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Anxious

March8

It dawns on me as I sit there, my left butt-cheek falling asleep, that I could be somewhere else eating a bagel. Like Paris. Or Detroit. Or learning the Swahili phrase for “pants are bullshit.” Or washing my car. Okay, maybe not washing my car. It was like -900 degrees out. Washing my car would be like that scene in the Terminator with the Nitrous Oxide and the robot.

I smile, imagining my car shattering in the car wash, until I remember I’m probably sitting on barf germs. I hate barf germs.

My iPhone isn’t getting any signal in here. Stupid AT&T. Should be named the iCAN’TPhone because I haven’t been able to make a phone call since I got the damn thing. Hm. I really could use some mindless interaction from The Twitter right about now. Or maybe a Vicodin-Chip cookie. Or some vodka. Because my heart feels like it’s going to pound right the fuck out of my chest.

When the hell did this HAPPEN?

When did I start feeling stretched as taut as an over-tuned violin string? Why did I feel like the pressure to do more; to be more, to constantly outdo myself was omnipresent? Like I couldn’t ever possibly manage to live up to my own unrealistic expectations? Like I had to somehow be everything to everyone. Like if I didn’t constantly prove myself, I would cease to matter. I would cease to exist.

When did this start? And moreover: how could I make this stop?

These anxious racing thoughts; this anxiety, this had to stop.

Admitting that I had a problem the first step, I know from Al-Anon, and doing something about it was important. Hence the bagel-craving and the barf-germ-coated chair in my doctor’s waiting room. And, of course, the urge to flee so that I could learn Portuguese or Mandarin or really anything but admit that I had a problem.

I’m so tired of problems. I’m so tired of having something wrong that I barely want to admit to myself that I have a problem. Between migraines and my lazy-ass missing-in-action thyroid and insomnia, I can hardly stand to be in the same room with myself anymore without wanting to punch myself in the teeth. Problems are bullshit. I hate problems. Maybe I can make a “Problems Are Bullshit” shirt. Because they are. Bullshit, that is.

Maybe this isn’t ACTUALLY a problem. Maybe I can just ignore it and it’ll get better on it’s own.

Except it hasn’t. Because that’s what I’ve been doing. And it’s not working. Clearly.

Before I could do anything, though, the nurse poked her head into the waiting room, “Becky?” she trilled calmly, clearly unaware of my churny guts.

I sighed, put my iDON’TWORKPhone back into my purse and followed her back.

“What seems to be the problem?” she asked kindly.

“Well,” I started, looking at my hands, ashamed to be admitting this to anyone but the people who live inside my computer. “It’s sorta like this…”

posted under If You're Looking For Sympathy, You Can Find It In The Dictionary Between Shit And Syphilis

111 Comments to

“Anxious”

On March 8th, 2011 at 12:16 pm Tina Says:
Kudos…and hugs
On March 8th, 2011 at 12:16 pm Michelle Says:
I adore you. Just you, being you, without anything to prove, because you are amazing and wonderful just as you are. And I know that hearing/reading that won’t be the one magic bullet (heh) that will make it all okay, but maybe it’ll help a little.

Your Pranksters are pulling for you. Good luck!
On March 8th, 2011 at 1:23 pm MarsupialMama Says:
Yeah, HELL YEAH!! Your pranksters are pulling for you!!
On March 8th, 2011 at 12:19 pm Josefina Says:
Good for you! I’m sorry you’re having a lousy time. I want to tell you, though, that your bravery is an awesome thing. Amazing.

I hope you get some good help. xoxo
On March 8th, 2011 at 12:19 pm Mrs. BadAss Says:
I can so relate to this feeling. Please tell me it gets better?
On March 8th, 2011 at 3:55 pm Joy Says:
I’m waiting to hear this, too.
On March 8th, 2011 at 7:34 pm Samantha Says:
So am I.
On March 8th, 2011 at 12:20 pm Frelle Says:
i love your humor even as your writing your whole heart out onto the page. I’m thisclose to going in myself. Love to you.
On March 8th, 2011 at 12:21 pm Kristin (MamaKK922) Says:
I have been there so many times. Still there in fact. Anxiety is the worst. HUGS. I am glad you are finally getting some help. There is nothing wrong with help.

