Moggy
09-07-2003, 10:39 PM
Hi everyone,
I've had quite bad anxiety for about 2 years, and within the last 12 months inparticular, the syptoms have gotten worse and aren't getting any better.
I used to be a really outgoing and loud person and I still feel I have that in me, it's just like this symbiote inside me takes over whenever I get in a social environment and I am reduced to a quivering wreck. I used to be able to hide this at some point but now I try to avoid social situations because the effects are now so physical.
These are some of my symptoms when talking/around people:
-shakey, very rigid around the neck and shoulders (feel like my neck is grinding when I move it)
-mouth feels quite numb and dry
-throat locks up and I feel like I'm choking, feel like I have to hold my breath sometimes
-feel very awkward while walking for some bizarre reason, try to avoid walking because the feeling is so bad which isn't good. This awkwardness makes my anxiety go throught the roof, feel like everyone is watching me. When I walk around town by myself it's just unbearable, I feel like my legs could crumble at the knees at any given moment.
-hard to smile sometimes because of the symptoms, a lot of expressive emotion seems forced instead of natural.
Not too good huh? :P On top of that, I've been diagnosed with a chronic illness 3 months ago and am under heavy medication for that. The funny thing is, it's not that that bothers me at all, it's the anxiety because it's stopping me from being myself.
I've tried taking aropax in the past for a couple of months and that did nothing at all, can anyone please offer some advice before I totally shut myself off from society. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. :)
I've had quite bad anxiety for about 2 years, and within the last 12 months inparticular, the syptoms have gotten worse and aren't getting any better.
I used to be a really outgoing and loud person and I still feel I have that in me, it's just like this symbiote inside me takes over whenever I get in a social environment and I am reduced to a quivering wreck. I used to be able to hide this at some point but now I try to avoid social situations because the effects are now so physical.
These are some of my symptoms when talking/around people:
-shakey, very rigid around the neck and shoulders (feel like my neck is grinding when I move it)
-mouth feels quite numb and dry
-throat locks up and I feel like I'm choking, feel like I have to hold my breath sometimes
-feel very awkward while walking for some bizarre reason, try to avoid walking because the feeling is so bad which isn't good. This awkwardness makes my anxiety go throught the roof, feel like everyone is watching me. When I walk around town by myself it's just unbearable, I feel like my legs could crumble at the knees at any given moment.
-hard to smile sometimes because of the symptoms, a lot of expressive emotion seems forced instead of natural.
Not too good huh? :P On top of that, I've been diagnosed with a chronic illness 3 months ago and am under heavy medication for that. The funny thing is, it's not that that bothers me at all, it's the anxiety because it's stopping me from being myself.
I've tried taking aropax in the past for a couple of months and that did nothing at all, can anyone please offer some advice before I totally shut myself off from society. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. :)
Sponsor
DeadPaladin
09-07-2003, 10:49 PM
3 words only....
DeadPaladin
09-07-2003, 10:50 PM
3 words only....COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY..
You can start with that and if you see no results just move on to medication...i know it's hard...but be patient and strong...
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That which does not kill us makes us stronger.
You can start with that and if you see no results just move on to medication...i know it's hard...but be patient and strong...
------------------
That which does not kill us makes us stronger.
DeadPaladin
09-07-2003, 10:51 PM
sorry for the double post :P
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That which does not kill us makes us stronger.
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That which does not kill us makes us stronger.
Millensue
09-08-2003, 12:39 AM
Been there, done that. See if there is a chapter of TERRAP in your town or something similar. These people understand anxiety and will help you deal with it and understand everything that goes with it. Good luck!
