What do you think of my plan? - Anxiety Message Board

eNathan · 03-15-2007, 11:35 AM

I have severe social anxiety

But I know that I can't let it get in the way of things that I want to do . . namely finding a job

(It's like, interegation

) One of my main problems is trembling lips (so annoying

) So here is my plan:

Stop smoking;
Stop drinking coffee;
Cardiovascular excersize regularly and right before any any immediate situations;

My doctor said that he could get me on a beta-blocker (I think he's talking about toprol-xl), but I'm also considering valarien root (an herbal alternative).

So what do everyone think of my plan, and do you think my doctor's advice to get on a beta blocker would help?

firenice · 03-15-2007, 06:56 PM

your plan is excellent. Re: the beta blocker, my tendency is to use presecriptions if nothing else works so you might want to try the valerian first, along with your plan, and see what that does. Good luck.

ps, you might also want to a net search and read about cognitive behavior therapy as that approach is often quite useful for social anxiety. There is a lot of free information out there and a few good books.

ozinpanic · 03-15-2007, 07:45 PM

Great plan. Try throwing in some meditation / relaxation techniques. A must to calm and balance our chemical mind. Research meditaiton for anxiety / panic and see what you come up with. It really opened my eyes.

beingpaloma · 03-15-2007, 09:10 PM

i agree it's a good plan. a few years ago i had a similar bout of social anxiety and developed a tremor in my right hand that made me very anxious about eating or drinking in public. {REMOVED} around this time, i also began having panic attacks driving.

like you, i stopped drinking coffee, which helped. nicotine is also a stimulant. when i quit smoking many years ago, i was also much calmer. so many people thing smoking calms them down but it really doesn't.

i also strongly recommend meds. i myself take an antidepressant (lexapro), which has successfully treated my anxiety and depression.

i wish you much luck. i know the hell you are going thru. there is a way out.
god bless.

eNathan · 03-16-2007, 09:57 AM

Thanks for your support guys

I'm thinking that beta blockers could potentially help more than valerian -- as valerian just calms the nerves, while beta blockers literally stop the flow of adrenaline (or I might just try both together).

By the way, I'll defiantly look into those meditation techniques.