And problems ARE Bullshit, I would like to kick them in the teeth.
On March 8th, 2011 at 12:22 pm Sid Scott Says:
Becky,

Been there. Dunnit. And if you were to create it, I would have the damn T-shirt.

I’m in a much better place now after decades of anxiety, depression and worry. There is no boiler plate fix. I hope you find your cure, whether it’s in your heart, your mind, your environment, or in a combination of these and other things.

Good Luck!

Sid
On March 8th, 2011 at 12:23 pm Sid Scott Says:
nope
On March 8th, 2011 at 12:25 pm Dana Says:
Anxiety is a motherf—er. All consuming and debilitating. I’m glad you’re getting help. I tried to reason with it, tried to will it away but like I said in my first sentence…
I hope you find relief.
On March 8th, 2011 at 12:25 pm Meg Says:
Aunt Becky…you are awesome…just wanted to say that.
On March 8th, 2011 at 12:25 pm Loralee Says:
Fucking cold weather.

Wait…that’s not the take away here, is it?

😉

(xxooxoxo You can do this.)
On March 8th, 2011 at 12:27 pm Katherine @ Postpartum Progress Says:
Good work, girlie! So glad you went to get help!
On March 8th, 2011 at 12:28 pm SiobhanK524 Says:
I’ve been there, too (migraines, also; yayfun). It’s frustrating to know that your body isn’t working the way you think it should, but you’re doing the right thing in going to the doctor.

I had such a hard time when I first sought treatment for my massive depression and anxiety attacks. I hated that I had to outsource an issue in my own body. I felt like a failure.

But after finding the right treatment (for me, it was a tiny peach-colored pill combined with my normal yoga, dance, and lots of sleep–for you it might be completely different), I started to feel like myself again. It was like a horrible fog was lifting just enough for me to breathe clean air. My pills didn’t make me happy or carefree, but they did correct the chemical imbalance in my brain that was making me all fruitcake-y.

Stay strong, and don’t judge yourself (which is such impossible advice–of course you’re going to judge yourself, it’s human nature–but try not to). You’re doing what’s best for your mental well-being and your family.

And P.S.: I think you’re an amazing, hilarious writer, and I want to be just like you when I grow up (I’m 30 now, so this may never happen… but I can hope.)
On March 8th, 2011 at 12:29 pm HumorSmith Says:
Becky you are a warrior. I love reading your thoughts and you always make me smile. Please know my thoughts are with you and I know you’ll beat the bastards down!!!
On March 8th, 2011 at 12:29 pm MissHannah Says:
The hardest part is stopping expecting so much of yourself.
I have had increasing anxieties for the past few months. Finally went to Dr about a month ago and was given SSRI’s, they have just started to work, and life seems, just, calmer. The problems I had before are still there but not so huge. So its baby steps I think.

have a virtual hug (even though I know you don’t really like hugs from strangers!)
On March 8th, 2011 at 12:30 pm Jessica Says:
I want a Problems are Bullshit T shirt. I would wear the shit out of it. Good for you for seeking help. You are awesome.
Hugs.
Jess
On March 8th, 2011 at 12:35 pm Pam Says:
Never, ever, ever is it a bad thing to ask for help. NEVER! Nike yourself- just do it! And, if you’re lucky enough to get some of those Vicodin-chip cookies, I’ll take some!
On March 8th, 2011 at 12:42 pm TheTameOne Says:
Anxiety sucks balls! I’ve had it FOREVER, and it really is the worst. This is why I love lexapro and avoid anything with Nutrasweet (Aspartame) like the plague. Oh, and Xanax. Yes please!!

