justaoifethings

I hate going on nights out. With a passion. So much so that I probably go out one night every four months, whilst for most people my age, it's at least a weekly affair. One of the last times I was out, I ended up hyperventilating in a bathroom. If you're like me and don't want to just avoid it, I have some tips that might help you! Don't drink. Especially if, like me, you have anxiety. Alcohol is a depressant and can make us more anxious. It will most likely not make you feel calm throughout the night. If you experience depersonalisation, it can increase this. The same goes for drugs (yes, even weed). Even though some drugs can originally have a calming effect, they can induce depressed episodes and paranoia. If you feel uncomfortable pr left out during the night, buy a drink of coke. It'll help you feel more in place if you have a glass in hand. Image from here     2. Wear something you're comfy in If you wear something that makes you uncomfortabl...

If you've ever read any of my blog posts, you will know that I suffer from a chronic anxiety disorder. I have struggled with everything from the major to minor in life, from education and friendship, to making appointments at the hairdressers. Aside from anxiety, depression can make it difficult to want to fight against everyday anxiety. You will also know that I have recently done my final exams, and if you follow me on Twitter or Instagram, you know that I am now a student at a university in Dublin, studying Sociology, English Literature and German. I entered college through a scheme called DARE (Disability Access Route to Education), and because of this, I had an early orientation week with other DARE applicants. In secondary school, I was always the outsider. I had my nose in a book, hung around with either 'weird' people or on my own, or was having a panic attack. I took studying very seriously, far too seriously. If you're one of those people, know that...

Anxiety is, planning a trip to Amsterdam and seeing a terrorist attack in your head Anxiety is gripping your phone when seeing a grill on the road Anxiety is feeling a fear of death when having to do a maths problem in class Anxiety is thinking everyone hates you Anxiety is struggling with your sex life because you constantly believe that you're pregnant Anxiety is your train stopping and thinking that you're going to die due to a gunaman Anxiety is having sensory overload in ikea Anxiety is being constantly uncomfortable around people Anxiety is your best friend not being online for longer than usual and your mind bombards you with images of you screaming at the news of their murder Anxiety is your plane having a bump and you imagine yourself crashed, hanging off a tree with legs cut off Anxiety is applying for a job and feeling sick about a detail you may have put down incorrectly Anxiety is feeling ill about being asked questions when handing in your CV Anxiety ...

Sometimes I feel that I'm watching life slip by me, in terms of being social. I'm almost 18, but I've never been to a party. I was invited to one once, but had a panic attack and didn't go. Sorry about that, Eugene. On Facebook, there's pictures of people going out and just having a good time. Even in school, everyone hangs out together and everyone gets along so well. But then there's me. I'm such an outsider, and I know it. I have a couple of friends, but only one who's really close, who I know genuinely enjoys spending time with me (I hope). But even she is able to branch out, go to gigs and pubs and parties. I actually haven't seen anyone socially in about four months. I just use the excuse of school, but in reality, I'm just scared. I can't just walk up to people in school and strike up a conversation. I suppose I get paranoid. I'm afraid that people think I'm weird. I'm awkward when conversations arise which probably ...