YOU ARE NOT ALONE - A companion online community discussion board for The Mental Illness Happy Hour podcast with Paul Gilmartin

I have been suffering from depression and anxiety for 5 years now. It is mostly work related. I always have a fear of failing or doing something wrong. It is always giving me a really hard time. It is actually like anxiety mixed with a deep sadness and also a sense of great loss. How can I cope up with this? Should I take any anxiety treatment to deal with my anxiety problem? I would like to hear any positive stories or anyone living with anxiety.

First of all, you are not alone even though I know you may feel like you are. I have been dealing with anxiety since my early teens and I'm now in my late twenties. I love my job but I always get work anxiety. I get paranoid a lot. Every time I hear managers discussing something I start eavesdropping because I'm afraid they are talking about me. Every time there is an issue at work and other people are trying to figure out who screwed up I instantly assume it was me. Even though I know deep down it probably wasn't because I am doing my job properly. I do mess up sometimes though and when I do I think this is definitely the day I'll get fired. But obviously I jump to the extremes and assume the worse and at the end of the day I still have a job. I get physical symptoms of anxiety a lot too. I feel like I'm having a heart attack. AND feel dizzy and shaky a lottttt. I don't know if you get this way too but I have learned that no matter how real the sensations feel to me, it's all anxiety related and I am a perfectly healthy person physically. But you should still go to your dr and look into treatment definitely. I started seeing a psychiatrist and (for me anyway) Klonopin is the only medication that really kicks anxiety in the butt, however it's not made to take daily so you can't rely on just a pill to cure anxiety. Find a good therapist and try yoga. Yoga has saved my life and really helps my anxiety. You are basically learning how to breathe properly and connecting your body and mind as one. That's how I cope in a healthy way. Take care of yourself and remember you're not alone. pm me anytime