Newby: Feeling insecure

Mental health
1

So I'm new here. Suffered with anxiety for about 4 years.

I've previously had CBT and never take medication of any sort, other than  6 month stint of citalopram after a breakup with an abusive ex partner.

I had a period where I completely got over anxiety, I was able to go into the city and go shopping, travel and lead a normal life. This was through gradual exposure to anxiety which grew my confidence and made me realise that anxiety is time-limited, it will not make you go crazy, it is not a sign of something worse like a nervous breakdown. 

My anxiety returned as my abusive relationship grew worse and thankfully I escaaped this December.

I am now again trying gradual exposure as I know it definitely works and avoiding diaz and anything else that takes away the feelings of anxiety.

My issue is that Im quite insecure; I know alot of other people suffer with anxiety but because it is an invisible illness it makes me feel 'the odd' one out, or 'weird' and because of this, when I do get anxious it is increased by the fear of what other people will think of me, and whether theyll think Im crazy or strange and that a normal life should not be like this. Im looking at ways to get over this side of it, if anyone has any ideas please.

Also; if you are a sufferer please take head from my story that you can overcome this. I think its a learnt behaviour, and I did learn to not panic x 

 

2

This is me. In a nutshell, basically.

How to deal with it? Same as me - accept that you are different, and if nobody accepts you, their attitude is not your problem so long as you can find reassurance in knowing that are being honest to yourself about who you are.

3

But with so many people with anxiety, we're not diferent in that respect are we. I do agree that acceptance is a big thing. It is like I am rejecting myself and saying I do not want this, even though I can cope with it? x

4

"But with so many people with anxiety, we're not diferent in that respect are we"

You don't know who suffers from anxiety until you ask them. Most people out on the street have it to a certain extent but then it comes down differentiating between when it affects your quality of life or not. Ultimately what you should assume is that nobody has what you have, and whatever you have is unique to you in the sense that others need to accept it.