https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anxiety-vent Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 17 Apr 2026 20:44:41 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anxiety-vent/page/2#post-2327108 Sun, 18 Jun 2023 22:40:27 +0000 quietloud 2327108@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I know this is an older thread, but I wanted to offer my sympathies, as someone who has also struggled with anxiety for most of my life. I also feel like certain traumas have made it worse for me over the years, even when I feel like I am now at an age where I should be managing it better. For me, it is usually triggered or intensified by unpredictability and chaotic situations, so I find I am kind of spiraling lately as we are in the middle of renovations and I’ve been away from home and my routines and safe space for so long, feeling like there is no end in sight, and very much a sense of uncertainty.</p> <p>I hope you are in a better place at the moment, I can very much understand how those events would be triggering. I could never get comfortable in traffic, and also don’t have a driver’s license.</p> <p>Anyway, I am also thankful for this place being a safe space to vent, and for providing a nice escape for me when I need to get my mind off difficult things.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anxiety-vent/page/2#post-2326072 Sun, 11 Jun 2023 11:19:50 +0000 Bee 2326072@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Helena<br /> I’m so sorry to hear about what happened and I hope you’re feeling better. I’ve struggled with anxiety for as long as I can remember and it can be extremely debilitating. I still haven’t been able to pass my driver’s exam and have no plans to make any further attempts. My last try was more than a decade ago when I was 21. I’ve also dealt with depression, panic attacks and most recently, agoraphobia, so I have no qualms about discussing mental health issues and I’m so glad that this forum is a space where other others feel comfortable doing the same. What an amazing place and an awesome group of people. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anxiety-vent/page/2#post-2322981 Mon, 15 May 2023 16:34:39 +0000 Anonymous 2322981@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds like a good nightly ritual to me! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anxiety-vent/page/2#post-2322979 Mon, 15 May 2023 16:04:32 +0000 Helena 2322979@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh that's very interesting suntiger, I will do some more research on this - my initial instinct is to worry (irony not lost!) that it might induce more anxiety (I have the same issue with breathwork that is recommended - I do better by counterintuitively doing very high energy things that get my heart and breath rates up).</p> <p>That said, I do find it incredibly helpful to float in our pool with floaties and my ears underwater and eyes closed, sort of sensory deprivation lite - we opened last week and just waiting for the weather to get a little nicer and then this will be a nightly before bed practice for me.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anxiety-vent/page/2#post-2322926 Mon, 15 May 2023 11:09:47 +0000 Anonymous 2322926@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Have you tried floating to help with anxiety? I did it yesterday (for chronic stress) and thought it may help you.<br /> <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/sensory-deprivation-tank" rel="nofollow">https://www.healthline.com/hea.....ation-tank</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anxiety-vent/page/2#post-2322267 Thu, 11 May 2023 01:24:45 +0000 Jaime 2322267@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sorry this is so late, but I hear you Helena. That crack to your head - I can feel it, and thank goodness it is not serious. I was driving down the street last year and a car pulled straight into me from a side street. Well, I don't know about Toronto, but driving in Israel is next level anarchy. I am more prone to depression than anxiety, but I have a very close relative that suffers from anxiety and I know how debilitating it can be. Anyhow, just sharing some empathy and associations. Take care of yourself! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anxiety-vent/page/2#post-2322259 Wed, 10 May 2023 21:48:43 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 2322259@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, that sounds frightening. I appreciate your sharing these experiences--and how well you articulated what you are going through. I hadn't thought about the "startle reflex" but what an evocative term. I hope you are indeed feeling better, after writing and getting through another day or so. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anxiety-vent/page/2#post-2322256 Wed, 10 May 2023 21:19:49 +0000 Cardiff girl 2322256@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So sorry that you are having a bad moment.I am sure that you already know all the things to do that help and that this too will pass.l hope you feel better soon. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anxiety-vent/page/2#post-2322218 Wed, 10 May 2023 15:49:22 +0000 Helena 2322218@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just checking back in and rushing off at the moment so I can't respond to everyone individually, but have read everything and THANK YOU so much to you all, I'm truly overwhelmed by the kindness and support. Sending love to everyone struggling with this frustrating issue; you're so right Janet, thank God we can at least share with each other which is therapeutic in itself. Appreciate you all so much thank you thank you thank you xoxoxo</p> <p>And April, this song ... wow ...&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anxiety-vent/page/2#post-2322206 Wed, 10 May 2023 14:32:00 +0000 April 2322206@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Helena, so many wise words here!&nbsp; I'm a psychologist but all I will add is that <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwW_zr2uMiE">this song captures it.</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anxiety-vent/page/2#post-2322190 Wed, 10 May 2023 13:30:55 +0000 Janet 2322190@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just want to add a thought — how wonderful is it that we now live in a time when we can talk about these issues openly? In my mom’s generation it was a source of shame and people mostly stayed quiet about their struggles. I think being able to discuss and share can really help us not feel so alone. