Has or is anyone else experiencing this?

[nlk259949]

Hi everyone-- I have always been an extremely anxious person. There have literally been very few moments in my lifetime that I have not been worried about something (I am 21). It has now gotten worse, and it seems that there are 5-10 things, if not more, that I worry about each day. Once I resolve one thing in my head, then another issue will come up (I feel like it is the anxiety doing that though, not me). I view anxiety as an evil person (I know, weird) haha, but in my mind, it feeds off of our fear and worrying. The more we are afraid, the more the anxiety will cause us to worry. My problem though, is that I feel like because I have always been so worried and anxious, I have not learned as much as everyone else about the world around me. I have been SO focused on me and fixing my problems, that I have realized I have missed out on learning so many things that I should know, and want to know. Like, for example, stories that people have told me, I barley remember, because the whole time they were telling it to me, I was worried about my problems. I also do this when I am trying to read something, and learn about it. Even if I am not worrying and trying to read something, I still can't retain most of the information (I think subconsciously I am still really stressed out). I also feel like my memory is horrible now because of the stress I place upon myself (not intentionally). I can literally watch a show, and then try to repeat a line from the show right after it is said, and I mess up the wording. It's really embarrassing because I was never like this. I feel stupid most of the time, and I know that I am not, but it still bothers me. I was just curious if anyone else has ever experienced this? And if so, what they do to help? I know that these are common symptoms of extreme anxiety/stress, so I know there are people out there experiencing something similar to this, but I think it'd just be nice to hear from one of these people. Thank you to anyone who responds.

[nlk259949]

Thank you all for your help =)

[JGF25]

Well said!

[new_daddy]

From what philosophers say, first, ask yourself: is this problem an internal or external?
I guess that's a good start.  You can also name your fear.  What do you fear?
I am learning to accept my fears and treat them with respect and I think it helps.
Doing it one day at a time and know that you are never alone, God is with you and your guardian angel also :)

[nlk259949]

Thank you, I am definitely going to check both out, and appreciate you both informing me about them!

[JGF25]

Wonderful...I have not read the Weekes books so I cannot say anything about them but Z says they are good.  I have only read the Self-Communication book and I did find very useful strategies in that one.  So perhaps between the two authors you can find what you need.  Take care.  

[nlk259949]

I think mainly I am just looking for coping mechanisms, or just to hear someone else's story that is similar to mine. I have been through the in's and out's of anxiety most of my life, so I understand it very well, and know what supplements, etc work for me, but I think if someone had some coping mechanisms it might help a lot. Thank you.

[nlk259949]

Thank you so much for responding as well, I really appreciate it. I will have to look into the book you mentioned as well! "They make you realize that those thoughts are borne out of insecurity that you have developed over your entire life for whatever reason," is an extremely good point, because I know that is where my anxiety comes from, and I can pin point what even caused the anxiety in my past. Zeppy also mentioned this, and I do think going back to pin point where the anxiety came from is a really important step in curing anxiety. I take an anti-depressant/anti-stress medication in a very low dose (I'm not big on medications, I am more about naturally healing myself--not judging you at all though, I understand that everyone is different and if medication works for you, than that is really great). But for me, with my experiences, doctors have not been much of a help, just trying to prescribe more medications for me which I don't like, and won't take. I have found that supplements and exercise help me a lot. I do feel like I am living, but just not to the fullest, because I am not completely happy with who I am right now, mainly because of my memory and not knowing as much as others. Anxiety kind of traps us from that. I am definitely a lot better than I used to be, I am happy, and I think more so what bothers me right now is the memory part, which I think will just take time, because I have been through a lot of stress in the past year. My fiancee and I just moved recently though, and it is a good change for us, I know we are both a lot happier in a new town, away from a lot of the stressors! Thank you both for your reply's.

[JGF25]

There is also another book called self-communication by Joseph Luciani.  What you have sounds a lot like what I have.   My OCD thoughts lead to anxiety.  Z is right, the first person you should talk to is a doctor.  If a therapist is out of reach, then visit your general doctor.  Together you can figure out what will work best for you.  The books are a good starting point though.  They make you realize that those thoughts are borne out of insecurity that you have developed over your entire life for whatever reason.

I am a "what-if" person, a catastrophizer with my thoughts, however, medication has helped me.  I am not saying that medication is for everyone.  This is a personal choice.  But there is a way to take back your life.  The thoughts are more than likely fictions.  You can try to remind yourself of that and then think of something more constructive to replace that thought.  I know exactly how you feel when you say you get rid of one and then another replaces it.  I have been there.  I wish you be best and I hope that you do take up the recommendation to visit your doctor and see what options are available to you.  

You say you are not "living."  Take back you life nik.  Best of luck to you and I hope to see a post from you in the future that says "I am finally living my life."  

[nlk259949]

Thanks so much I really appreciate your response. It helps knowing other people have been through this. I will look into the books that you are talking about, they sound like they might help a lot. Thanks again!

[Zeppy]

Hi Nlk -

Have you tried reading any of Claire Weekes books?  They have helped
many deal with GAD (Generallized Anxiety Disorder).

And yes, I have had the same as you, and other - this is Life 101.  I believe many have had the same as you but people deal with it differently.  For example my friend has a fast heart rate sometimes when working out - but he never thinks of it.  Doesn't bother him.  Not even a glimer of a thought given to it.  But he hates chewing gum.  Literally, and seriously hates it.  Scared of it.  A full blown phobia.  Why are we like this?  Who really knows ... we can only try and deal with everything life gives us the very best we can.  One step at a time.  

Give yourself a break. You are not perfect and life will throw you ALOT of curveballs, I mean ALOT.  You have to decide if you are going to step up to the plate and swing at them, or if you are going to stay in the dugout.  
Choices.  Happen every day for you and for me and for all of us.  

Also, get to the root of your issues.  Rewind your clock and think about times when you were younger and issues that may have come about.  Anything is helpfull for you to understand how you came to this point.  You may think you just "woke up with this" ... but you did not.  This has been developing inside you, just as love does, just as your teeth develop ...

Furthermore, if you have the possibility, you should speak to a professional who may be able to put all this randomness together for you.

Best of luck to you

Z