Social Anxiety/Anxiety and Depression

Well, I thought I would make something for everyone to kinda understand what I go through my everyday life.....

So, explaining this is kinda hard... I guess I'll start from the beginning of my story that I actually remember.

I was very young about maybe 8(?) when I woke up to watch mine, my mom, and my Aunts favorite show, Angel, and we knew something was wrong when we noticed she hasn't got up yet, so, I knocked on her door and well she didn't answer... so my mom got the key to the door and we discovered she was dead... I cannot remember what she died from, but when she open the door, I knew immediately something was wrong.. my mom called the Ambulance and they couldn't do anything but take her away, all I could do was cry, she was one of my best friends even if I was young....

Next thing that makes me upset is my Grandma, she also died in the same room, though, I never really had a relationship with her, it still hurts, I do not know the cause of her death...

I now sleep in the same room they both died in and I actually feel more comfortable in that room.

That was just depression, I think of that stuff A LOT!

Now, my real worst enemy... Anxiety...

Ever since I remember I have had anxiety and it just keep getting worse and worse, so anyways, I couldn't eat in front of people or even talk in front of people I would whisper so no one could hear me. Now I am getting better and trying to get a job, maybe it'll crack my shell a lot more.

Next SOCIAL ANXIETY:

Okay, I may have lied, this is my worst enemy...

I cannot do anything in public without freaking out, but lately I have been fine.
I am trying my best to conquer it and go to GED classes so I can go to college. :)
I wanna be a Vet/Vet Assistant and I believe I can do it, but I am TERRIFIED of going into a room full of people. What if they stare at me and think I am weird? What if they try to talk to me and I don't know what to say or do? Also if they tried to talk to me, I might freeze up.

Anyways, I think that is all I will share. I will share ONE more thing, I do go to a counselor for all this and it does really help, but anyways thank you for reading and I am sorry if this was to personal but I just wanted to get this out so hopefully some people can see that EVERYONE they see might just have a problem. May it be Anxiety, Social Anxiety, and Depression.


But Thank You for reading and I hope that EVERYONE who feels this ways doesn't feel alone anymore. :)

I probably shouldn't have posted this. -.-

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Originally Posted by Axel28

Well, I thought I would make something for everyone to kinda understand what I go through my everyday life.....

So, explaining this is kinda hard... I guess I'll start from the beginning of my story that I actually remember.

I was very young about maybe 8(?) when I woke up to watch mine, my mom, and my Aunts favorite show, Angel, and we knew something was wrong when we noticed she hasn't got up yet, so, I knocked on her door and well she didn't answer... so my mom got the key to the door and we discovered she was dead... I cannot remember what she died from, but when she open the door, I knew immediately something was wrong.. my mom called the Ambulance and they couldn't do anything but take her away, all I could do was cry, she was one of my best friends even if I was young....

Next thing that makes me upset is my Grandma, she also died in the same room, though, I never really had a relationship with her, it still hurts, I do not know the cause of her death...

I now sleep in the same room they both died in and I actually feel more comfortable in that room.

That was just depression, I think of that stuff A LOT!

Now, my real worst enemy... Anxiety...

Ever since I remember I have had anxiety and it just keep getting worse and worse, so anyways, I couldn't eat in front of people or even talk in front of people I would whisper so no one could hear me. Now I am getting better and trying to get a job, maybe it'll crack my shell a lot more.

Next SOCIAL ANXIETY:

Okay, I may have lied, this is my worst enemy...

I cannot do anything in public without freaking out, but lately I have been fine.
I am trying my best to conquer it and go to GED classes so I can go to college. :)
I wanna be a Vet/Vet Assistant and I believe I can do it, but I am TERRIFIED of going into a room full of people. What if they stare at me and think I am weird? What if they try to talk to me and I don't know what to say or do? Also if they tried to talk to me, I might freeze up.

Anyways, I think that is all I will share. I will share ONE more thing, I do go to a counselor for all this and it does really help, but anyways thank you for reading and I am sorry if this was to personal but I just wanted to get this out so hopefully some people can see that EVERYONE they see might just have a problem. May it be Anxiety, Social Anxiety, and Depression.


But Thank You for reading and I hope that EVERYONE who feels this ways doesn't feel alone anymore. :)

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Completely off topic but awesome of you to share. I too have anxiety issues I'm working on. It's gotten a lot better over the years. If i may suggest something, the library is a great way to dip your toes into being in public places.

