I've had bad anxiety issues for years. It ebbs and flows, but it's always been there. Now, in a critical point in my life where I need to figure out my future and get the ball rolling, it's getting worse. It sucks feeling hopeless and struggling day after day. I know things could always be worse, and I'm grateful for what I have, but it's been a rough couple years and I can't seem to escape the grasp of darkness. I know a lot of my issues revolve around my anxiety problems, but the last few years have left me in financial hell. Some of that is my own fault, and some was bad luck. I want to go to therapy and get better, but I just can't afford it. I have bought some books that help, but they don't do enough. Does anyone have any other solutions? Anything that could help me without therapy? I would greatly appreciate any input.
To quote Homer Simpson: "To alcohol! The cause of... and solution to... all of life's problems" In other words, drink more booze. Or less. I'm not sure where your consumption currently resides.
I think some universities offer help free of charge. Might also want to check into this: http://www.opencounseling.com/ Maybe find a non profit that can help. Maybe even finding a priest or such to talk to?
shut up Lmeister. Anyway rock, here's some advice. first of all, if it is affecting your day to day life, you need to talk to someone. The expense of not doing this will be far greater in the long run, and as lucky said, you can always call him at 2 am to talk, or just check out that website he posted. if you're a drinker, I would highly recommend that you stop for a bit. Alcohol withdrawals can cause severe anxiety even in a light drinker. If you're a heavy drinker, you definitely need to get with someone. Plan out your day and make yourself set a routine. fill empty time with things to do, go to the gym, go for a walk, call your mom, call lmeisters mom, just stay busy. I know that sounds hard, but it really isn't. It's basically what they tell people in recovery, fill your time with something else, this not only cures boredom, but it releases energy in a positive way. lastly, don't be a dolphins fan. ultimate source of anxiety.
Thanks for the replies so far. I rarely drink. As for meditating, yeah the book I have has some techniques and it does help a little, but nothing actually fixes anything. I do all the stuff you mentioned McLovin and it all does help a bit, but nothing actually gets solved. I'm just lost and don't know where to turn. It's scary.
Hey folks, let's not be flippant with a brother who is in trouble. Depression is a deep hole. It can be devastating. It can also require medication which means simply going online, while that can be helpful, may not be enough. Rocky, do not simply try to fix yourself. The suggestion of a university, even a community college, may well be helpful. Also most counties in America have some sort of mental health resources. I don't know your faith perspective but if you are open to it, a lot of church groups have some sort of counseling services often on a regional basis. Lutheran Social Services, Catholic Charities, Good Samaritan, etc are available in a whole lot of communities and most work for a reduced or sliding scale as to fees. Again most of them have relationships with MD's who can prescribe medications if necessary. If you are not a part of a congregation which might be able to refer you then check yellow pages or google online for availability. If I can be any direct help send me a PM and I will do what I can.
Build positive routines and set short term goals for yourself. As you accomplish them it will begin to remove the things causing your aniexity and build habits to keep you from creating new pit falls. There is no easy solution to what your going through but you can do it, you just got put it in your mind that your determined to do it. It gets easier as you go and one day you will look back at your life and wonder how you ever lived that way.
I know how you feel Rocky. I been like this for few years now. My Dr. helped a lot, some medication etc. But like you it never goes away. I worry all the time and I know it only makes it worse. I hope it gets better for you. (for both of us)
What causes the anxiety? Is it caused by the money issues? Social situations/awkwardness? Because you're unsure of yourself? Or from something more personal? I know I've had situational anxiety from the first three and I talked myself through it with some help from my dad. I think a lot of people question themselves at various points in their lives. I'm not a shrink but if it's something not too personal I'd be happy to help if you need to PM. If it something on a deeper level it's not going away til you get a shrink. I had anxiety at two points in my life. One was right after college when life wasn't going how I drew it up. It can be tough when you plan things a certain way and the world craps on your plan and you just don't know what you what you want to do after that falls apart. I work through that everyday and there's no shrink that can help with that IMO. I've come to terms with it and made new plans. That's all you can do with that IMO. The second time was when my dad had a stroke a decade ago. I wasn't sure if he was going to be able to function in everyday life (thankfully he's about 98% recovered). I wasn't prepared to help my mom with the expenses, live at home, pay off car and student loans, etc. it was a lot at once since I wasn't really established in my field and hated what I was doing at the same time. Leaving that job was the best thing I could have done (not necessarily saying that helps any situation where you hate what you do). I went to work for my dad for a year and a half doing basic office work and a little accounting. I also got to help him through physical therapy and help him with his recovery which was rewarding and confidence boosting at the same time. The other stuff worked itself out when I found a new job. Sometimes it just takes a swift kick to get the ball rolling in life.
I would suggest visiting and discussing this with your doctor, he may be able to suggest some good options. He may also suggest medication, obviously you can do your own research on that and make an informed decision yourself on whether it is a route you want to take. As far as self help goes, a website I know a lot of therapists use for information themselves is http://www.getselfhelp.co.uk . It is worth a look, there is a large amount of material, some of it may be helpful. Otherwise, I would echo some of the comments above in that often the most important thing is just finding someone to talk to who will not be judgemental, who will listen, and give you a safe environment to express how you feel. There are many different people who could be that for you who aren't going to charge. If there isn't anyone obvious to you, again maybe discuss this with your doctor, look into any resources provided by your employer, or at local colleges as suggested above.