It's been awhile
I haven't been on here for about a year. I thought I was getting better, it felt like I was. But now I'm in high school, and I believe that anxiety from all those years ago came back. In certain social situations, my chest tightens, my face gets hot, and my body shakes like I haven't eaten in hours. I don't know what to do, it feels so awful.
@ElyseMyers12368
HI there. Welcome back!. I'm sorry that your anxiety has come back. That does sound awful. I think these thing are a bit like waves, they come and go, and what we aim to do is help them become more widely spaced, so they come less often, and smaller, so they feel less bad when they come. But there's always that rogue wave, that big monster that comes along when you least expect it. And tries to drown you.
But you learnt how to swim before. Can you remember what worked for you before? What made you feel better? It might have just been chatting on this site, so by coming back, you might already be making progress towards feeling better. I hope so.
I know, it can be extremely frustrating and distressing to have things you thought you'd dealt with, come back. You might want to look up extinction bursts. Sometimes when things are getting better they have a moment of getting worse. So sometimes things appearing to get worse can be a good thing.
Best wishes.
@ElyseMyers12368
Hello!
Firstly, welcome back!
I am sorry to hear that you are feeling this way, starting high school can be a big change, and it's understandable that old feelings might resurface in new situations.
These physical reactions sound really intense and it's tought when anxiety takes over.
Have you had the chance to talk to someone you trust? Sometimes talking to someone whether it's a friend, family can make a big difference.
There are also many tehniques to help you manage those feelings in social situations.
I hope you find peace and I wish you all the best.
Take care of yourself!
Hi Elyse!
Firstly, welcome back to 7 cups! I am sorry to hear your symptoms have returned and that you are feeling this way. Is there anything specific that you feel causes you to feel this way ? Also have you considered talking to someone you trust wholeheartedly? Such as a friend or parent?
There are many ways to help improve your symptoms. Often times discussing your thoughts during these situations with someone you trust can help provide perspective.
Feel free to reach me if you need further help.