[MattyT123]

I was referred by my gp to call a therapy group here in the local area, after I told him about feeling anxious, stressed and down all the time, and feeling fed up, of life, working on the family farm, which I forced myself to like because they want me to, even though inside, I don't find farming interesting, it's quite different in the hills of Wales..and being a socially awkward person that's easy to make fun of and take advantage of throughout my life.

*But I never feel ready to do it, it's been stuck in my mind for months. When I think about it I feel fine. The sunny weather seems to improve my mood too. I just don't feel ready to open up, and it's like I feel comfortable in my comfort zone.

I'm going to Philippines for 3 weeks, at the end of next month, because my mom wanted company going there and it's my cousin's wedding....and the weirdo is invited (me). So I get this thoughts, I'm probably too late for therapy.

When I'm there my social anxiety and awkwardness is bad, certain situations make me go blush and anxious, although I'm always quiet, I do talk, but it's small talk, voice going low or they cant undrstand me and getting socially confused, and sometimes crying sensations and facial twitching, especially with cameras. I don't react to being starred at, but it feels awkward too.

I don't know why I booked it, or decided to go too. I just felt trapped here and wanted to go out, try again thinking I'll go to therapy soon and I'll be ok when I'm there.....

*But that confident person in my head is not there when it comes to reality. I think I can do things, but can't, I know what to say, but it's not all black and white.

When I think of therapy I feel awkward with all the things in my head, it's not really one or two problems and behaviours. And I feel really shy and embarrassed that I'm feeling sorry for myself as some would describe it. And don't know what to say when I first call for one.

*I don't feel really bad now, I'm not sad or stressed now,* my heart palpitations, shakiness and cycle of stress illness stress have reduced.
*In fact I'm getting these strange feelings, like excited about nothing, like a tickle in my chest sensation at times.
I always feel in my mind I get rid of my anxiety and be a more confident with life and change without help.

*My dad would probably laugh if he heard I was depressed or stressed, I haven't got a reason to be I guess.... I'm not the one dealing with all the boring paper work, costs bills, worrying about the animals, old age etc. Like him...I just help, and do what needs doing...

[Thunder Bow]

Do not judge yourself. Dedicate yourself to your own healing and do therapy. It will take time, but you can heal. You are just dealing with common anxiety.

[MickeyCheeky]

I can relate a lot.. I struggle with this daily I'm sorry you're having problems, as well I'd at least try it and see how it goes.. therapy also changes based on the therapist you see.

[NeighborsTrigger]

Symptoms of depression and/or anxiety need not have any environmental "triggers''. Depression, anxiety, or any other mental illness can happen at any given time, place, or situation. There have been occasions, and even holidays, where I was so depressed before, during, and afterward I put my "happy" mask on the entire time. Underneath, I was silently crying for no apparent reason. Any mental illness is a disease, even though I don't like using that term, (some people call it a chemical imbalance) just like diabetes, hypertension, etc. All of these illnesses, although not curable, can be treated and controlled with medication and therapy. I feel talk therapy can benefit every person in their life to some degree. Therapy has been an actual life saver for me. I also take medications for my schizoaffective disorder, OCD, and PTSD. I hope you consider what I posted when it comes time for you to make a decision about therapy. It is a big step, but probably one well worth your time and effort.

I would find out a few things about this group: is it therapy or support? The two are considerably different. Is it professionally or self moderated? Again, the two are different. If possible (my own choice speaking here) is that you find a 'self moderated support group'. The advantage of this is that being a support group it is about caring and sharing. The advantage to something being self moderated is that there is some freedom afforded by the fact a professional is not present (many get hung up by the idea they might be judged if they speak in front of a professional.

Find out the contact person(s) and maybe give them a call. I think you'd glean a lot from them in terms of whether this group is right for you. Also, many groups accept the addition of a support person when a new person comes to a meeting.

Finally, don't go in to attending a meeting with the thought by going you are making a commitment. Make your own conclusions after dropping in and paying them a visit.

[MattyT123]

Originally Posted by justafriend306

I would find out a few things about this group: is it therapy or support? The two are considerably different. Is it professionally or self moderated? Again, the two are different. If possible (my own choice speaking here) is that you find a 'self moderated support group'. The advantage of this is that being a support group it is about caring and sharing. The advantage to something being self moderated is that there is some freedom afforded by the fact a professional is not present (many get hung up by the idea they might be judged if they speak in front of a professional.

Find out the contact person(s) and maybe give them a call. I think you'd glean a lot from them in terms of whether this group is right for you. Also, many groups accept the addition of a support person when a new person comes to a meeting.

Finally, don't go in to attending a meeting with the thought by going you are making a commitment. Make your own conclusions after dropping in and paying them a visit.

Thanks for your message, it's a therapy group that's funded by NHS, so, the government I guess, where they will assess you and choose the therapist that meets your needs.