Panic/Anxiety...Drinking...help - Panic Disorders Message Board

cameron82 · 10-23-2003, 09:08 AM

I am a 23 year old male. My whole life I have always been anxious in general. I was diagnosed with ADHD in my mid-teens and have taken a plethera of stimulant medications (also have taken zoloft and other non-stimulants a long time ago) which have always made me very anxious (won't ever take one again)... However, one time about 3 months ago I was doing a presentation in front of a class of 20 people (I was a little hungover which may have triggered it) and my mind blanked and I started panicking. It was the scariest thing ever. My hands got sweaty, my heart started beating and it was freaking me out. I felt like I had to leave the room (thank god I had a sheet of paper to read rather than ad lib)...Since then I have been petrified, terrified of speaking in public. I mean it was the worst experience ever. Even worse is that I now avoid situations where I have to introduce myself because I'm afraid I'm going to go blank and look stupid or start shaking (my body). Lately I've been 'going blank' in conversations with co/workers and I'm becoming more and more anxious at social situations (family dinners, group meetings). The only thing that helps me is having alcohol which slows me down and I know this is not good and could create major problems... Man, it is really a drag to be comsumed by fear all the time like this. I'm a social guy and have good social skills (solid family life) but the anxiety I've built up over these years has gotten to the point where it's unmanagable. I'm at a crossroads in my life where I could see alcohol becoming a problem if I don't get help soon. Anyway, I arranged to meet with an ADHD specialist/psychiatrist/ next week who is reputable. Are there any medications, therapies that might help me out, so I have a background before I go in? Has anyone ever gone through what I am going through? Any insight of any sort would greatly help. Thanks a lot.
Cameron

DawnMarie1978 · 10-23-2003, 10:31 AM

I dont know how long you tried an ssri like zoloft but one thing doctors almost always dont tell you is that it initially makes you feel worse the first couple to few weeks and then gets better. I dont know how much you have been drinking. As far as that goes there are meds that aid you in withdrawal. When you panicked the day after drinking you need to keep this in mind. Alcohol acts in short like a benzo like say valium at first. But then it starts to release chemicals such as nonadrenaline which can raise anxiety or panic sometimes majorly. Its kind of like a quick calmer but then you pay three fold for it. Afraid to speak in public is nothing uncommon I believe it came in top of the list in many tests as far as many peoples worst fears. I would think this is a phobia you may be developing. I dont know what sort of person you are, whether or not you like kids. But I suggest you jump right back on the horse so to speak. One suggestion may be to start offering to read to small groups of children at a local library (because little children arent exactly critics) or anything else you can think of. Never back off or your fear will only grow and you will find it to be a real fight. You HAVE to jump back out there. Even if it is with small steps.

[This message has been edited by DawnMarie1978 (edited 10-23-2003).]

hry33 · 10-23-2003, 02:17 PM

to cameron
it does sound like a special fear or phobia of speaking in public
any benzo taken about 30 minutes in a fairly large dose will make public speaking much easier
also read books on speaking in public, they have advice on how to cope with nerves and how to relax

with social conversation it helps if you dont try too hard and stay relaxed
you also need to be thinking ahead of what to say next

also dont listen to the sound of your own voice as this causes mental confusion

elflike · 10-23-2003, 02:40 PM

You sound exactly like me. I used to be able to get up and talk to anyone, or in front of anyone, and now since my panic disorder has really set in, I get scared when i know i have to speak in front of people. I'm going to be a teacher, and i'm terrified i won't be abel to get through and interview w/o having a panic attack. I too am VERY outgoing and social.
I started taking Zoloft about 9 mo. ago. It helps soooo much with my panic.It took a while for it to work and for me to find the right dose, but once it did i feet better.
I also used to drink a lot to help deal with my panic. I would average a least a bottle of wine a night, and sometimes i would drink durring the day. I also used some other drugs to try and cope. It got to the point where alcohol wouldn't numb the anxiety anymore, and i was nervious i was forming a really bad habbit. Now, on the Z i still drink, but since Z is a stimulant and alcohol is a depressant i get sick if i drink too much or too often. I just turned 21 in may, so believe me i drink often, it's just that i have to space it out (not every night, and not as much) I know you said you don't want to be on any meds, but i really think it would help you. You shouldn't have to live in fear/panic, and you shouldn't be drinking to cope with it. You should make an appt with a psychiatrit and a psychologist. These people will be able to help you. If you have any other ? or you want to talk, feel free. I know exactly what you are going throug.
Good luck,
Court

cameron82 · 10-23-2003, 04:45 PM

Hey you guys thanks so much for the responses. I think I'll probably end up trying an anti-depressant or an anti-anxiety med and any therapy that they'll give me. Anyway, I've read a lot about drinking caffeine and making panic worse. Every morning I have a cup of black tea because I am completely dysfunctional and tired without it at work. However, I'm starting to believe that this contributes to the anxiety.

Courtney, thanks for relating your experiences, they are much appreciated. I also am going to be a teacher (elementary school) and am starting towards my credential next spring. Right now I'm working at an elementary school and the panic doesn't get in the way of it too bad. Anyway, I wouldn't say the drinking has become a problem yet but there have been warning signs. Recently I've had to perform music/speeches and had to drink to cope with the stress/anxiety/panic. Luckily it is in the forming stages I believe and I want to get this taken care of so I can cope with life again. One question, now that you take zoloft do you ever drink caffeine and if so does it still make you panicky?