allcoholl
09-08-2003, 08:56 PM
I swear to god, I feel just like the author of this topic.. except my anxiety has been for a short time, and is getting worse, QUICK. I myself am very outgoing, and sometimes still have that in me, but lately I've been having hell just being able to do anything because of this stupid anxiety crap. I can't even go out in public anymore because I get so shakey, sick, and nervous. It's like I'm a hermit, except when I have to go to school. I don't know, it also happens when someone wants to have sex. That's how it started out, then it got to the point where I don't wanna go out in public because I'm so scared that I'll meet a girl and that it'll lead to her wanting sex, and I know I won't be able to do it. It's mostly around good looking females that I get this feeling. But, lately, it's been around everyone, and the feelings of nervousness, illness, and depression last for a few hours, until I pretty much get home from school. I hardly go anywhere anymore because of this, and I think it's taking over my life as well. I just started seeing a therapist a few days ago about it, and I just hope I can really get this fixed because I know exactly how the author of this topic feels, and I'm glad that he knows how I feel. Dude, I just wanna let you know that I know how it goes, and that I'm sorry; it happens to me too. I keep thinking that I'm not normal, and always question when it will stop, and it seems to overwhelm me. I don't really know what to do besides seeing this therapist and hoping that I'll get meds for it. I'm just thanking god right now that someone else knows how I feel about this crap, because it really tortures me, and sometimes I get so uneasy that I feel I'm ready to pull the thread.. (although I'm against that crap, I still feel like curling up in a ball and crying) so yeah.. I know how you feel dude. Try to get some meds for it, I guess. I'm only 15, so I probably don't even know half of how you feel, seeing that I assume you're older. I'd like to keep in contact with you or somethin'.. I believe having someone else with the same problem can make this A LOT easier, and make us both feel less lonely.. so anyone who feels like this: I know this sounds corny, but you can talk to me about it. My email is allcoholl@comcast.net .. so anyway, best of luck to all of you, and I hope to hear from the topic of this author, especially.
Moggy
09-08-2003, 10:36 PM
Thanks a lot for the help everyone, it's nice to know I'm not alone. :)
I sent you an e-mail Allcoholl, hope to hear from ya.
I sent you an e-mail Allcoholl, hope to hear from ya.
Flutterbyme
09-09-2003, 03:48 AM
Sounds like 'Social Anxiety Disorder' to me (also agoraphobia). It happened to me years ago and I can tell you that you will overcome it! You are so lucky that you have the internet and people who you can anonymously talk about it with. When it first happened to me, there was no internet and nobody talked about it then and I did believe that I was going crazy.
I believe that stress is a big factor in bringing it on and after it starts, even if you eliminate some of the stress, it's hard to shake the pattern. I know it's also very painful!
My best suggestions are as mentioned above 'Cognitive Therapy' (that is where you learn how to concentrate on yourself and not on outside opinions and influences).
Next I would suggest, especially in place of giving up, is 'Desensitization' where you put yourself into the situation purposely with the intention of making yourself go through the motions, even though you may feel petrified, but with the knowledge that you can leave if you want to. It helps to realize that you have control over these fears and you do not need to feel threatened.
Another thing that really helps is support from someone you can trust - even if it is a psychologist. I know from experience that you feel so alone when you have this and you think that nobody would understand and they would think you were overreacting, but we've come a long way since I first had it, and believe me - you aren't alone! As a matter of fact, there are more people than you'd ever be aware of out there who feel the same way as you do, but would never admit it.
Look up these things on the 'net' and read about them and try to practice them if you can.
There is definitely nothing wrong with you. It is really a matter of learning how to change the way you are looking at things and how you perceive people are looking at you. When you realize that everyone has insecurities and they don't have time to dwell on yours, you will be able to relax more and develop the positive thoughts that will help to take away this anxiety.
I won't say it's easy, but if you work at it you can do it. I did!
I believe that stress is a big factor in bringing it on and after it starts, even if you eliminate some of the stress, it's hard to shake the pattern. I know it's also very painful!
My best suggestions are as mentioned above 'Cognitive Therapy' (that is where you learn how to concentrate on yourself and not on outside opinions and influences).
Next I would suggest, especially in place of giving up, is 'Desensitization' where you put yourself into the situation purposely with the intention of making yourself go through the motions, even though you may feel petrified, but with the knowledge that you can leave if you want to. It helps to realize that you have control over these fears and you do not need to feel threatened.
Another thing that really helps is support from someone you can trust - even if it is a psychologist. I know from experience that you feel so alone when you have this and you think that nobody would understand and they would think you were overreacting, but we've come a long way since I first had it, and believe me - you aren't alone! As a matter of fact, there are more people than you'd ever be aware of out there who feel the same way as you do, but would never admit it.
