Anxiety has taken over my life.

Today I walked out on my job. It happens every time. I work somewhere for 3 months to a year and then I quit because my anxiety gets too bad. This time around it was different. I'm 20 years old and have suffered from GAD and Panic Disorder as well as Depression and ADHD for ten years now. Back in January, I got a job at a dry cleaners. I was really good at it and was even told that I had the potential to be a manager one day. A couple months ago, however, I started having severe panic attacks almost daily. Today it became too much and I told my manager that I couldn't continue on like this and I was leaving. I didn't give notice, I didn't finish out the day, I just grabbed my stuff and left. That's how it always happens. Honestly, I don't know what to do. I'm a 20 year old who still lives at home and goes to my grandparents house when my mom leaves for work until she gets off because I'm too terrified to be home alone. This life I'm living doesn't even feel like a life anymore. I have so many things I want to do with my time here on earth but am too afraid to even stay home alone for ten minutes by myself while my mom goes to the convenient store. I feel like a burden to my family because what 20 year old is like this? I feel like a baby but I'm at a total loss of what to do. Someone, anyone, please lend me some support or advice, or even reassurance that I'm not the only grown adult who lives like this.

Hi D and welcome back...although I am sorry it is due to continued challenges.

Looking back over your older posts I did read your mention of a therapist. Are you still currently seeing someone? If so are you working on the monophobia issue and help for the panic attacks? I am also curious about your RX regimen currently. Have your meds been recently evaluated? Are you finding you are making progress with either/both therapy and your medication?

If not, then returning to therapy (or finding a new professional to work with) or trying something new in terms of your Rx treatment should be a goal.

Doing all that you can with therapy, your medication and self help will go a long way in making it possible for you to feel your best possible and be more independent.

Even if you have tried things in the past...your physiology/mind are always changing, and you never know how you will respond to something once you have revisited it, of tried something just a bit different...

...so don't lose hope, and keep searching for your perfect combination of management tools.

Keep posting and we'll keep you in support!

S.C.

Hi Draegon,
So sorry to hear about your struggles and you are definitely not alone. But you are to be commended for seeking advice instead of going through it alone. I read this quote recently that I thought was very true and encouraging. “Anxiety in a … heart weighs it down, but a good word cheers it up.”

I addition to seeking professional help here are a few simple things you can try that you may find helpful.
Set appropriate goals/priorities
Have realistic expectations
Regular exercise and enough sleep

I find that taking care of my spiritual and physical health helps me to improve my mental health.