Tough Times

I play happy colour too @Former-Member

when I am this anxious unfortunately I become unable to move.

It's a very strange notion I know I really don't understand it but I do try and do my breathing exercises and distract the thoughts in my head

Agreed @Former-Member , we're here for you. Same to you @Lee82 .

I'm so sorry to hear that. I kind of relate, I have PTSD too so I have nightmares & flashbacks. I had 2 nightmares in a row the past few nights, when I woke up I was scared & it felt so real, & I felt like i couldn't move

@Former-Member, @Lee82 & @Former-Member (and anyone else in need) - I am here to chat. I suffer from Cleanliness OCD / Gemaphobia / Depression / Anxiety / Capnophobia / Fumiphobia (fear of cigerettes/smoke).

What I am able to offer on this forum is a genuine person to hear and listen in the best way I can. While I might not be in the same situation, my day to day battles with my condition present an authentic and honest comprehension.

Thanks, I'm here to chat to anybody too. @anewhope @Lee82 @Former-Member

I'm sorry you struggle with those. I've never heard of Capnophobia.

I have Major Depressive Disorder (my psychiatrist says I have Dysthymia or however you spell it), PTSD, anxiety and social anxiety, and Avoidant Personality Disorder. I'm not sure if AVPD is rare, I hadn't heard of it until recently. It's hard to explain.

---

@Former-Member wrote:

Thanks, I'm here to chat to anybody too. @anewhope @Lee82 @Former-Member

I'm sorry you struggle with those. I've never heard of Capnophobia.

I have Major Depressive Disorder (my psychiatrist says I have Dysthymia or however you spell it), PTSD, anxiety and social anxiety, and Avoidant Personality Disorder. I'm not sure if AVPD is rare, I hadn't heard of it until recently. It's hard to explain.

---

Thanks very much. I had some trauma at a particularly very stressful time in life and it has essentially defined me in that moment.

I am sorry to hear that you are experiencing those conditions. I can understand it is a lot to think about. I can imagine those conditions can often bounce off each other which would be

It takes a lot of courage and energy to define those conditions, even if it is with the help of a psychiatrist.

Because of my condition, I can understand the Avoidant Personality Disorder and Social Anxiety. I can imagine the world can feel like a scary place.

Do you find it any easier to go in social situations on your own or with people you know? I believe we all have a certain confidence in society and that component is natural.

I find myself more comfortable in my own space instead of groups (for example going out somewhere) as I enjoy being able to go home when I am tired without feeling guilty.

Do you feel any particular pressure with situations that you may be out in public? I could imagine with PTSD going anywhere can feel like it brings particular situations right into the front of our minds.

Sorry I just saw your reply now @anewhope .

You're welcome and I'm sorry you struggle too. Yes it is hard and draining, but I try my best. Some days are better than others so I just feel content, I guess you could say. Other days I find it hard to function. Lately I'm struggling getting out of bed and sleeping in, regardless of when I go to sleep. I have insomnia anyway, so I'm used to it. One side effect of my meds, as silly as it sounds, is that I get really cold, sometimes I get cold sweats too. I'm wearing warm PJs, under a doona and a blanket and I'm still cold. I'll tell my psychiatrist. The higher dosage of these ones was too much with the side effects - blurred vision and some tremors which weren't that bad, dizziness, dry mouth (I still have a dry mouth which won't go away), stuff like that. I take these 1 hour before I sleep. I guess I feel ok but I haven't improved of course. It's hard to say because my moods and symptoms fluctuate, especially at night.

I'm glad you understand AVPD and social anxiety, so thank you. AVPD is hard to explain, sometimes it confuses me too. When I go for my daily walks I always turn away when I see people and cars, like I feel as though I'll go invisible, of course it doesn't work. Most people don't say hi to me anyway, and I get anxious and panic. I've had panic attacks on my walks and cried, but I like walking. I like nature and animals and sometimes it clears my head a bit, the long walks in particular.

Hmm, it depends about going into social situations with people I know. Sometimes it can help but I feel the need to have someone there. For example as stupid as it sounds, ordering food, I'll just stand there and say please and thank you when I get the food, but the other person would have to order. I don't like going into shops etc by myself because people have been rude before. But it helps when I vaguely know the people and they're polite, and the area and shop.

Yes being alone can be good too, I agree. Sometimes the loneliness is unbearable but other days I can tolerate it and enjoy it. I like my alone time at night in my bedroom listening to music.

Yeah I feel pressure in social situations too @anewhope . Sorry this was long

Sorry @Lee82 @Former-Member @anewhope , it has been a really tough night and I was not up to joining the conversation.

I hope you are as well as you can be.

@Lee82 , love you 3000 my love

That's okay, sorry and I hope you feel better. Take care.

i'm off to bed, good night everyone, sleep well and sweet dreams. @Former-Member @Lee82 @anewhope

@Dizzyizzy @Lee82 @anewhope

@Former-Member - I can understan that can be very difficult indeed. I definitely wish you a good night and will follow in the same pattern to get some rest. I will be sure to write again tomorrow. Good night and sweet dreams.

@Dizzyizzy - That is not a problem at all. We do what is best for us. I think you did the right thing to take a moment away from everything. Good night and sweet dreams.

@Lee82 - Good night and sweet dreams.

Tomorrow is a new day. What bad happens today is only small in comparision of what good can come tomorrow. 🙂

Sorry I'm just checking this now, so hello @anewhope @Lee82