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anxiety-vent/page/2#post-2322117 Wed, 10 May 2023 03:29:55 +0000 Sal 2322117@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Late to this - what a hard time Helena.</p> <p>I echo what everyone above has said - you are doing the right things to progress so you can take confidence in that.</p> <p>And you are not alone - so I hope that is comforting. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anxiety-vent/page/2#post-2322087 Wed, 10 May 2023 01:49:01 +0000 Aquamarine 2322087@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m so sorry that you are going through this, Helena. &lt;Hugs&gt; Sometimes life just sucks, but be gentle with yourself. Try to remember you’ve gotten through this before, and you will again.</p> <p>I have had many anxious periods in my life (I’m in a doozy right now!) and I’ve accumulated the best tools I can to cope when necessary. Just knowing I know what to do helps tremendously. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anxiety-vent#post-2322068 Wed, 10 May 2023 00:28:01 +0000 Irina 2322068@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sorry to hear, Helena. I also struggle with anxiety and it’s the reason why don’t drive (you know our downtown traffic). Feel better! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anxiety-vent#post-2322046 Tue, 09 May 2023 23:05:46 +0000 Jenn 2322046@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Helena, I have complex PTSD and am very familiar with that feeling of having your nervous system all geared up into fight/flight mode with the adrenaline on a hair trigger. I definitely have been there and feel for you being in the thick of it.</p> <p>I'll echo what <b>Peri</b> said. It sounds like you know your coping tools and are using them and they WILL work to bring you out of the cycle eventually. In the meantime, be kind to yourself, get some extra rest, and don't expect as much out of your taxed system. You extend so much kindness and compassion toward others, be sure to reflect some of that back on yourself.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anxiety-vent#post-2322036 Tue, 09 May 2023 22:15:45 +0000 Style Fan 2322036@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am so sorry, Helena, that you are dealing with this.&nbsp; I can empathize with the driving anxiety.&nbsp; I rarely drive now unless necessary.&nbsp; I had to talk myself down from anxiety attacks on the 400.&nbsp; Not fun!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anxiety-vent#post-2322028 Tue, 09 May 2023 20:03:42 +0000 Katerina 2322028@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am so sorry, sweet Helena, this has happened to you, Sending you big hugs! Feel better soon! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anxiety-vent#post-2322004 Tue, 09 May 2023 18:31:14 +0000 Janet 2322004@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Helena, I’m so sorry you’ve been experiencing this! I have a little experience with anxiety attacks (went to the ER in Texas with one, several years ago), and it is absolutely no fun. I am hoping to not repeat that experience — I have no idea what on earth could have triggered it. </p> <p>My mom had GAD and an assortment of phobias that she coped with her entire life. She didn’t love driving and was agoraphobic so basically would not go anywhere unfamiliar outside of a certain comfortable radius of her home. We weren’t even sure she would make it to our wedding because of her social anxiety (she did, thanks to my sister’s husband chauffeuring her!). Her panic attacks would seemingly have no discernible triggers, but were real and scary. I didn’t understand so much about it all until after she passed away, so I’m afraid I wasn’t always as understanding as I could have been. I tried, and I was really her only support for many years. </p> <p>It sounds like you have good support and strategies for coping, and I’m so glad of that. I hope things improve!</p> <p>Oh, as for the accident? My husband is the furthest from an anxious person as can be, but he was rear-ended in his truck a couple of weeks ago, and he still feels nervous and hyperaware of anyone driving behind him. It takes a while for that feeling to subside. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anxiety-vent#post-2321966 Tue, 09 May 2023 15:45:59 +0000 RobinF 2321966@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have been gone and just saw this. So sorry you are going through this (and Ouch!). It does sound like you have some good strategies for coping and knowing what your own triggers are. I have gone through periods of panic attacks so I totally sympathize with you. I found for me it helped to distract myself (start counting something or force myself to think about something else) and they would subside most of the time. Between avoiding the worst triggers and using some coping, I rarely have them these days. I do think it is something always at the back of my mind but has gotten much easier to avoid. Thank you for sharing, hopefully it helped you as well as some others of us here. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anxiety-vent#post-2321965 Tue, 09 May 2023 15:22:44 +0000 Helena 2321965@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can't thank you all enough for the incredible empathy and support - appreciate you all and this community!</p> <p>Catherine - never too soon for humour in my book! It's one of my primary coping tools I love this shirt!<br />&nbsp;<br />Kerry, thank you; it's so reassuring to be reminded we're not the only one, isn't it x</p> <p>suntiger thank you! Driving in the city is the worst!</p> <p>kkards, thank you so much x</p> <p>Dee, thank you and hope you are in a good place with it right now. I find a lot of women in particular become more nervous driving as we get older too ... some of my friends that were always very confident have become more tentative. It doesn't help that the volume of traffic, speed and aggressiveness seem to be worse too, although perhaps that's just a perception on my part.</p> <p>Christie, I'm so grateful :)</p> <p>Slim Cat, thank you so much! I get that ... I put it off until I couldn't any longer. I do have a weird counterphobic streak that pushes me to do some of these things too.&nbsp; I can't say I'd be sad though if my living circumstances changed such that I could get around without a car!