thirtysomething
20-03-05, 20:50
Hello,
I’m a 35 year old man. I can’t really say exactly what is wrong with me because I don’t think it fits into a neat category but here’s a description of my problems.
I find it very difficult to make friends. In fact I don’t think I’ve ever managed to start a friendship by just talking to someone. I’ve had this at least since I was 5 years old and first started school. Everyone else seemed to be able to make friends except me.
Ever since any friendships I have had have not been very close ones and started with someone talking to me. At moment I don’t have any friends at all.
I get very anxious in social situations. For years I tried to force myself to join in with some friends when they went to the pub or to a club but things never got any better.
I have to have a shower or bath every day otherwise I get very anxious. I have irritable bowel syndrome which becomes worse if I’m doing some intensive studying in the evening. These symptoms started when I went away to university for a year and I really did n’t cope with being away from home and meeting new people.
In recent years I have developed some problems with my feet and ankles. This is probably due to a back problem and also finding shoes that fit as I have very narrow feet. However, despite trying things like specially made arch supports I have n’t found a solution. This really upsets me because I’d love to go hill-walking.
I get very depressed and anxious if I think about getting a new job or leaving home. I just feel I would not cope or the future just seems empty and bleak.
I have tried many different therapies. CBT on the NHS for 2 years, 7 years Transactional Analysis, some week-end courses and hypnotherapy. I don’t really want to risk medication but I wonder if this is my only course. I would like to know how to raise this with my GP.
I really hope there is someone who can help me.
Thirtysomething
I’m a 35 year old man. I can’t really say exactly what is wrong with me because I don’t think it fits into a neat category but here’s a description of my problems.
I find it very difficult to make friends. In fact I don’t think I’ve ever managed to start a friendship by just talking to someone. I’ve had this at least since I was 5 years old and first started school. Everyone else seemed to be able to make friends except me.
Ever since any friendships I have had have not been very close ones and started with someone talking to me. At moment I don’t have any friends at all.
I get very anxious in social situations. For years I tried to force myself to join in with some friends when they went to the pub or to a club but things never got any better.
I have to have a shower or bath every day otherwise I get very anxious. I have irritable bowel syndrome which becomes worse if I’m doing some intensive studying in the evening. These symptoms started when I went away to university for a year and I really did n’t cope with being away from home and meeting new people.
In recent years I have developed some problems with my feet and ankles. This is probably due to a back problem and also finding shoes that fit as I have very narrow feet. However, despite trying things like specially made arch supports I have n’t found a solution. This really upsets me because I’d love to go hill-walking.
I get very depressed and anxious if I think about getting a new job or leaving home. I just feel I would not cope or the future just seems empty and bleak.
I have tried many different therapies. CBT on the NHS for 2 years, 7 years Transactional Analysis, some week-end courses and hypnotherapy. I don’t really want to risk medication but I wonder if this is my only course. I would like to know how to raise this with my GP.
I really hope there is someone who can help me.
Thirtysomething