Feel better soon!
On March 8th, 2011 at 12:45 pm ender Says:
Obviously I have a new project this weekend – design a Problems Are BULLSHIT shirt for you.
On March 8th, 2011 at 12:45 pm ender Says:
Obviously I have a new project this weekend – design a Problems Are BULLSHIT shirt for you.
On March 8th, 2011 at 12:49 pm Molly Says:
Oh, anxiety, you wiley bastard. But you’ll get him yet, Aunt Becky, you’re doing the right thing, and an awesome thing. Standing ovation for you, and throwing some vicodin chip cookies your way.
On March 8th, 2011 at 12:56 pm Marie Says:
OMG when you’re all happy again and stuff, COME TO DETROIT! or the burbs, whatever. There is a Bagel Place near me that I have to PURPOSEFULLY drive around so i don’t stop. Their salt sticks are TO DIE FOR. When I was preggo with #2, I wanted salt bagels, but couldn’t find the *right* one. usually too salty…ech…this one has salt and cornmeal and poppy seed…salty but not too salty, slightly browner to give it that good crunch but the inside like a gooey-starchy marshmallow. mmmm…
On March 8th, 2011 at 12:56 pm Crftyveg Says:
Problem are bullshit! BTW, I’d totally wear that shirt. I also suffer from anxiety, migraines, and other wonderful bullshit. You have to keep your head up, remember you are not alone, and have an
endless supply of xanax. Your blog and the other pranksters remind me daily that I’m not alone! YAY!
On March 8th, 2011 at 1:04 pm karen Says:
((((((((((((AUNT BECKY))))))))))))
On March 8th, 2011 at 1:04 pm karen Says:
((((((((((((AUNT BECKY))))))))))))
On March 8th, 2011 at 1:04 pm stacey@Havoc&Mayhem Says:
I’m buying the shirt when it comes out.
On March 8th, 2011 at 1:11 pm Sandra Says:
You’re not alone. Congrats for being able to say it out loud. I always bitch out.

Hang in there.
On March 8th, 2011 at 1:58 pm Your Aunt Becky Says:
I did not want to write this one out but I realized that I needed to stop hiding from my problems. It was time.
On March 8th, 2011 at 1:13 pm Anna Says:
I just clawed my way out of a huge black hole and am, quite frankly, still clawing and grasping. If I can get through that, you can get through this.

Oh, and? Sign me up for a Problems are Bullshit shirt.
On March 8th, 2011 at 1:57 pm Your Aunt Becky Says:
Bwahahahaha. They are TOTAL bullshit. Who needs ’em?
On March 8th, 2011 at 1:14 pm onecookieshort Says:
I’m glad you’re getting help. Anxiety is bullshit. And don’t give up if the first thing you try doesn’t work. I finally went in to get my fourth change in medication after I started getting migraines. Migraines are also bullshit. However getting help is definitely not.
On March 8th, 2011 at 1:57 pm Your Aunt Becky Says:
Migraines are a hot steaming load of bullshit. I would punch them in the nads if I could.
On March 8th, 2011 at 1:14 pm Becky Mochaface Says:
SO proud of you Aunt Becky.
On March 8th, 2011 at 1:57 pm Your Aunt Becky Says:
Thank you, my friend.
On March 8th, 2011 at 1:14 pm Jaci Says:
I feel you.

I write my blog posts, read yours in my Reader, then wonder if we’re sisters.

All I can say is I FEEL YOU.
On March 8th, 2011 at 1:56 pm Your Aunt Becky Says:
We are SOUL sisters. Right? RIGHT.
On March 8th, 2011 at 1:15 pm Chris in PHX Says:
Head up, shoulders back, titts at attention…keep on trucking Aunt Becky.

My favorite phrase…Por favor ki ta te los pantalonos & deja meh abusarte (if my weak little mind remembers 11th grade spanish right, if not, Im sure you get the jist
On March 8th, 2011 at 1:56 pm Your Aunt Becky Says:
Tomorrow is another day. And I will beat the shit out of this problem. I always do. Right? RIGHT.
On March 8th, 2011 at 1:16 pm The Sweetest Says:
Yes! We hate problems! I wish I could live for one month without some sort of problem. problems are bullshit, and so are most of the “fixes” for the problems. I hope your MD visit was a fruitful one.
On March 8th, 2011 at 1:56 pm Your Aunt Becky Says:
It was. My MD is one of the most fantastic, amazing people on the planet. Everyone should be so lucky.

I just look forward to not feeling this way.
On March 8th, 2011 at 1:16 pm laurie Says:
so much for writing about it helping to get over it. sorry ur having rough go of it. but i gotta tell you vicodin chip cookies tooooooo funny!!!
On March 8th, 2011 at 1:55 pm Your Aunt Becky Says:
I’ll pack some up for you, how’s that?
On March 9th, 2011 at 10:51 am laurie Says:
you suppose i could still pass a drug test at work if i ate a whole batch? or a couple?
On March 8th, 2011 at 1:23 pm erin@mommyonthespot Says:
Anxiety is horrible! I often think that it’s not fair that I have to work so hard at just staying calm and balanced.