</p> <p>Bijou, that almost made me cry - incredibly kind. Thank you so much xox</p> <p>Carol, thank you so much; it's so appreciated.&nbsp;<br /><i><br /></i>cjh, thank you so much. Exercise is so powerful isn't it. Wishing you luck with your own journey ... the process never ends which is frustrating but also means it's never too late! Celebrate your progress best you can!</p> <p>Echo, I'm so sorry you went through that - it's so scary. Huge hugs and thank you so much for sharing your experience and support.&nbsp;</p> <p>kerlyn, thank you so much and I'm so sorry that you are dealing with health challenges. Sending healing and peaceful vibes your way. x</p> <p>If I missed anyone I'm so sorry but I did want to respond to everyone because this is such a kind and powerful thread. Thank you thank you thank you so much everyone for sharing your experiences, wisdom and encouragement. So very grateful for you all! xoxo </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anxiety-vent#post-2321963 Tue, 09 May 2023 14:56:19 +0000 catherine 2321963@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A tee shirt I saw recently provided some humor, if it’s not too soon.<br /> “I try to take one day at a time, but sometimes several days attack me at once”. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anxiety-vent#post-2321932 Tue, 09 May 2023 11:48:17 +0000 kerry 2321932@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ugh! The physical, mental and emotional toll of anxiety is exhausting! I don’t suffer from GAD but rather anxiety related to CPTSD so I’m not sure if I have anything helpful to add. What you write here is so clear. You really have a handle on understanding your triggers and how this anxiety/fear response causes a cascade of physical symptoms in your body. This is a big part of it, no? Recognizing and naming what’s going on with you so as to go through it and not attempt to skirt around it? Your characterization of being keyed up, your hypervigilance being turned all the way up and your startle reflex being in rare form is so attuned to self. You are very wise.&nbsp;</p> <p> <div><br /></div><div>Bravo for knowing that the act of putting your words here is a therapy for you. And reading the words of those responding gives a sense of belonging and being seen and heard which is so important for our social well-beings. The only way back to our whole selves is to let our bodies know they’re safe. Work all of your strategies to do that, rinse, repeat.&nbsp;</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anxiety-vent#post-2321921 Tue, 09 May 2023 11:19:05 +0000 Anonymous 2321921@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hugs! Hope you're starting to feel better now!<br /> I drive a lot and don't mind, but I live in a rural area. Driving in any city bigger than Annapolis gives me extreme stress! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anxiety-vent#post-2321919 Tue, 09 May 2023 11:15:04 +0000 kkards 2321919@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Grrr…well that’s a lot in a short amount of time. &nbsp;So sorry you are having a hard time. &nbsp;But I do appreciate that you feel comfortable to share with us, thank you. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anxiety-vent#post-2321910 Tue, 09 May 2023 10:43:25 +0000 Dee 2321910@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hope you're feeling better, glad you have your family's support and love. Anxiety can be so exhausting, I too have to work hard to keep mine at bay. </p> <p>Interesting to see how many others are feeling more nervous about driving now<br /> This has recently become a new feeling for me as well, I now much prefer that my husband drives whenever its possible. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anxiety-vent#post-2321907 Tue, 09 May 2023 10:22:16 +0000 ChristelJ 2321907@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh dear, I hope this difficult phase soon passes and your nervous system is soothed. Life is challenging enough without having to struggle with our own wiring too. I'm glad you turned to the forum so that we can all send you our empathy and virtual hugs. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anxiety-vent#post-2321899 Tue, 09 May 2023 06:43:36 +0000 slim cat 2321899@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So sorry - I'm familiar with anxiety and having some low level "mild" moments from time to time ( breathing slow and trying analyze the reasons sometimes eases mine ). <br />I chose not to learn how to drive - the mere thought was too much for me.&nbsp;<br />I'm glad you have the support of the friends and family - just wish I could hug you and tell you how strong you are and courageous! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anxiety-vent#post-2321898 Tue, 09 May 2023 06:38:35 +0000 Bijou 2321898@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Helena, thinking of you. Our biggest strengths are often the source of our biggest challenges. You have such a lovely nature, demonstrating empathy and sensitivity. You always say and do the perfect thing to assure and comfort others. That heightened sensitivity also means that stressful situations are likely to take a greater toll on you. I am so glad that you have a good support network, allow them to carry the load for you until you feel settled again. </p> <p>Sending love to you too. xoxox</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anxiety-vent#post-2321886 Tue, 09 May 2023 03:37:02 +0000 CarolS 2321886@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm so sorry, Helena. Those can't be fun feelings -- and certainly not fun experiences. I'm glad to know you have a good support network -- including this one!</p> <p>Wishing you peace and ease.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anxiety-vent#post-2321882 Tue, 09 May 2023 02:33:21 +0000 cjh 2321882@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Helena, I’m sorry this is happening to you. I’m glad you have some help and support. Stick with your coping and calming routines. It’s probably helpful that you recognize the challenges. Of course when multiple things go bad at one time, it’s even harder, huh? I find exercise routine is most important to me, to keep functioning as well as possible whenever family issues, social stress and defeating thinking get me down. (I just started with a therapist. Maybe some of my fears and angers will be solved, but at my age, it might be too late.)</p> <p>Best wishes, and peace to you. </p>