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Originally Posted by Pezz

Completely off topic but awesome of you to share. I too have anxiety issues I'm working on. It's gotten a lot better over the years. If i may suggest something, the library is a great way to dip your toes into being in public places.

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You really think it was awesome to share? :D This makes me happy to hear, I expected people to kinda "bully" I guess.
That is one thing I forgot to put in there bullies, I was bullied in school along with my twin brother, he was bullied more than I was and I use to "protect" him.

Dude, (I think you are male, never asked) you are displaying some serious confidence and LACK of anxiety by posting this and sharing it with THE WHOLE WORLD WIDE WEB! Good for you! Sharing your interpersonal struggles takes balls, and I’m glad you did it. My best advice, is to work on your self-confidence and face people head on. You are doing great, that you even posted this.
RIGHT ON!

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Originally Posted by Godzilla78

Dude, (I think you are male, never asked) you are displaying some serious confidence and LACK of anxiety by posting this and sharing it with THE WHOLE WORLD WIDE WEB! Good for you! Sharing your interpersonal struggles takes balls, and I’m glad you did it. My best advice, is to work on your self-confidence and face people head on. You are doing great, that you even posted this.
RIGHT ON!

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I am female. lol

And thank you, I wasn't gonna post it, but I don't want anyone to fight alone, this anxiety and depression is hard to fight, but trust me it feels a lot better when you finally break through your shell alittle more. :D

I know I actually started talking to people A LOT more, even my counselor took me outside to a nearby pier and it just felt good to be away from the one I try to protect all the time and that would be my mom, I try to protect her all the time and it's hard to also deal with that stress, but she is having health issues and if something happens I wanna be there.

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Originally Posted by Godzilla78

Dude, (I think you are male, never asked) you are displaying some serious confidence and LACK of anxiety by posting this and sharing it with THE WHOLE WORLD WIDE WEB! Good for you! Sharing your interpersonal struggles takes balls, and I’m glad you did it. My best advice, is to work on your self-confidence and face people head on. You are doing great, that you even posted this.
RIGHT ON!

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Godzilla is exactly right. To post that took courage, and I've noticed that everyone here is super friendly. Hopefully more interactions with friendly people will help your confidence. One thing i can say is that by how much you care about axel i can tell you're a great person with a big heart. Don't be ashamed of you.

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It is awesome that you shared! There will always be rude people and bullies out there but you just have to try to focus on the good people in the world. I know it's harder then it sounds though, I know I probably wouldn't have the guts to do it lol.

I suffer from social anxiety and depression as well so I totally understand how you feel. It is really great that you are getting the help you need and you can see and regonize the progress you are making! I know some people let the fear and sadness overtake them but you want to move forward and are doing what it take to make that happen! That takes some real strength

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Originally Posted by Pezz

Godzilla is exactly right. To post that took courage, and I've noticed that everyone here is super friendly. Hopefully more interactions with friendly people will help your confidence. One thing i can say is that by how much you care about axel i can tell you're a great person with a big heart. Don't be ashamed of you.

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I do believe there are A LOT of people who are Friendly and caring, actually everyone I've talked to on here is friendly and caring, it is nice to have some online friends and btw if anyone needs a friend or just someone to talk to, I am here. :D Now i will try the best to give advice. :)

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Originally Posted by Axel28

You really think it was awesome to share? :D This makes me happy to hear, I expected people to kinda "bully" I guess.
That is one thing I forgot to put in there bullies, I was bullied in school along with my twin brother, he was bullied more than I was and I use to "protect" him.

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This took a lot of courage to share. Kudos to you for taking a positive step. You'll quickly find out that this site is filled with a bunch of amazing people willing to help each other out. No need to apologize for anything ! Glad your part of the group!

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Originally Posted by BluuWolf

It is awesome that you shared! There will always be rude people and bullies out there but you just have to try to focus on the good people in the world. I know it's harder then it sounds though, I know I probably wouldn't have the guts to do it lol.

I suffer from social anxiety and depression as well so I totally understand how you feel. It is really great that you are getting the help you need and you can see and regonize the progress you are making! I know some people let the fear and sadness overtake them but you want to move forward and are doing what it take to make that happen! That takes some real strength

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I am always here if you need to talk, I can also pm you my Phone number if you would like to just chat and we are friends, I do not have service right now but I will be on here most of the time. lol So, whatever you wanna do. :)

I am on Alway On Data mode, so I can get text. lol

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Originally Posted by ckuhn003

This took a lot of courage to share. Kudos to you for taking a positive step. You'll quickly find out that this site is filled with a bunch of amazing people willing to help each other out. No need to apologize for anything ! Glad your part of the group!