So proud of you for taking care of yourself.

I think on the back of your Problems Are Bullshit it should say And Anxiety Can Suck It!
On March 8th, 2011 at 1:23 pm erin@mommyonthespot Says:
Anxiety is horrible! I often think that it’s not fair that I have to work so hard at just staying calm and balanced.

So proud of you for taking care of yourself.

I think on the back of your Problems Are Bullshit it should say And Anxiety Can Suck It!
On March 8th, 2011 at 1:55 pm Your Aunt Becky Says:
Bwahahahaha. I was trying to think of a new shirt design. I’d thought something with unicorns, but you know. Maybe not.
On March 8th, 2011 at 1:25 pm JennK Says:
Dude. Just, like…I get it. Yeah.
On March 8th, 2011 at 1:54 pm Your Aunt Becky Says:
What. The. Fuck. Happened. To. Us?
On March 8th, 2011 at 2:04 pm JennK Says:
Yeah, I don’t know…I just…we…it’s always there. You know. I know you know.
On March 8th, 2011 at 2:21 pm Your Aunt Becky Says:
Yes. I do. And I don’t know how to fix it. YET.
On March 8th, 2011 at 1:25 pm Sammo Says:
Fuck. Yeah. I have no idea when Anxiety took over like weird Austrians in Die Hard and my sanity is trying to be all Bruce Willis and hiding in the air vents and trying to get OUT. But it’s a bitch. God willing, you’ll be able to ride it out and fix what needs fixing. My personal battle rages on, but hey, at least I have good company!
On March 8th, 2011 at 1:54 pm Your Aunt Becky Says:
It’s a TOTAL bitch. WTF happened to us, man?
On March 8th, 2011 at 1:26 pm Susan @ Sassafrassery Says:
Hang in there!
On March 8th, 2011 at 1:54 pm Your Aunt Becky Says:
Thank you.
On March 8th, 2011 at 1:43 pm Tina Says:
And the back of that tshirt should read: So, where are my vicodin-chip cookies?

I’m with you; I’d wear that every day!!
On March 8th, 2011 at 1:54 pm Your Aunt Becky Says:
Bwahahahaha! I was JUST talking to my T-Shirt guy about making a new shirt. (also: must choose and announce winner. TOTALLY forgot and didn’t exactly gel with this post)(now I feel like a dickwad).
On March 8th, 2011 at 2:02 pm Lanita Says:
I am woman.
Hear me ROAR!
On March 8th, 2011 at 2:21 pm Your Aunt Becky Says:
Imma make anxiety my bitch if it kills me. Wait. Um. That sounded bad.
On March 8th, 2011 at 2:22 pm Suzy Voices Says:
Get some good drugs. Cymbalta helped me tremendously! And big, big, big hugs to you!!
On March 8th, 2011 at 2:26 pm Penbleth Says:
Good girl for going to get help. You don’t have to do it all and you don’t have to do it on your own.
On March 8th, 2011 at 2:31 pm Alexandra Says:
I’m so sick of problems. They are bullshit.

Mostly, just sick of crapass people in the world that just like to shit on others.

That is all.
On March 8th, 2011 at 3:09 pm MKP Says:
Yay for getting help! Last week I was finally motivated by a friend to schedule my celiac’s screening appointment so maybe things will start feeling better in my digestive regions. So know that we’re all here for you with our bullshit pompoms a-waving!
On March 8th, 2011 at 3:17 pm ColinP Says:
You are stronger than you know and you will totally kick this shit in the nads.
On March 8th, 2011 at 3:33 pm Barbara Says:
Big Hugs
On March 8th, 2011 at 3:40 pm Melissa Says:
I totally feel you. I have anxiety disorder and it sucks.
On March 8th, 2011 at 3:52 pm Betty M Says:
I am sorry that you have got this to add to your plate. Courage (said with rousing French accent) Aunt B. The first step is the toughest and you are over that now.
On March 8th, 2011 at 3:52 pm Betty M Says:
I am sorry that you have got this to add to your plate. Courage (said with rousing French accent) Aunt B. The first step is the toughest and you are over that now.
On March 8th, 2011 at 3:57 pm Lady Estrogen Says:
I thought I was having a heart attack in November – was in hospital for 4 hours… it was my very first anxiety attack. Do I get a trophy or something?
On March 8th, 2011 at 4:07 pm Amelia Says:
It takes all the strength in the world to admit you need help, good for you!!
On March 8th, 2011 at 4:13 pm melanie Says:
as someone who has struggled with GAD for years, I want to give you a great big ol’ cyber hug, anxiety is BULLSHIT…. and I get all weepy and embarrassing when I have to go tell a new doc about it, which really pisses me off, because what the hell…..I should NOT be ashamed of anxiety!
On March 8th, 2011 at 4:46 pm Jessica B Says:
Oh AB, I wish I could say something awesome and profound and like, helpful. I wish I could sit with you for a bit and just you know, listen, and commiserate, because I happen to know pretty much exactly how you feel.

