Does living with anxiety ever get better long term?

[Wrenn1984]

I’ve had anxiety (specifically OCD) for almost 20 years and am just going through my 4th ‘episode’ or relapse.

I’ve sought help proactively (I can recognise signs now) but I find myself really sad at the prospect of never being normal. As I’m starting to feel better from a bad few months, I’m now looking ahead and realising that this will
be hanging over me (and those around me) for the rest of my life.

i know there is nothing I can do to change this but am struggling to deal with this as a future - always waiting for the next time.

anyone have advice on dealing with it?

As always look to the origin to find the solution. What happened 20 years ago? Figuring out, if possible, why this pattern of thought was formed (it's nearly always some sort of defence strategy, but it can be something completely random) gives you the opportunity of changing or negating that way of thinking.

i know there is nothing I can do to change this

This is (sometimes) the only belief that needs to change.

Don't feel helpless. That you recognize the signs and seek help is progress.
Also, if you have the time please take a look at Georgia Ede speaking on YouTube, she is a psychiatrist who discusses the link between diet and mental health. It is eye opening. She has a book, but her talks are freely available on YOuTube, for example a talk at the Public Health Collaboration.

I came on to post something similar. I’ve felt like this for as long as I can remember. There are days when it’s worse and days when it’s not so bad, but it’s always there.

I’m sorry I have no advice. I relate to this so much. My anxiety has always existed and though sometimes I get relief, it’s always there lingering in the background. Understanding the source has been helpful but doesn’t automatically ‘fix’ the anxiety, at least it hasn’t for me. What’s been helpful sometimes is looking at how far I’ve come, even when struggling. For example X years ago I wasn’t even able to do Y, but now I’m doing it even though it’s hard, it’s nowhere near unbearable as it was X years ago and so on. Looking back and realising how far you’ve come, even when you are struggling

Thanks for all the replies, it’s comforting just to know other people feel this way too.

I do recognise that I’ve made progress, I’ve fought my way back now for a 4th time (or trying to), but it’s just the thought of having to do this over and over again that gets me down sometimes.

is it possible to ‘accept’ it’s how we are?

I think accepting anxiety and not fighting the symptoms is key. I have battled on and off all my life but with regular therapy, structured exercise, minimal phone time, a good diet and acceptance that sometimes I panic and I should not try and fight it - I am so much better. I am now able to actively enjoy things I used to avoid for pure survival. It will likely peak again at some point but I try not to focus on that.

there is a woman on Instagram with an account call Ahealthypush whose videos really helped me realise the importance of acceptance.