Anxiety is ruining my life

I don't know if I'm going to be able to take this any longer.

Just a few weeks ago, I was excited to have plastic surgery which is out of the country. This surgery will change my life and make me feel better.

However, now that it's getting closer. My anxiety has flared up and took my mind into another state. I keep having thoughts that I just know something is going to go wrong within the surgery. My doctor cleared me for the surgery and said that I am healthy, I don't smoke, drink, or do any sort of drug. I never had surgery, no health conditions. But I feel that the doctors might mess up and I will die. And now, I don't know what to do because I counted on getting this surgery and already paid for it. I am now depressed and had to call off work because I just can't make it. I am 26 and I live with my grandparents, where I've been for the last 3 years. I finally got a good job as a Medical transcription. I saved up a really nice amount of money with hopes to moving to LA once I get the plastic surgery done. Which is lipo and a boob job.

I was so excited until this anxiety episode kicked in. I'm known to have these things in the past, and they definitely come around the winter time. It's like anxiety, a scary feeling in my stomach, and depression at the same time.

I will never be able to live my life! It's going to keep holding me back. I won't get the chance to have children, I won't get the chance to have a social life or go on to do the things I want to do. I'm stuck forever. I look at how everybody else is so okay and normal. & I am here suffering. I'll go to a therapist next week. But I don't know if that will work.

the fact that the doctor cleared you to have the surgery is a good thing.

it's obviously something you want and obviously something that will make you feel better, so my suggestion would be to talk to the therapist next week about all your concerns and your worries, and also make sure you know all the facts- what the doctors are actually going to do, how long the surgery is going to last, and anything else you feel that you need to know to help you feel better

the surgery you are having is very popular, and lots of people have it- and the people that do it are professional and know exactly what they are doing.

of course their's a chance something could go wrong (a very small one), but I think that could be said for any sinario or any daily life event- but if that was the case the doctors would do all they can to correct it.

ultimately this is going to make you feel better and is what you want. so try to focus on that if you can.

good luck

I'm so sorry you're struggling, LoganJoan Yes, anxiety can be terrible. Please don't give up. Do you see a therapist? Maybe that could help. Maybe you just need some coping skills to deal with this kind of situation. I feel like that's important. Just try to breathe deeply, find some distractions, and tell yourself that things are going to be ok. Like raging vortex said, many people do this kind of surgery and many of them just get out of it ok. I'm sure everyone would feel nervous before making a surgery. I know I would. That's perfectly normal. Please don't be so hard on yourself. You can and you will live a good life, you just need to cope with this anxiety. It can be done. You can do this! You're strong, I'm sure of that. I hope writing here helps a bit. Feel free to PM me anytime. Let me know if I can do something to help. I'm so sorry you have to deal with this

Hi LoganJoan, sorry to hear you are having such a rough time with your anxiety.

As the previous poster mentioned, the surgeries you are going to have are very common and there are rarely complications. However, having surgery is very stressful regardless and if it’s your first time going under the knife, it’s natural that you would be a little worried.

I’m glad to hear you are seeing a therapist next week - and I am curious to know whether or not you have regular sessions with him/her, and whether or not you are on medication. I have personally found that therapy in conjunction with medication has helped me hugely with being able to manage my anxiety.

I don’t know whether or not you will find this helpful, but perhaps you could try focusing on the positives that may come from having the surgery - such as a boost in self confidence - and the fact that you are doing everything in your power to manage your anxiety right now by seeing a therapist and reaching out here.

Best of luck and I hope you find the strength to get through this tough period in your life. It DOES get better...hang in there! :-)

I'm sorry you are struggling with so much anxiety. You know... sometimes one just has to grit one's teeth & forge ahead. "Damn the torpedoes" as the saying goes. There's quotation I'm fond of... advice from her teacher to the Buddhist yogini Machig Labdrön (11th century, Tibet):

"Confess your hidden faults.
"Approach what you find repulsive.
"Help those you think you cannot help.
"Anything you are attached to, let it go.
"Go to places that scare you."

My advice is... go to places that scare you.

Thank you guys so much for the responses. Now I don't feel so much alone.

I went to Mexico last year for weight loss surgery. Everything was textbook perfect, but there was still a risk. A bit of anxiety is normal and perfectly ok. You can do this.