Chin up girl, you have a crapload of people who think/know you are amazing. It takes a ton of guts to bring yourself to a Dr and put it all out there, and you did it.

You. Did. It.
On March 8th, 2011 at 4:56 pm Lost.In.Idaho Says:
Don’t worry. You’re not the one with the problem. You’re perfectly normal. It’s THEM that have the problem! ALL OF THEM!

Good luck. Breathe, and take life one step at a time. The best way to get through a rough situation is to keep pressing forward and to make it your bitch.
On March 8th, 2011 at 5:03 pm Kristin Says:
{{{Hugs}}} and good for you.
On March 8th, 2011 at 5:13 pm Hamlets Mistress Says:
I’m so glad you’ve gone to get help. I hate that you don’t feel as awesome a you should. I hope they have some ideas for you.
On March 8th, 2011 at 5:20 pm Sarah Says:
I get this more than I could possibly say in a comment, but I get it. It sux big time ass that the only advice I have is for you is: more therapy. But it does work.

Also, they make vicodin chips??? What are those and how badly do I need to get injured to get me some o’them. Kidding. Mostly.
On March 8th, 2011 at 5:24 pm monica Says:
oh aunt becky. this so sucks. i burst into tears at the dr.’s office last month too. it was so scary to say that i’m not okay most of the time and that i’d rather just go back to bed than deal with my mounds of anxiety-causing-shit. hugs and love via internet.

and i’d totally buy a t-shirt in swahili. “suruali ni ya bullshit!” [i’m such a nerd…]
and here’s my fav swahili link: http://learnswahili.net/

thank you for sharing. really. xx
On March 8th, 2011 at 5:38 pm Squatlo Says:
Vicodin-chip cookies… ummmmmmmmmmmm!

Chin up, Becky, if comments were karma you’d be the dalai lama by now! Lots of us pulling for you to come back to just semi-stressed so we can read the stories again!
On March 8th, 2011 at 5:46 pm Chibi Jeebs Says:
Problems ARE bullshit. Admitting them is also bullshit. When I went to the doctor (time the first) about The Sads, I *knew* deep down it was depression, but I was in complete and utter denial (cue weeping as soon as she said the D-word). I seem to finally be getting a handle on that, but now the anxiety seems to be rearing its ugly little head more and more often – I don’t LIKE random anxiety attacks, oh no siree Bob.

A round of Vicodin chip cookies on me!
On March 8th, 2011 at 5:54 pm Krissa Says:
Aunt Becky, how can I make you understand that it WILL get better? I wish I knew the magic words to say that would at least give you a glimpse of the future where you feel good and normal again.
You’re getting the help you need and that’s the perfect start.
On March 8th, 2011 at 7:20 pm linlah Says:
Yo Aunt Becky, you can kick anziety and the horse it rode in on.
On March 8th, 2011 at 7:37 pm Mrs Woog Says:
sucks big time. Sending you a virtual hug followed by a swift wedgie xo
On March 8th, 2011 at 8:34 pm Suniverse Says:
Thank you so much for writing this. That admission? Is the hardest thing to do in real life.
On March 8th, 2011 at 8:45 pm Jenny Says:
You are very brave. And a beautiful and talented writer. I am pulling for you.
On March 8th, 2011 at 9:59 pm Rachel Says:
You always have a monstrous amount of comments, so even if you don’t get to this one, I hope you realize that each comment represents someone who has gone from just reading your blog to caring about you. 🙂 Even though you haven’t met most of us in person, you are in our thoughts. You bring me smiles, laughter, and the feeling of not being the only one – and that’s a huge deal! So how can you be anything but invincible with a freakin’ army of bloggers and fans pulling for you? 😀 Tell anxiety to suck it. 2011 is so your bitch. <3
On March 8th, 2011 at 10:02 pm Magic Says:
hug…Hug….HUG!

