Lonely when I’m alone. Overwhelmed when social.

Just wanted to reiterate what some others have said in the comments that ALL of you, please download the DARE method book and also, any books by Claire Weekes. These all teach you how to basically accept your anxiety, and how to put yourself slowly through exposure therapy.

I will say that I just finished Hope & Help for your Nerves by Claire Weeks and it is fucking phenomenal. Be aware- it was triggering for me after having a decent afternoon but she’s amazing at explaining how to fix what is going on inside of you. You will try, have set backs, feel like shit, but don’t give up on these methods. If you do, it’s just another run around the hamster wheel.

You aren’t dying in moments of anxiety, you aren’t going to die. Your body can only take so much before it has to level out again but you HAVE to let yourself feel all of this if you ever want to get over it. Don’t stay in your house hoping it’ll one day fix itself because it never will.

Medication can be a great tool to help you start the process if you need it. I personally don’t want to use meds except as a last resort. I do have klonopin on hand and as a comfort thing but I have yet to ever use it. IMO, this is something that has to be tackled at its core.

After finishing this book tonight laying in bed in the dark (which is my hardest time of day, tbh.) I felt myself almost having a panic attack nearly 4 times. Instead of freaking out and worrying and exaggerating my feelings even more I decided to just ride it out.....and guess what....they never peaked and I eventually settled after about a minute or two. Your body isn’t going to produce more adrenaline unless you give it a reason to.

Please, please look into these resources and help yourselves. I really do feel like this is the only way to really do it.

/r/Anxiety Thread