swissyrolly
07-04-10, 18:30
Hi everyone, my name is Samantha/Sami and I only found this website today.. i wish I'd stumbled across it earlier.
I've been struggling with anxiety of all types since I was 17 years old, possibly before, but this was the age it manifested into something more as it got so bad that I had to quit college which I obviously wasn't too happy about!
I'm 22 now, and as a result of the anxiety it's caused me to have agoraphobia, insomnia and depression. I'm not sure on average how old everyone here is but I've never met anyone near my age who's had similar problems as bad.
Even though I'm sure many people here have been suffering for many more years than me, I feel like I've already missed out on so much such as my education, career prospects, and losing all my friends.. (It's probably best not to mention love prospects either!).
Generally I just feel very frustrated with it as I've always wanted to do something worthwhile with my life and would love nothing more than to follow my career dreams of becoming an Illustrator but not being able to leave my home or being able to use the telephone is causing quite a problem!
I didn't seek help until 2years ago when I finally admitted to a doctor (through a handwritten letter taken to her by my family!) about my problems which has led me onto a course of recovery. First starting with anti-depressants, then tranquilisers to stabilise me and to regulate my sleep as sometimes I would go up to 4 days without sleep due to the anxiety!
A year ago I started seeing a CPN which has really helped.. she got me into supported housing where I received low level support by my key worker and I've started CBT.
Just 3 days ago I moved 70miles away from the area I grew up in(and my family) to live in Supported Housing with a higher level of support! A very big decision for me but also very scary, and lonely, which is why I wanted to find a forum so I could chat to other people with similar problems.
I'm sure you're all great people and I look forward to getting to know you :)
I've been struggling with anxiety of all types since I was 17 years old, possibly before, but this was the age it manifested into something more as it got so bad that I had to quit college which I obviously wasn't too happy about!
I'm 22 now, and as a result of the anxiety it's caused me to have agoraphobia, insomnia and depression. I'm not sure on average how old everyone here is but I've never met anyone near my age who's had similar problems as bad.
Even though I'm sure many people here have been suffering for many more years than me, I feel like I've already missed out on so much such as my education, career prospects, and losing all my friends.. (It's probably best not to mention love prospects either!).
Generally I just feel very frustrated with it as I've always wanted to do something worthwhile with my life and would love nothing more than to follow my career dreams of becoming an Illustrator but not being able to leave my home or being able to use the telephone is causing quite a problem!
I didn't seek help until 2years ago when I finally admitted to a doctor (through a handwritten letter taken to her by my family!) about my problems which has led me onto a course of recovery. First starting with anti-depressants, then tranquilisers to stabilise me and to regulate my sleep as sometimes I would go up to 4 days without sleep due to the anxiety!
A year ago I started seeing a CPN which has really helped.. she got me into supported housing where I received low level support by my key worker and I've started CBT.
Just 3 days ago I moved 70miles away from the area I grew up in(and my family) to live in Supported Housing with a higher level of support! A very big decision for me but also very scary, and lonely, which is why I wanted to find a forum so I could chat to other people with similar problems.
I'm sure you're all great people and I look forward to getting to know you :)