I was thinking earlier today, and because of my anxiety (phobias and that kind of thing) of eating in public, going out in public in general, large spaces and crowds, I've willingly given up my freedom for about 3 years to it. I'm 16, and I've missed so many things because of it, that it actually sickens me. I've decided that I've had enough, and I want that freedom that I deserve. I know that everyone here is capable of this state of mind, and everyone here can get through this, and live a happier, healthier life, whether through medication or therapy, or whatever works for you. Cheers. :jester:

Good for you! Go out and have fun! Don't let it get worse or you'll end up like some of the rest of us! ;-) I think you are referring to one type of anxiety, while there are many other symtoms for others. I don't have any problem going out in public, I just started getting a lot of weird physical symptoms that were making me physically sick. All the ones described at the top of the message boards and more. As much as I would like them to go away, they don't. I feel absolutly relaxed and get them starting very shortly after I wake up. Feel like I can't breathe, throat and chest gets tight, aches and pains everywhere, and all kinds of weird aches and pains. I go out as much as I can and usually feel better when I do, but whatever this is, it's just kind of taking over and I have no control of it. I am 43, and I have never felt like this or anywhere near like this my whole life. I'm clueless, but hoping it will go away soon!

I was thinking about your story today and I was wondering if you've gone to therapy, or gotten the use of medication?

I have been taking Xanax and Prevacid. They have both helped considerably with the pain. I have had therapy in the past which really wasn't that helpful. I have been under mega stressful situations with both my parents very ill, and in and out of the hospital and there were other things that preceded that. Most of the problem I've had is with the physical pain, at first it just scared the hell out of me, now I'm not afraid it's going to kill me, but it's very unsettling. I actually had some of the symptoms you had when I was a teenager, but was able to overcome them with the kind of attitude you have! So I am glad you're taking that step! Don't let yourself get anymore stressed! You're young and have your whole life ahead of you! So, try to have a good time! Take care!

I, myself am on Prozac and Prevacid. I am currently in anxiety therapy, I am sorry that yours didn't go well. I wish I could go faster with it, but there are physical systems that I have from GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) that interfere with my swallowing. Right now, I've only been able to sip water, and pop in public. The pain never really affected me, but there was fear there regardless, you know? I hope that you find the peace you've been looking for. Take care! :angel:

Hi, the therapy I had was for depression because I had never had chronic anxiety before a year or so ago. I can surely understand about the swallowing. For me, I don't think it was from typical reflux. I was taking vitamin supplements and ended up taking a very high dose of Folic Acid w/o realizing it because my multivitamins included it and frankly, I wasn't (stupidly) paying attention (I had too many things going on). I had a severe allergic reaction from the Folic Acid, but it took me nearly 6 months to figure out that it was. (I thought I was having a heart attack). Too much of Folic Acid can cause difficulty breathing, extreme irritation to your stomach and small intestine, and such bad nausea that you can't eat, among other things. I lost 40 lbs w/o even trying because I couldn't eat hardly. Anyway, when I finally figured it out and quit taking them, my appetite finally started to come back a couple months after, but I believe it damaged my esophogeas and the pain comes from spasming. Of course, that's what gerd does to you too, damages your esophogeas. So, when your throat gets so irritated and tight and spasms, it makes swallowing scary and for me, sometimes painful. So I hear ya! It's all scary feeling! Anyway, thanks for your message.....and I also wish you the best! Be good to yourself! :)