Anxiety has ruined my life....so far.

LegacyUser

Hi everyone.

I am in my early twenties and I have been a little down lately.
I have been diagnosed with OCD, Depersonalistaion disorder and general anxiety in the last two years but I have suffered with these disorders for the last eight years.

I am going to a therapist and am on medication which are helping.
I am also returning to college next week after a few years off due to my anxiety.

I have been thinking of my life and I can't help but feel annoyed at the way my anxiety has affected me over the years.
I have not got many close friends because I was afraid to put myself out there and I would spend most of the time at home.

I know to some people it may sound silly but one of my dreams is to play inter county football for my county which I don't see happening now. I love Gaelic football and my depersonalistaion disorder has meant that I was afraid to go training and I had to try and control my anxiety instead of concentrating on training and getting better as a player when I was younger. I do still play football now and again but I have lost all my confidence and my fitness is really poor. I do know well respected coaches that have said I have something and that I am a really good player but I just feel it is too late for me.

I feel that overall not much people has much time for me outside of my family. I would love people to respect me and I think that is one of the reasons that I would love to play for my county.

Overall I feel that my anxiety has held me back and it really gets me down at time.

Any advice would be much appreciated.
Thanks

Rubberchikken

I could be wrong but while you may be too old for county football but you're not too old to get fit and maybe try out for your local team or complete a trainer course and pass on your talents to young kids coming up.

Begin to respect and like yourself first, after that if anyone else does it'll be the icing on the cake.
Good luck

3rdDegree

You're still so young, with everything ahead of you. Forget about your past. That is done. You are doing something positive about your problems and that is fantastic. So many people suffer for years without doing that; or worse, start self medicating with drink and other drugs leading to many wasted and miserable years. Focus on getting better now and enjoying the rest of your life. Your doctor sounds great and you are on the right road. Self respect and respect from others will come as you get better and your confidence grows.