How Do I Know if I Have An Anxiety Disorder? - Anxiety Message Board

LizzyD · 03-26-2006, 02:37 PM

I've read the threads on this board and I wanted to get advice from you all as to whether or not you think I have an anxiety disorder.

I have virtually no ability to manage details of my life-- and this gets even worse when I'm anxious (which I have been recently-- under lots of stress from work). The other day I couldn't get out of my house because I had lost the car key and the spare car key. This type of stuff happens constantly. I'll be driving and not pay attention and end up in a totally different city. Any detailed task is almost unbearably painful and I begin to get overwhelmed and panic (though not a text book panic attack-- more like my mind shutting down). Scheduling in particular or making travel plans is almost impossible and takes hours and I still make mistakes.

Its this feeling of being totally overwhelmed more than anything. I do lose my appetite and I do get flushed in the face. I also (apparently) start grabbing my neck like I'm choking whenever I start to feel overwhelmed.

When I stay away from details (delegating them to other people) and when I don't have to communicate details or listen to them communicated to me, I'm much better. I'm never totally relaxed but I'm most relaxed when I'm doing something creative or enjoying something creative (like a great movie or book or musical performance). I love planning, creating and making major decisions or changes. I get panicky in structure, routine or details.

I'm always trying to find ways around myself, but it can be hard-- because life is full of details.

Any idea what is wrong or how I can fix it? I'm in therapy (helps with many things but isn't helping with this) and I take zanax when I'm really anxious (makes me sleep). The xanax seems like a short term fix, doesn't seem to address the root of the problem at all.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

mrslots · 03-26-2006, 04:10 PM

LizzyD,

This sounds like a carbon copy of what I go through on a daily basis. For me it is anticipatory and performance anxiety and it has virtually shut down my life for the past two years. My parents have to make decisions for me, drive me places, cook for me, etc. My communication skills are very good and I am well-eduacted but I abhor responsibility and control in my life beacuse it overwhelms me and kicks up nervous anxiety. Been through Lexapro and still in therapy but this problem is still beating me up and virtually killing my self-esteem. Do not sleep well, think very poorly of myself, and feel completely hopeless trapped in my own personal nightmare. Thank god I still have my appetite for food but that is the only saving grace right now. I cry a lot about my own predicament in life but the pain never goes away. I do a lot of planning in my mind but rarely follow through on the details because I am scared of coming out of my comfort zone. I have heard that cognitive behavioral therapy may be an answer to our problems but have not researched it very much. Not a lazy person by nature but feel crippled.

mrslots

MagicSunshine · 03-26-2006, 10:25 PM

I'm worried because you have so many bad symtoms you live with almost everyday. Has your Dr. dx'd you with anxiety?? I take xanax, and it works pretty good for me, but you're right, it's a short lived drug. I take 1mg 4x's a day.

Have you considered going to a psychiatrist?? They are excellent at dealing with this kind of thing. I'm sure therapy will help. Don't be afraid to tell a Dr. or therapist when you think something isn't working for you. They are used to it and will look into it.

You have so much on your mind. I hope you find something that works soon. Take care and keep us posted........Connie