I think your analogy to Type 1 Diabetes is spot on. A broken leg has an “end date” and you move on. I think many, many people have a level of anxiety that is clinical Anxiety and they are misdiagnosed or never diagnosed because it causes other symptoms that hide the root problem of Anxiety. Hope your journey helps others, keep exploring this subject, it’s important.
Thanks for sharing this Anja! I definitely relate to a lot of your experiences. I've had symptoms resembling generalized anxiety and OCD since childhood. I had pee anxiety where I always went to the bathroom during recesses (this is like in first grade) because I was terrified of having to pee during class. I've ruined roommate relationships with my extreme need for silence at bedtime. Anyway, solidarity from someone who is probably also "Type I"—some combo of genetics and early childhood stuff means my brain probably just has a different baseline, though with age and learning about it I've gotten better at managing. I'm glad the Zoloft is helping! And if you ever wanna talk I'm here!
Good for you for thinking through this and writing it all out. I ask myself the same questions, “have I always been like this? When did I become like this?” I didn’t realize all that about you, but I can relate to some of it. I took Lexapro for awhile too and certainly have some sleep problems. I’ve also noticed the contrast that you mentioned when my anxiety flares up and I realize that use to be my baseline level. I think I’m just aging out of it now and shedding perceived responsibilities has helped. I’m glad you found something that works for you.
I think your analogy to Type 1 Diabetes is spot on. A broken leg has an “end date” and you move on. I think many, many people have a level of anxiety that is clinical Anxiety and they are misdiagnosed or never diagnosed because it causes other symptoms that hide the root problem of Anxiety. Hope your journey helps others, keep exploring this subject, it’s important.
Thanks for sharing this Anja! I definitely relate to a lot of your experiences. I've had symptoms resembling generalized anxiety and OCD since childhood. I had pee anxiety where I always went to the bathroom during recesses (this is like in first grade) because I was terrified of having to pee during class. I've ruined roommate relationships with my extreme need for silence at bedtime. Anyway, solidarity from someone who is probably also "Type I"—some combo of genetics and early childhood stuff means my brain probably just has a different baseline, though with age and learning about it I've gotten better at managing. I'm glad the Zoloft is helping! And if you ever wanna talk I'm here!
Proud of you and inspired by you often!
Good for you for thinking through this and writing it all out. I ask myself the same questions, “have I always been like this? When did I become like this?” I didn’t realize all that about you, but I can relate to some of it. I took Lexapro for awhile too and certainly have some sleep problems. I’ve also noticed the contrast that you mentioned when my anxiety flares up and I realize that use to be my baseline level. I think I’m just aging out of it now and shedding perceived responsibilities has helped. I’m glad you found something that works for you.