Intro

[smills]

Hi my names Stefan,

      I'm 28 and I guess I've suffered from anxiety for most of my adult life.  It kind of goes up and down with me....at times I'll feel good about things and be completely calm about life and at others I'll just completely lose the plot and not be able to face the world.

      At the moment I'm struggling a bit, which is why I sought out this group.  I moved back to Brighton about six months ago having lived overseas for a few years and that was a massive culture shock, a lot bigger than I was expecting it to be and led to me gradually sinking back into anxiety, but I'm doing therapy and seeing someone about it which is putting me back on the right path.

      I would definitely like to come to the meetings that you arrange.  Just being around people where I won't be self conscious about having a panic attack will be a massive help

[Ludo]

Hi there Stefan, and welcome to BAF!

It's great that you've found this place, I'm sure that you will find it will help together with the therapy! The meet-ups are lovely and very informal, which makes it's a really cool environment in which to feel able to freely discuss anxiety and related issues, as well as a chance to meet a fantastic and supportive group of people in a social setting. Will look forward to saying hi, when you feel like coming along!

Bye,

L

[Alexandra]

Hey Stefan! I know what you mean about it being up and down, I'm the same. It's great that you've sought therapy though, I hope it's going well. Hope to see you at a meet soon!

[stresspuppy]

Welcome to the forum Stefan, hope you enjoyed the curry night and if that went well looking forward to meeting you at one of our other regular meets soon.

I know what you mean about the culture shock of moving somewhere new, as do many others on the forum, life changes are really challenging on many different levels and can really stretch us out of shape sometimes and make us feel vulnerable. Also relate to the ups and downs you've been experiencing which can really frustrate us when we're keen to make progress. All I can advise is that you're kind and patient with yourself as you would be with a friend or family member who's having a difficult time - I suppose this is similiar to therapy speak and literature referring to us as developing/having self-compassion.

[Dreaming]

Hi Stefan, was really great to meet you yesterday. I tried to text you this am but don't think I typed in your number properly!

Hope to see you next week

Mia

[someone]

i'm coming to a meet up on Wednesday so be good to know there is a another new person. Wish i did'nt miss the curry night

[stresspuppy]

No worries Liz and co. the curry nights are a regular feature