u/Savings_Eye_3191

For example, with weight loss, I know it takes time, but sometimes the thought of needing months (or even a year) to reach my goal makes me anxious and impatient. How do you learn to accept the process and stop worrying about how long it will take?

For example, with weight loss, I know that healthy and sustainable progress takes time. But sometimes I get discouraged when I realize that it might take months, or even longer, to get where I want to be. It’s almost like I’m afraid of the waiting itself. I think, “What if I have to be patient for a year? What if I don’t see the results quickly enough? What if I lose motivation halfway through?” I know that time is going to pass anyway, but emotionally, it’s still difficult to accept.

For those of you who have worked toward long-term goals (weight loss, fitness, studying, career, etc.), how did you learn to be okay with the process taking a long time?

Hi everyone,

I’ve been wanting to talk about this for a while because I’m honestly starting to feel exhausted by my anxiety.

My anxiety is related to PTSD, and I’m already seeing a psychologist. I am working on it, but despite that, I feel like the stress is constantly there. All the time. It feels like my body and my brain are permanently on alert, even when there is absolutely nothing happening.

I feel like I’m scared of everything now. Going outside can sometimes feel terrifying. I can literally feel like I’m going to die just from stepping outside. I also have this weird feeling of being afraid of being seen or noticed. Sometimes I don’t even understand where the fear comes from. And then, out of nowhere, I can have really intense panic attacks.

What makes it especially difficult is that I don’t even remember what it feels like to live without this constant stress. I feel like I’ve forgotten what a normal life without anxiety is supposed to feel like. I’m always anticipating something, worrying about what could happen, imagining the worst-case scenario, and trying to make sure that nothing bad happens.

And I’m just so tired. I honestly feel like I’ve lived a shitty life without ever really doing anything, enjoying myself, or experiencing anything, because of my anxiety. I know that my anxiety comes from trauma, and I understand intellectually that my brain is probably trying to protect me. But knowing that doesn’t make it easier to live with. Sometimes I just wonder why I have to struggle with this so much.

I’m also struggling with the exposure part of therapy. I know exposure can be helpful for anxiety and PTSD, but I honestly feel like it isn’t calming things down for me. Sometimes I feel like it actually makes everything worse. I feel more overwhelmed afterwards, and it makes me question whether exposure is actually the right approach for me right now, or whether I’m doing something wrong.

I’m not saying therapy is useless, and I’m not looking for someone to tell me to “just get therapy” because I already am. I’m just wondering if anyone else has experienced this kind of constant anxiety with PTSD, where you basically feel like you’re in danger all the time.

Does anyone else feel like their nervous system is permanently stuck in fight-or-flight? And has anyone experienced exposure therapy making things worse before eventually helping?

I’d really like to hear from people who have experienced something similar, because right now I’m just so tired of being afraid all the time.

Hello.

What causes weight gain when taking paroxetine? Does it work up an appetite? Or does it just make you gain weight for no good reason?

My doctor just prescribed it to me, and I’m afraid to take it. Depression caused me to gain 15 kg in three months... and I’m worried it might get worse. My pharmacist told me not to worry, but the idea of ​​taking it terrifies me.

Hi everyone,

I think I might need to start taking antidepressants, but I’m really scared of gaining weight because of them.

My weight is already a major source of distress for me right now, so the thought of gaining more weight really scares me, and I know I would probably struggle with it mentally. At the same time, I feel like I might genuinely need some additional help with my mental health, and I don’t really know what to do.

Have any of you experienced this fear before starting antidepressants? Did you gain weight, or did your weight stay the same?

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences and advice. ❤️