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AWW! Thank you!! I am so glad to meet everyone here! :D

The outpouring of love and support from everybody is astounding. It warms my heart to see it. I'd also like to extend the offer that if anyone needs help that I'm here and I've battled through depression and am working on anxiety.

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Really brave you to share! I have all the same and know exactly where you're coming from. One of the reasons I got my little BP was to help with my depression. Having to take care of another thing other than myself made me feel like life was worth living because I knew I had to take care of him and make him happy. Talking about my BP makes me more comfortable in myself bc many people dont like snakes and I have to be very strong in my values to stand up for my little guy. I dont mean to take over this thread from the OP so I hope this isn't too out of line, but it was essentially a long way of saying, stay strong, you're absolutely right about therapy and you're never alone, there are always people that want you to be happy and understand what you're going through

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Originally Posted by spellbound04

Really brave you to share! I have all the same and know exactly where you're coming from. One of the reasons I got my little BP was to help with my depression. Having to take care of another thing other than myself made me feel like life was worth living because I knew I had to take care of him and make him happy. Talking about my BP makes me more comfortable in myself bc many people dont like snakes and I have to be very strong in my values to stand up for my little guy. I dont mean to take over this thread from the OP so I hope this isn't too out of line, but it was essentially a long way of saying, stay strong, you're absolutely right about therapy and you're never alone, there are always people that want you to be happy and understand what you're going through

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This was NOT out of line!! :) You may post here and share if you wish!! :D

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Originally Posted by Axel28

I am always here if you need to talk, I can also pm you my Phone number if you would like to just chat and we are friends, I do not have service right now but I will be on here most of the time. lol So, whatever you wanna do. :)

I am on Alway On Data mode, so I can get text. lol

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Yeah I'd be totally down for that lol I have some problems with actually talking on the phone like in a call, idk why but phone calls really stress me out but I'm down to text anytime!

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Axel28 just so you know, I love how active you are on this forum! You have absolutely no fear of asking all of us your questions about taking care of little Axel, and now here you are sharing something that a lot of us probably needed to hear! I'm looking forward to seeing more of you and Axel around here! (sorry if this is off topic, just had to say this :) )

I love the people on this forum, something about reptile people!
:grouphug:

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Originally Posted by Joci

Axel28 just so you know, I love how active you are on this forum! You have absolutely no fear of asking all of us your questions about taking care of little Axel, and now here you are sharing something that a lot of us probably needed to hear! I'm looking forward to seeing more of you and Axel around here! (sorry if this is off topic, just had to say this :) )

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Aw! Thank you and I hope to talk to you more. :)

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Originally Posted by Axel28

Aw! Thank you and I hope to talk to you more. :)

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That would be amazing! :)

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Originally Posted by Godzilla78

I love the people on this forum, something about reptile people!
:grouphug:

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XD I hear so often snake people are crazy or something but this is probably the nicest community I've ever been apart of, maybe we are crazy but it's a good crazy!

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Originally Posted by BluuWolf

XD I hear so often snake people are crazy or something but this is probably the nicest community I've ever been apart of, maybe we are crazy but it's a good crazy!

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When you're as weird as I am, you don't tend to judge others very much.. I think this is true for a lot of snake people lol. It's not necessarily that we have lower standards, it's just that we have more open minds about people as well as pets. So yes, if this is what being crazy is like, then I'm proud to be a part of it [emoji4]

Snake keepers have to pay closer attention to their pets. I think people who properly keep snakes tend to be more empathic.

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Originally Posted by Joci

When you're as weird as I am, you don't tend to judge others very much.. I think this is true for a lot of snake people lol. It's not necessarily that we have lower standards, it's just that we have more open minds about people as well as pets. So yes, if this is what being crazy is like, then I'm proud to be a part of it [emoji4]

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Me too! Lol We know not to judge people or animals by outward appearance or by what the world sees ^-^ Existential snake people XD

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Originally Posted by BluuWolf

Me too! Lol We know not to judge people or animals by outward appearance or by what the world sees ^-^ Existential snake people XD

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Heheh [emoji23]

Definitely brave of you to post this as a person who suffers with severe anxiety (every type) the thought of making a thread like this seems very scary!! Kudos to you girl!!! :)

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After 15+ years of suffering from severe depression, I finally received appropriate treatment and mine is now well controlled with medication. I also have moderate general anxiety and what is usually mild social anxiety. However, when I basically stopped speaking with people for a few years because of my depression, the social anxiety became pretty severe. (Thankfully for me, I still managed to keep it together enough through all this to finish my degree, get a job, etc). It's taken some real work to get the social anxiety back down to a low level, but the more I push myself through the first few times of something, the more it becomes routine and no longer a big issue.

