life help: So has life got easier/better for you with age or worse? - Help.com

First of all, I traveled both islands back a while ago. Your county is the most beautiful place on earth. I had some of the best times of my life there. I did tire of the fruit cake and kiwis though. The Maori are an interesting people as well. I had the occasion to have tea with their Queen.
Anyway, what is this disorder that you have that is leaving you in the lurch?

Honestly?….it is getting worse..just when I think I’ve met the nastiest person I’ll ever meet..BOOM!..along comes someone even worse……I guess I never fail to amuse myself in some of the dumb choices I continue to make in life either..to be honest with you, I think a LOT of people would agree with us if they were HONEST about it. I think a LOYT of people just say life is getting better as they get older to make themselves feel better.

What happened in your mind that took you from socially confident to hiding from people?

In answer to your top line question, Yes, it has gotten better and worse. Worse: I struggle with a lot of things. I have an incredible business I want to start but am so frigging scared to have a simple conversation that I am paralized to start. Rediculous. Better: I have learned how to appreciate my very young daughter and really enjoy being with her more Worse: I get so furious/angry for no reason, and this is a new thing Better: I am learning so many things about how your whole life IS under your control, and how different ways of looking at situations, different ways of thinking can change your whole life.

Up and down is life. You gotta learn to maximize the ups for the inevitible downs. And how to minimize how “terrible” you allow them to be.

I suffer…suffered? Maybe - from extreme anxiety too. I don’t know how far you’ve gotten away from it or can remember what its like to not have it.. but if you were like I was, you’re a lot sicker than you think. All the physical symptoms are horrible.. its great that you’re challenging yourself. I got over it by getting over depression, first, and then slowly just doing more things outdoors, and seeing a psychologist.

There were a few reasons you could pinpoint for my anxiety. What EXACTLY are you anxious about? Do you think you’re too thin or fat? Do you think your hair looks funny? Or your ears? Or do you just hate eye contact etc…

I don’t know to what extent you get out.. go to the park everyday? Or just walk around the block? Mmmm.. I’m sorry that I can’t help you much :/

~hug~

I’m sorry to hear about your inflection but it sounds to me like you are a strong person because you are fighting it. I can’t think of a more social situation than traveling and seeing new sites. Those are huge steps in the right direction! Keep it up!
As for me I’m going to turn 50 in July and I’m looking forward to it, my kids are grown and doing well, I have 2 beautiful grandkids and since I have so much extra time on my hands I have decided to start my own business (at least it will keep me out of trouble!…lol). I would not go back to my 20’s for anything in the world unless I could keep the knowledge that I have right now. I look at each day as a new adventure and challenge. I think what you are doing is the bravest thing I have read on here. If you need a cheerleader you can shout at me any time. Good LUck