axolotl
20-09-18, 16:17
Hi all, I've been in self-imposed exile of here for the last six months or so (I changed my username and password to gibberish to lock myself out, and have just asked Nic to reinstate me). I think I needed to separate myself from a forum I came to when I was feeling bad and forget about anxiety for a bit, if that makes sense? Plus the urge to wade into those kind of HA threads really wasn't healthy.
I just thought I'd give an update and hello. My CBT finished in February, shortly before I left here, and while at the time I was slightly disappointed with how it went, I've come to realise just how useful it has been. I've had wobbles since, but I tend to have periods of short intense panic rather than the existential funk that lasted days, weeks or even months. Knowing I have GAD has meant I'm not harsh on myself for being weak or stupid, it's part of my makeup and I accept it, and that in itself is a help.
In the last few months I've started new hobbies, met new friends, passed my driving test, joined a creative writing group, and I've even joined a beginners' running club (which is very far from my comfort zone!). I wouldn't have done any of this two years ago, and at the time I didn't even realise how bad I was and how I was stagnating in terms of what I was doing with my life.
I have been lurking from time to time on here, and it's sad to see some of the same old posters still peddling the same old posts, and I hope that doesn't lure others starting out on their journey out of anxiety into thinking it's impossible. In fact, while not easy, with the right support and being realistic about your goals (and accepting and forgiving of your anxious nature) you can get things back on track.
How is everyone?
I just thought I'd give an update and hello. My CBT finished in February, shortly before I left here, and while at the time I was slightly disappointed with how it went, I've come to realise just how useful it has been. I've had wobbles since, but I tend to have periods of short intense panic rather than the existential funk that lasted days, weeks or even months. Knowing I have GAD has meant I'm not harsh on myself for being weak or stupid, it's part of my makeup and I accept it, and that in itself is a help.
In the last few months I've started new hobbies, met new friends, passed my driving test, joined a creative writing group, and I've even joined a beginners' running club (which is very far from my comfort zone!). I wouldn't have done any of this two years ago, and at the time I didn't even realise how bad I was and how I was stagnating in terms of what I was doing with my life.
I have been lurking from time to time on here, and it's sad to see some of the same old posters still peddling the same old posts, and I hope that doesn't lure others starting out on their journey out of anxiety into thinking it's impossible. In fact, while not easy, with the right support and being realistic about your goals (and accepting and forgiving of your anxious nature) you can get things back on track.
How is everyone?