Adult daughter with debilitating anxiety

[Engolo]

Hi, this is my first post so am slightly anxious myself about posting!

My 20 yr old daughter has had anxiety for many years (since around the age of 15) that has prevented her from getting out in the world. She spends most of her time in her bedroom and avoids any connection with anyone. It seems to take her weeks to build up her confidence to get out for one outing.. She seems to describe body dysmorphia and is petrified of people looking at her.. Does anyone have any experience of this type of thing or have any ideas that might help, or a specific type of therapy that she could look into?

I am feeling helpless… thanks :)

@tootiredtospeak she was with me till a few weeks ago and then went back to his to explore work in theory but it hasn’t worked out due to her anxiety.. we have a good relationship, me and her dad, and are on the same page re supporting her it’s just tricky when she doesn’t open up.. splitting with her dad I’m sure had an early impact too sadly

My ds and dd both take Sertraline for anxiety.
It helps them to get out there in the world when previously they struggled to socialise, work or get an education.

@ParbadosBeach hey, thanks for sharing that, really helpful :)

I take a low dose of fluxotine (i can never spell it right). I wish I'd taken it sooner as its been great for me. Your daughter might not want to try them and they aren't for everyone but its an option as is a low dose and small amount of diazepam to perhaps help her to leave the house for a short time (as long as she doesn't have addictive tendencies and has an understanding gp.)

My dear friend has struggled with debilitating anxiety and depression for many years. She says that cold water (open sea) swimming has completely changed her life. She swims in the sea all year round. If your DD lives near the sea and can be persuaded to go down and watch the early morning swimmers she may be drawn in. There is usually a group on most accessible beaches, usually women, usually really supportive.

@JamSandle really appreciate you sharing your experience on this, I’ll ask her to speak to the gp about these options.. if you don’t mind explaining, why is it significant if the gp is understanding or not?

@ElizabethinherGermanGarden wow what a charming thing to do .. sadly she’s miles from the sea and cos of her body dysmorphia, getting into water publicly would be tricky, but I’ll definitely suggest it, many thanks :)

OP, this might be handy. Has links to support too.

bddfoundation.org/support/supporting-someone-with-bdd/advice-on-supporting-a-friend-or-relative-with-bdd/

Wishing your daughter, and you, all the best. Sounds like a really difficult time.

@ZuzuMyLittleGingersnap thanks for this link, so helpful :)

OP it’s either therapy or medication or a combination plus education for those that are supporting the person with anxiety. The more your DD learns about the condition the more informed she will become and the better at managing it.

It can get better.

@RedeeeOrNot many thanks for your encouragement, I have already learnt so much from ppl here about what can be done for her and I suppose that being her advocate with medical professionals when she feels unable to speak to anyone will be a big part of it.. it’s tragic that it’s taken us so long to begin to understand what has been going on for years - we could have done so much more if we had understood..