Feel better…you rock all over the place…all the time…everywhere!

HUG!!!!!!
On March 8th, 2011 at 10:39 pm Kyddryn Says:
I’d give you a leg up if I could. When you make your way back up there,tpss a rope down, wouldja?

I never had a migraine, but insomnia and I are on a first-name basis and depression kicks my ass up one side of the street and down the other on a regular basis.

Hugs.

Shade abd Sweetwater,
K
On March 8th, 2011 at 11:13 pm Sunday Says:
Anxiety is bullshit, Xanax is my friend. Strangely admit to a lot of shit but I had a hard time and was really embarrassed about finely coming clean and admitting I was always scared shitless and had no idea why. Just taking the first step is huge.
On March 9th, 2011 at 6:08 am Mermama3 Says:
Anxiety is my conjoined twin too… I wish she’d shut her whore mouth and shrivel up and fall off. Three different meds (sometimes at once) and the bitch still won’t fuck off and leave me alone sometimes. But I am finally able to wake up every day determined to kick her ass as needed. You can do it too, I know – you’re AB for fuck’s sake!! 🙂 Good job getting some support, you deserve to be well by whatever means necessary. There is no shame in it. Surround yourself with people who “get it” (myself included, don’t hesitate to email if you need a friend) and give yourself the time it takes. You will conquer, we all will, and we will march across the land wearing “I Kicked Anxiety’s Ass” t-shirts in celebration! 😉 Hugs and strength to you!
On March 9th, 2011 at 6:49 am mumma boo Says:
So proud of you for taking the steps to take care of YOU! Anxiety is bullshit, problems are bullshit, and if anyone can kick them in the nads and move forward, it’s you. Sending love and strength your way…
On March 9th, 2011 at 7:31 am S Says:
When I first read your blog about anxiety I wondered what the underlying cause was. Then I saw what you wrote about Al-anon. Hello twin sister. I didn’t know there were that many of us with double alcoholics. There’s so much shit they pile on you (unbeknownst to them or you) and it can stick with us for YEARS! I started having panic attacks and issues with anxiety (like you said-waiting for the other shoe to drop) so I went to a counselor and read a shit load of self help books such as Perfect Daughters, What’s Normal for Adult Children, Toxic Parents, etc. etc.
I still have my moments but it’s not all consuming like it was and most times I’m able to talk myself out of it. Still annoying as hell but now I know where it comes from.
When we grow up in the environment we did our awareness level goes up to a 9 and 10 and unfortunately (for me at least) it got stuck on a 9. So I was frantically looking around and waiting and every thing that would happen to someone else I thought would happen to me (boundary issues from my parents, thanks a lot) then the panic would set in!
Loooooong story short: with work you can get through it. We are better then the drink of choice that our parents couldn’t put down and we’re creating our own family. YOU CAN DO IT!!!! It will take a lot of work and more time than you think but stick with it, it’s completely worth it in the end!
On March 9th, 2011 at 9:40 am Your Aunt Becky Says:
YES. Exactly. It’s almost like you can’t NOT be aware of what’s going on at all points in time. I spent YEARS wondering when the next shoe would drop. When it didn’t, I knew it was only a matter of time.

Doesn’t help that my life has been chaos for a long time. So there were constant messes to be cleaned up, you know?

I need to pick up Perfect Daughters. It’s the second time I’ve heard someone mention it. Thanks for the nudge. 😉
On March 9th, 2011 at 10:08 am The Mommy Therapy Says:
Amazing post. I’m sorry you have to be in that place to write it, but that’s sort of how it works, right?

Problems totally blow, possibly another t-shirt option? Unfortunately it’s life for a lot of us and I think it’s the brave ones, the ones that are tough, that are stand up sort of people that fight the hardest to work them out….unfortuantely going through a whole heap of bullshit in the process.

It’s great you are working on you, I can’t think of a better project….well, other than you writing about it because you really do a fantastic job.

