Dealing with Anxiety - An Intro

Dealing with Anxiety: An Intro

Ok guys, I am not a writer I’m not a professional I’m just someone trying to help.

My aim with these blogs is to express myself, I don’t know how everyone feels, I’ll never suggest anyones problems are less or worse than anybody elses, everyone deals differently.

I have had a full life in my 23years and definitely feeling the effect. I do have depression, anxiety, and a panic disorder, (this is not unusual when you have depression) this was at least my first diagnosis it would now appear I have bi-polar with something called disassociation, im still being educated on m y own illnesses so I don’t understands it all properly.I was recently asked what the hardest part of being bi-polar is, ill be honest I don’t have a clue, I can tell you what I find hard but this is based on my whole struggle. Who knows I if that’s because of my mental health.

One thing I find particularly hard is fighting for answers and help, as I don’t understand every part of my health, yes, you can google things or talk to your GP, but when you don’t understand yourself how can you express yourself? This is another niggle of mine, personal knowledge- I don’t know how to educate myself especially without a definite diagnosis.

There is a stigma attached to mental health, I don’t know why as 1in4 people have sort of mental health illness. Other peoples perception or understanding is often difficult for me to deal with. I have never and will never let this effect me but I still feel judged or dismissed. Unfortunately this isn’t just new people you meet, I have found this from professions too. Don’t let this discourage you though. You have a right to help, don’t ever let someone make you feel less than you are.

I have struggled getting the right help, admittedly I still don’t have it. Personally my first point of call was my parents, ill encourage anyone to confide in family and friends when life gets hard, as the saying goes ‘older and wiser’. Someone elses outside view will be different to yours often this is helpful. It will give you a clearer view of y ourself, things you may not have noticed. I call other peoples advice ‘the logical head’ its easier to think about solutions and help when you’re not stuck in the feelings. My next piece of advice is when you talk to your GP. Explain as best as you can or if you find this difficult try writing things down as and when you notice them and show that to your doctor.

Its not always easy to know what help is best for you, I personally sought councelling and waited 9 months for one. So, my suggestion is if you think it’d help then do it now. Waiting lists do vary between areas and the type of therapy that you’ll need. Now I can only speak from personal experience, I let mymental health take over my life. I didn’t have an understanding employer and lost my job. If you struggle be honest with employers, some have things in place for people like us.

I’ve found people ask me why I don’t have a social worker when I explain my troubles. You will only get a social worker if you get help from an agency where those provisions are in place. You can apply to the city council for one but I found I had to explain a lot in my first phone call, which made me very uncomfortable. I advise going through an organisation. Two I know of are the Richmond Fellowship and Creative Support. They do have waiting lists but life starts with the first step.

Its hard but true, the best help you’ll get is motivation. You need to help yourself and I honestly believe you’re not here to deal with more than you can handle. I for one will talk to and support anyone who asks for it. Don’t give up. See your GP. Help Yourself.