Hello!

[My poor friend me]

So I heard Paul Gilmartin on the Nerdist Podacst, and thought I'd check this place out. I've tried a few other mental health support group type message board. None of them ever seemed like a good fit. This is my first time on the forum, but I'm very impressed with the podcast. If the same attitude of support and understanding is fostered here, I suspect I'll enjoy it.

Anyway, I don't want to be too specific about my identity, but I'm male, straight, mid-30s, professional writer. I struggle with extreme anxiety (I haven't had a full-blown attack in a while, but I'm sure it'll happen eventually), which has mutated over the years but has never quite gone away. I was originally diagnosed with social anxiety disorder, which I tried to self-treat by forcing myself out of my comfort zone and into sink-or-swim social situations. It kind of worked -- I'm actually a halfway competent schmoozer now, and I feel pretty comfortable socializing -- but the anxiety didn't go away, it just generalized. I've since been diagnosed with general anxiety disorder, which is still with me.

Anyway, I'm going to browse the forum, listen to a few more episodes of the podcast, and maybe fill out a survey or two.

[XanaXisMyfriend]

Hello!
Since we joined around the same time & both are dealing with Anxiety.
I thought I would tell you, you are not alone & I certainly can relate.
I have had anxiety, panic & agoraphobia for more than half my life.
I am still here even if everyday is a challenge, I am choosing life & LOVE.
I wish you happiness!