong with me has helped but I still feel very much in this alone (I really don't think my family gets it). I'm 49 years old-I'm terrified that it may be too late for me to beat this and have a life and I'm really not sure what to do. DOes anybody have any suggestions?
Hi Lazlo, thank you so much for sharing, I am so happy that you are here with us. I know what it's like to suffer from severe anxiety, although I haven't been diagnosed with a General Anxiety Disorder, it has been overwhelming to say the very least. I have implemented numerous helpful exercises/tools that help me overcome my anxiety, such as meditation, deep breathing, and what helps me the most is stepping away. What I mean by stepping away is to get up, walk away, get outside, go for a walk while doing deep breathing exercises.
I know that it's not too late for you and I know that you can overcome this. Has a medical professional given you any helpful guidance? Please know that I am here for you and here to help you in any way that I can.
Thank you very much for your support and advice.
Of course, I am always here if you need anything or have any questions.
Dear Lazio - I have been diagnosed with GAD. I am 45 and I can tell you that it is never too late to get help and to feel better. The anxiety and panic attacks plague me daily. At night, one thing that I do is that if I cannot fall asleep within 30 monites of gettting into bed, I get out of bed and go into another room. I walk around, I stand outside, I read, I come on the computer, I listen to music, and sometimes I watch TV. When I feel anxious oe feel an attack coming I focus on my breathing and contoling the thoughts in my brain and the speed with which they are flying. I do see both a psychiatrist and a psychologist and I do take Extended Release Xanax and that has made a HUGE difference in my life. Finally I journal all the time. Sometimes I feel as if when I write things down I am getting them out of my head and I can understand and organize them better.
I am here for yoe!
Keepbelieving, thank you so much for sharing your own personal experience with us, it's so helpful to know that you are able to work through the attacks in such a positive way.
Yes,thank you very much,keep believing.
Lazlo, how are you doing and feeling now? I hope you are doing well.
I am feeling much better than when I posted before. Thank you very much for asking.
Lazlo, I am so thrilled to hear that. Please keep sharing with us, we are always here for you.