Look up these things on the 'net' and read about them and try to practice them if you can.
There is definitely nothing wrong with you. It is really a matter of learning how to change the way you are looking at things and how you perceive people are looking at you. When you realize that everyone has insecurities and they don't have time to dwell on yours, you will be able to relax more and develop the positive thoughts that will help to take away this anxiety.
I won't say it's easy, but if you work at it you can do it. I did!
Moggy
09-11-2003, 09:43 AM
Thanks a lot Flutterblyme, I feel a lot better having read your post. :) Just knowing that there is hope on the horizon, and that I can get over this as you have instills a fair bit of confidence. Thanks again.
Bubbly20
09-12-2003, 08:05 AM
Moggy, i had to add a post, if only to let you know i know exactly how you feel and like alcoholl...i could have written the post myself!
Flutterbyme, your post was really good, im glad you got over your anxiety. When mine first started a year and a half ago i thought i was going crazy, it was awful...now my anxiety has really calmed down and is helped with Bachs Rescue Remedy...from health shops..my depression and low confidence around people still lingers but i agree, talking to others who know how you feel really does help. This board helped me so much when my nightmare started.
The book about nerves by Claire Weekes is really good, shes an excellent author and it really helped me. Self help books can be a real comfort..you should keep going back to them to remind you of how to cope.
Wish you all the best
Bubbly x
Flutterbyme, your post was really good, im glad you got over your anxiety. When mine first started a year and a half ago i thought i was going crazy, it was awful...now my anxiety has really calmed down and is helped with Bachs Rescue Remedy...from health shops..my depression and low confidence around people still lingers but i agree, talking to others who know how you feel really does help. This board helped me so much when my nightmare started.
The book about nerves by Claire Weekes is really good, shes an excellent author and it really helped me. Self help books can be a real comfort..you should keep going back to them to remind you of how to cope.
Wish you all the best
Bubbly x
hairjewels
09-12-2003, 02:09 PM
I used to take prescription meds for depressiona and anxiety. I stopped.
Now I take Ginko Biloba, Kava kava and St. Johns Wort. I also take lots of other vitamins from Herbalife.
I feel great. I do not have depression or anxiety anymore. I have lots of energy and I feel like I can conquer the world. I have suffered from depression and anxiety all of my life. I got tired of the drugs and side effects.
I FEEL GREAT!!!
Now I take Ginko Biloba, Kava kava and St. Johns Wort. I also take lots of other vitamins from Herbalife.
I feel great. I do not have depression or anxiety anymore. I have lots of energy and I feel like I can conquer the world. I have suffered from depression and anxiety all of my life. I got tired of the drugs and side effects.
I FEEL GREAT!!!
perseverer
09-12-2003, 03:22 PM
There's some really good advice on this thread. CBT can help you overcome this. Claire Weeks has some good books out also on this subject. One program I have used to overcome severe depression, which was created primarily for anxiety sufferers, is called Attacking Anxiety and Depression. It's a bit expensive, but it's very effective. The woman who put this together suffered from panic, anxiety, agoraphobia, IBS, and depression. She found the way out and put this program together. You can find the info on it at www.stresscenter.com (http://www.stresscenter.com) . Read about all the people it has helped and their symptoms on that site. There is also a forum where many people post messages for help and advice. This lady has also written a book, "From Panic to Power", which can teach you some of the techniques to overcome your disorder. I wish you the best in your recovery.
allcoholl
09-15-2003, 03:56 AM
Yeah, Moggy and I hooked up.. I hope to hear from some of you other guys too.. just to know that there are other people out there like me makes me feel so much better. Ah, it still strikes.. and it gets bad, too, but I guess I can deal with it. And yeah, we're very lucky to have the internet so we can talk to people about this crap. It's a pain but it's very nice to have someone else to talk to about it. I have met people on the net.. and talking to people about it does get old.. but sometimes it goes to the point where you feel so incredibly horrible about everything that you just go nuts. I don't know, if anyone else wants to talk about it, you can email me: allcoholl@comcast.net .. Moggy did: you can too :P
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Matt
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Matt