Anxiety Setting In
By patgalca
@patgalca (18370)
Orangeville, Ontario
May 21, 2016 11:05am CST
It has taken me years to realize and admit that I have anxiety issues. I actually didn't realize what I was experiencing was anxiety. I probably pushed that thought away because it was considered a weakness. I remember my sister chastising me when I was worried about my then-husband being late for something. She said he was a big boy and there was nothing I could do about it. Stop worrying. I've heard it before. Stop worrying.
I now realize that it is not just me worrying over nothing. I have an anxiety disorder. It is a mental illness and is not something to be ashamed of.
I am about to leave for the big city. I will be driving to a mall north of Toronto, parking in the subway parking lot and taking the subway downtown. I will then be checking into a hotel. I have never done any of these things before - alone - and I am worried about getting lost. I'm worried about driving slowly while trying to find my way and annoying impatient drivers, or worse, getting into an accident.
Yesterday I visited my niece in a city between here and Toronto. I left her house to come home at rush hour, on a Friday, of a long weekend. The traffic in that city was crazy and my GPS was not cooperating with me. I was driving around in circles trying to get out of the downtown to the highway. I did it without too much anxiety but I was mighty relieved when I got on that highway.
Anxiety really sucks. I want to enjoy this evening but getting there is causing me so much grief. Please send positive vibes my way.
8 people like this
8 responses
@LovingMyBabies (85288)
• Valdosta, Georgia
21 May 16
I will keep you in my prayers, I hope everything goes well and your anxiety calms for you. Just remember God is in control, everything happens for a reason.=)
1 person likes this
@patgalca (18370)
• Orangeville, Ontario
21 May 16
I know. I'm here at the hotel now and I can only think "What was I worried about?"... except that I had a few glitches and had to ask for directions. I grew up in this city but other than visiting my parents, I haven't been here in 30 years!
1 person likes this
@patgalca (18370)
• Orangeville, Ontario
22 May 16
@LovingMyBabies Thanks. Unfortunately I even got slightly lost coming home. There just aren't enough signs in the subway system. But Torontonians are still the nicest people ever. Not one person hesitated to stop and talk when asked for assistance. I also got so wrapped up in my thoughts I missed my exit off the highway on the way home. LOL!
@LovingMyBabies (85288)
• Valdosta, Georgia
21 May 16
@patgalca I am glad you got there safely and nothing went majorly wrong. =)
1 person likes this
@patgalca (18370)
• Orangeville, Ontario
25 May 16
It actually is a symptom of fibromyalgia, though I feel HAVING the fibromyalgia caused the anxiety because I've had several car accidents, IBS reactions when worried, worries about how certain activities (like travel) will affect my health, and the fact that I have been housebound a lot over the past 20 years.
@patgalca (18370)
• Orangeville, Ontario
21 May 16
Because I have fibromyalgia (and it's probably a symptom of the fibromyalgia... well, yeah it is), anxiety causes my IBS to act up. Fortunately I made it to the hotel all in one piece. Felt a few stomach rolls along the way but nothing serious.
@RaineyR (213)
•
21 May 16
If your anything like me, you'll worry about it all evening and then once you have got there and all is done, you'll be proud of yourself for taking on the challenge! Anxiety sucks, but the feeling when you have pushed it to the side and 'beat' it, is great! Good luck on your travels today :)
1 person likes this
@patgalca (18370)
• Orangeville, Ontario
21 May 16
I think my biggest anxiety was getting into Toronto, parking the car, taking the subway and getting to the hotel. I have accomplished all that, praying all the way, and I am here! Had a little trouble finding the parking lot at the subway but with a little help I got it. And getting out of the subway in downtown Toronto was overwhelming.
@adelynnn (66)
•
21 May 16
Hey there! Sending lots of positive vibes and prayers your way! You're strong so stay these way - I don't want to say the "standard" or "correct" response but it really takes a lot of courage to admit that you've an issue with anxiety. It took me 8 years to admit mine and I'm glad to be under proper care and treatment now. All the best on this journey!
1 person likes this
@patgalca (18370)
• Orangeville, Ontario
21 May 16
My doctor told me to make attempts to step outside my comfort zone. The thing is, I've had so many car accidents over the years that I really hate driving. I am very thankful that the traffic, especially on a holiday weekend, was really not that bad at all. But the parking lot was behind a very busy mall parking lot which I got lost in. LOL!
@silvermist (19702)
• India
21 May 16
While I do not have Anxiety disorder I have a close relative who does suffer fdom it.It really is tough I am sending positive thoughts to you.
1 person likes this
