I'm glad i could do something that resonates with people. Whether it be good / bad, this is a FORUM after all!!

There's someone worse off than you
There's someone better off than you

Either way, we're supportive (minus a few a-holes), but that's just humanity.

I think everyone at some point in their lives have had anxiety/depression symptoms. While it may become chronic in certain, predisposed people, there are those who experience it as a temporary condition. I've had my share of symptoms during my 63 years of existence, but it was probably something that was innate in me that allowed it not to consume my entire life.

Others (like my wife) were raised in a different environment than me which allowed the symptoms to become a more normal way of life. I could never understand why she was the way she was until I learned more about her parents, and in particular, her upbringing and family dynamics. They were never nurturing, hardly ever showed affection for one another; and this was a 180° departure from the way I grew up.

Now that I've seen these "environmental" issues that shes had to contend with (as a child and young adult), I often wonder how she became as "normal" as she is today. It's not always your fault when you become anxious or depressed, it has a lot to do what you've endured/had to overcome that plays an important role in how you learn to deal with this thing called "life".

Being surrounded by loved ones, family, friends and co-workers who understand what one is going through can be life-altering. It's hard to stay positive 100% of the time, but it's how you handle the lows that makes it so rewarding when you hit the highs. Just remember, you are not alone in your struggles...

Spot on don't lose your sense of humor! Also for those that fear public speaking...you are in the norm. The only thing people fear more than public speaking is death lol!

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True, but then there’s an unhealthy fear of public speaking which is what I have. I’ll get nervous days before I have to speak and the anxiety gets very heavy. Most of the time I know what I want to say but I come across these mental blocks and cannot articulate what I want to say properly. I’m really hoping a Toasmasters changes me for good and instills a sense of confidence that I see so many people effortlessly do.

A lot folks which struggle with anxiety don't really have or chemical imbalance or anything cognitive going as it can be a learned trait do to how one was raised. This my wife's struggle as well her three sisters that all act like there mom. My wife is the only one that has taken steps to cope through counseling and medication. She was raised in a legalistic tea totalling southern Baptist family and they don't want to admit they have issues even though they know it's true. You know God will heal you and you will be okay. I say God has given us each other and the means to heal our selves. There is no healing if we aren't willing to make an effort. I like the way my aunt explained it to me...hope in one hand and chit in the other and see which one fills up the fastest!

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I think toast master will help a lot. The thing that toast master does is give you a lot of practice in a safe environment that will translate into success. I worked with a lady that was skittish as a cat on a hot tin roof when it came to public speaking. She always seemed anxious even speaking to her peers. She went to toast masters and became a very good and impressive speaker. I help her confidence in so many ways. So go for it and good luck!

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What is toastmasters?


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And see that's exactly where i'm at. I talked to my doctor and i'd like to do something to curve my anxiety/depression but i don't want to be so drugged that i lose my personality. I'm typically a happy guy, but there those every other day occurrences where i just hate life and don't want to be social at all. I feel like it's gotten worse as I've gotten older. I'm now 33... and i can remember suffering anxiety since i was a teenager and it's slowly developed into a slight depression. Exercising helps for sure, running has been a good high for me and it totally melts away frustrations. But i definitely found solace when i was hanging with my car crew. Right now though i'm out of the car game so it's definitely made an impact. The car game has been my own true hobby.