Will I ever be normal?

I've been dealing with anxiety for five years now. Sometimes it gets better and then sometimes its the worst. At my worst times, I always have this feeling that i'll never be a normal twenty year old who can live life without fear. Its so many things I want to do in my life but cant because of this anxiety i have. it really gets hard sometimes because i just don't think ill ever be normal

I don't like the word "normal." Who defines what's normal? I don't think I'm normal, and I'm ok with that. As for the anxiety, I think with meds and therapy it can get better.

Hey. I think there's a good possibility you can overcome this. I honestly believe addressing anxiety at a younger age - you're 20 - will increase your chances considerably, of really putting it behind you. Be diligent and determined and things will improve for you ken9018.

I like what someone said before: Normal is a setting on a washer. (Or dryer--whatever.)

For me anxiety is still the same but I manage it better now that I have meds and therapy. I also have a set lifestyle that protects me from undue stress. I just hope I can stay this way for a while.

Thanks everyone for the responses. It helps to get reassured especially when I'm feeling overly anxious.

I think our world is built to promote anxiety and anxiety disorders. That's the norm. It's how we deal with the anxiety that makes a difference. The first step is a big one and that's acknowledging it. This empowers you. Many, many people deny they have anxiety and many deny they have an anxiety disorder.

There's something available in supplement stores that is as effective as Ativan or clonazapam. It's called Passion Flower. It's a plant extract that's put inside capsules. When you take it, it slowly decreases your anxiety. If you are highly anxious, it will take your anxiety down a couple of notches. If you are mildly anxious, it may completely take away your anxiety. It's not addictive. And it's fairly inexpensive to buy. The only potential downside is if you take too much. If you take too much or take it everyday for a couple of weeks, it turns off so many things in you, you feel like you're not even there. So you need to take a break from it periodically if you are going to take it every day. The feeling of not being there at all goes away if you stop taking it for a couple of days.

It's very good for anxiety. But you should make sure you don't take it if you are already taking other sedatives. You shouldn't take it if you have just taken an atavan or other anxiety med.