One nice thing is taking a walk, and if you feel up to it, asking someone with a cute dog if you can pet their dog. People love to talk about their dogs with basically no feedback necessary from you, you can always talk directly to the dog, and you get to pet cute dogs. It's pretty great as long as you're into dogs. You also have the easy conversational statements/questions like "what's his/her name?" "how old is (s)he?" and "(s)he's so cute!" that can cover any and all of your required conversational input if there is any necessary.

As far as classes go, if you're not ready to take classes in person, have you considered online classes? It might even help you transition because you'll be more used to somewhat similar formats and for me personally I know that competence has always helped me. If I know I'm the most knowledgeable in the room and I am correct, it's a lot easier to speak up. Building that knowledge base makes that more likely. Even if it doesn't though, it'll at least get you on your way to your goals a bit sooner.

thank you for sharing! i shared my own story not too long ago, and it felt really good to open up and get my feelings off my chest. it's nice of you to share, and i think stories like ours help people understand that this is something a LOT of people go through, whether briefly or life-long, and it's OKAY. i'm medicated now and – though i do fall back down sometimes – i'm better and picking myself up again. i'm still working on me right now, but i'm better.

your story matters!

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Originally Posted by Kcl

One nice thing is taking a walk, and if you feel up to it, asking someone with a cute dog if you can pet their dog. People love to talk about their dogs with basically no feedback necessary from you, you can always talk directly to the dog, and you get to pet cute dogs. It's pretty great as long as you're into dogs. You also have the easy conversational statements/questions like "what's his/her name?" "how old is (s)he?" and "(s)he's so cute!" that can cover any and all of your required conversational input if there is any necessary.

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to add to this: i've found that i love hearing other people talk. i don't like to contribute too much in conversations due to my anxiety, but i'll always ask those follow-up questions to someone else and let them keep talking. it's nice to see those types of people be so comfortable; it helps me relax in social situations.

one thing i've been doing a lot more of is doing things alone. this has helped me focus on ME instead of anyone else, and i also get to learn more about myself since i'm so focused. i've also found being alone in public really helped my social anxiety in a weird way. i feel like i'm floating along, dipping my toe into other peoples' lives for a brief second, then move on. you realize all those people are so focused on themselves, it's like you're not even there. it's oddly comforting! but it took many many years to get there.

stay strong, friend. :)

I too have suffered with anxiety throughout my life, as has my fiancé. Very brave of you to share!

We have 5 reptile tanks and 5 dogs. A total of 12 animals! We wouldn't have necessarily chosen to have 5 dogs, but she had 3 and I had 2 and reptiles, so we made it work.

Anyway, I find all the animals to be incredibly cathartic and calming. The dogs are awesome to pet and cuddle and they are generally sensitive to us when we are having a bad day.

The reptiles are also awesome and gives us something to focus on. Checking temps, feeding, handling, cleaning. We have a routine every day with them. That helps give us a sense of purpose and pride in taking great care of all of our pets.

A lot of anxiety, I have found anyway, has to do with feeling out of control and "what ifs." Taking care of the animals, especially the reptiles and controlling their eco systems, helps give me a sense of control, and as I mentioned, purpose. If I am full of what ifs and paralyzed by the anxiety, taking care of the animals is something that helps me get on track.

Thank you again for sharing.

tl;dr

u have a snake and that makes u cool peeps in my book.

:gj: :hug:

I know the feeling. Growing up I was always the kid with acquaintances, but not friends. I am also an only child with no cousins or anything, so I never really learned the social skills needed to interact well with my piers. Now, as an adult, I still don't have any friends. Years of online gaming has made it so I can talk to people over the internet, but in person is a whole different thing. My social anxiety makes it so I never know what to say to people or how to start conversations. It's rough to live with, but I guess that's just my lot in life.

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