Pop on over to Austin and we’ll chat dysfunction, it’s rampant.
On March 9th, 2011 at 10:10 am Zak Says:
I love you hard and thanks for writing this.

You aren’t alone, momma.

XO
On March 9th, 2011 at 10:46 am Cindy Bennett Says:
Ah, anxiety, it is a horrible thing. I have been on Lexapro for years and it WORKS! I hate that I have to take pills and stuff, but I was born this way, and it makes it better. Good luck to you. I hope the Dr was kind and helpful!
On March 9th, 2011 at 11:58 am amy d Says:
Yes!!! Problems *ARE* bullshit!!!

UGH, sorry about this suffocating anxiety you are dealing with…I get it too and it sucks. I hope you find some help for it, because that is a crappy way to feel.

Love ya Bex!
On March 9th, 2011 at 12:20 pm Dr. Cynicism Says:
“My iPhone isn’t getting any signal in here. Stupid AT&T. Should be named the iCAN’TPhone because I haven’t been able to make a phone call since I got the damn thing.”

A-FUCKIN-MEN.
On March 9th, 2011 at 1:22 pm Erika Says:
I understand this and what you are going through. I went through a horrible time with anxiety and panic attacks. After everything I have learned from it and read about it here is one fun fact:

Dumb people don’t get anxiety 🙂

Seriously! They just don’t care.

You are smart and have amazing ideas and are always thinking and you are too hard on yourself – WAY harder than you should be.

It will turn out good in the end. Just another thing that is going to make you a stronger person – even if you have had it with character building experiences 🙂
On March 9th, 2011 at 9:08 pm Wombat Central Says:
I’m all too familiar with the bullshit that is anxiety. I’m glad you went for help–sounds like you’re in good hands. Holler if you ever want to chat. ((hugs))
On March 9th, 2011 at 10:09 pm katrina Says:
You WILL make anxiety your bitch! I just know you will. Problems are bullshit–stomp ’em out like a cigarette.
On March 9th, 2011 at 10:50 pm katrina Says:
You WILL make anxiety your bitch, Becky. I just know you will. And yeah, problems are bullshit—stomp ’em out like a cigarette.
On March 9th, 2011 at 10:51 pm katrina Says:
You WILL make anxiety your bitch, Becky. I just know it.
On March 10th, 2011 at 11:26 am Llama Says:
I have had migraines for about 17 years and am so damned tired of them. Today I have my usual day after migraine hangover. I too suffer from anxiety but after having a hysterectomy feel so much less depressed and bitchy. Sadly, my doctor doesn’t believe in Xanax.

I hope you find the miracle I have been searching for so long.
On March 11th, 2011 at 12:10 pm Scott Says:
fyi, “suruali ni bullshit”
On March 13th, 2011 at 9:56 am Your Aunt Becky Says:
WIN!
On March 11th, 2011 at 12:12 pm Scott Says:
Or, if you prefer “suruali ni ng’ombe mavi”
On March 12th, 2011 at 5:15 pm Kaitesi Says:
If you literally want to say “pants are bullshit” in Swahili, it’s “suruali ni mavi ya ng’ombe”. And if I ever see that on a shirt, I might die laughing.
On March 13th, 2011 at 9:51 am Your Aunt Becky Says:
That is the awesomest ever. EVER.
On March 15th, 2011 at 1:39 am Rene Says:
I suffer from anxiety too. When things first started to get out of control, I wondered if I’d be able to continue living my life — just working, going grocery shopping. But I found ways to cope. I did CBT & learned some deep breathing, relaxation techniques that I use to help talk myself down when I start to freak. Making lists helps and purging like you are (when I can make myself do it). I take a low dose of Paxil, which keeps me functioning at work and as a mom, but doesn’t turn me into a zombie. Exercise helps too (again, when I can make myself do it). One thing that helped me is that my brother developed anxiety before I did, so I had someone to talk to. (My mom has it too, we’re just a bundle of crazy laughs!) It sounds like you trust your doctor and that you’re working towards finding a solution that works for you.

I agree with Erika a bit — I see anxiety as a part of the way my brain is wired. I’m smart and creative & it’s all wound together. Yeah, I’m a little nuts and I do too much and generate piles of chaos, but I’ve come to see it as part of my charm (*cough*). Good luck finding your balance. There’s lots of us out here with you trying to walk the fine line between genius and insanity.