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 May 9 2009, 02:59 AM
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Member
Group: Platinum Member
Posts: 4,824
Joined: 20-February 09
From: UK
Member No.: 33,974
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QUOTE (Jerrica @ May 9 2009, 01:17 AM)  Hi,
I'm new to the forum. I'm 23, female. I was a shy child and was a mute until grade 1. I didn't talk to anyone, I would only whisper to the teacher. I grew out of that but then developed separation anxiety from my mom. I grew out of that too, and since then I've been anxiety free. That is up until about a month ago....
all of a sudden all these years later, my anxieties have come back! It started worrying about something at work, that lead to insomnia. I had a new boyfriend and I was so scared he would think I was crazy so seeing him gave me anxieties too, so bad I couldn't bring myself to go see him, so I broke up with him.
I could sense an anxiety attack at work one day before a meeting. My fear was of going to the meeting and not being able to focus, or fainting from my attack. I took a Lorazepam before the meeting and I was able to get through it attack free.
I actually had my first full blown attack last week. Simply going for dinner with one of my friends! I hadn't seen her for several months. I was terrified to sit for dinner with her one on one in case I wouldn't be normal, and she is one of my friends that doesn't know about my anxiety and depression I'm going through right now. As soon as we sat down in the restaurant I got very flush, my heart was racing and I felt out of my body. I thought I was going to throw up and almost had to leave to go to the washroom to do so. I'm sure she could tell there was something wrong with me. I told her I wasn't feeling well, that I felt sick and probably wouldn't order any dinner. Eventually I calmed down and carried on normal conversation with her.
I seem to be totally calm and normal around my friends that know about my anxieties and depression. It's like I can be normal around the people who know I'm abnormal, but I can't be normal around the people who don't know. Does that make sense?
Now one of my friends wants me to teach him how to play guitar (I used to date him awhile back) and it's created anxiety in me ever since I agreed to. I'm terrified of going to his place and having an attack or being unfocused and distraught and having him judge me :(
That's my anxiety story, I hate it and hope I grow out of it again. I don't know why it's come back to haunt me after so many years...
Is anyone on Celexa for anxiety? My anxieties did make me depressed, that has since lifted but the anxieties are still there (not AS bad, I don't get them at work anymore). I've been on it for 3 weeks, it makes me really nervous sometimes and I find it very hard to sleep (some nights I don't). Does Celexa actually reduce anxiety eventually? and when? Hi Jerrica,  It's interesting that you had such anxiety as a child but it then disappeared, only to resurface later. I'm dealing with an anxious child at work at the moment and I find it quite tough. Anxiety can be really debilitating and I understand why you're worrying about it after being in these situations. It might be worth looking into some CBT or something similar to try to work through your symptoms. I haven't had anxiety to the same level as you describe but it was a difficulty for me for a while. I do find that the Celexa has almost completely got rid of the physical signs of my anxiety, although I do still have the worries if that makes sense. However I'm on 40mg so I don't know if that makes a difference. When you first start taking it though, it can make your anxiety worse for a short time. I hope you find a way past this and feel free to browse the forum and jump in wherever you'd like. PRT xx
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To see a world in a grain of sand And a heaven in a wild flower, Hold infinity in the palm of your hand And eternity in an hour.  |
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May 9 2009, 07:08 PM
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Newbie
Group: Newbie
Posts: 24
Joined: 21-February 09
From: NJ
Member No.: 34,004
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QUOTE (Jerrica @ May 8 2009, 07:49 PM) QUOTE (J Despers @ May 5 2009, 06:22 PM) QUOTE (PRT @ May 5 2009, 01:05 AM) QUOTE (J Despers @ May 5 2009, 05:18 AM) My name is J. I'm 20 years old. I have no idea what is a physical pain and what is anxiety anymore. Any pain I do feel i attribute to anxiety, but recently I found out some of the things i thought as anxiety were things actually to be dealt with, (Migraines; back pains and jaw pain). The problem is I can not for the life of me determine if something is serious or if it is just my anxiety. I just started taking lexapro about two weeks ago, will this help at all? Hi J Anxiety can take such a toll on you mentally and physically so I completely understand what you mean. Hopefully the lexapro will help. I take citalopram which is similar and it has more or less diminished my anxiety - well I still get lots of anxious thoughts but don't really experience the physical symptoms. If you don't see any change in the next couple of weeks, it may be a good idea to mention to your doctor that you're still having problems. I think Migraines and back pains are always worth looking into. If the doc puts them down to anxiety then at least you'll have an answer. PRT xx I've gotten to the point where I'm not a person, I just exist. Like I don't have feelings anymore, I just have symptoms. Nothing really seems to make it go away and I'm debating whether or not I should go to the hospital and figure things out for a few weeks. I feel very zoned out and my anxiety almost feels like I'm in a bad low-budget movie watching the world through someone elses eyes. any advice? I don't really have any advice.....but just wanted to say I know exactly how you feel when you say you aren't a person you just exist. I feel this way too, almost not human, I'm just here. I fake it through the day, do my best to act human. Sometimes I fail terribly. I'm on citalopram, it's been 3 weeks on 20mg, some anxieties have disappeared, but some haven't yet. I still feel attacks coming on sometimes, and I'm very anxious about not sleeping. I hope things work out for us!!! My doctor says it can take 8 weeks for the full effects of the drug to happen. I also just started meditation the last couple days, and some anxiety workbooks I just ordered on amazon. I got one called Mind over Mood workbook and Anxiety and Phobia workbook. Cognitive Therapy with meds is apparently the best way to conquer anxiety. You just have to put in the work. I'm willing to try anything and everything at this point to overcome this. I really want my life and self back. oh also, after I have an attack, my legs, abdomen and back get achy and sore. I'm assuming from being so tense. Anxiety sure takes its toll on our bodies. Keep me posted on how you are doing, hopefully the meds start to work for us soon! Im sorry to hear you're feeling the same way-- its pretty crummy to say the least. Let me know how the books are working for you.. It just sorta feels like i'm watching my life through this big camera lens. I really wish i had something encouraging to say! I hope things get better for you..
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"Chin up, cheer up.."
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May 20 2009, 08:56 AM
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Newbie
Group: Newbie
Posts: 17
Joined: 19-May 09
From: Midwest USA
Member No.: 36,902
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QUOTE (J Despers @ May 4 2009, 11:18 PM) The problem is I can not for the life of me determine if something is serious or if it is just my anxiety. I can really identify with this. Sometimes this seems like the crux of my anxiety problems. It's like I have no judgment of what's important and what's not, so everything seems important. The hard part is, I can rationalize just about all of my anxiety. Take health problems, for instance: if everyone really followed the standard advice for things like signs of stroke and heart attack, the emergency rooms would be overflowing. And there are lots of non-anxious people who ignore danger signs and pay the price. So should I really chastise myself for worrying about a dangerous condition that I have one or more symptoms for? For me, the major problem isn't the worry, it's the procrastination and lack of ability to make a decision. If I could decide to either do something about it or ignore it, and stick with that, there wouldn't be any worry (this applies to just about all my anxieties, not just health issues). But I can't seem to do that. -- John
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May 21 2009, 05:04 AM
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Administrative Assistant
Group: Administration
Posts: 19,519
Joined: 28-September 06
From: Sub Saharan Weather Cloud, South Africa
Member No.: 10,376
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QUOTE (jabberwock @ May 20 2009, 03:56 PM) QUOTE (J Despers @ May 4 2009, 11:18 PM) The problem is I can not for the life of me determine if something is serious or if it is just my anxiety. I can really identify with this. Sometimes this seems like the crux of my anxiety problems. It's like I have no judgment of what's important and what's not, so everything seems important. The hard part is, I can rationalize just about all of my anxiety. Take health problems, for instance: if everyone really followed the standard advice for things like signs of stroke and heart attack, the emergency rooms would be overflowing. And there are lots of non-anxious people who ignore danger signs and pay the price. So should I really chastise myself for worrying about a dangerous condition that I have one or more symptoms for? For me, the major problem isn't the worry, it's the procrastination and lack of ability to make a decision. If I could decide to either do something about it or ignore it, and stick with that, there wouldn't be any worry (this applies to just about all my anxieties, not just health issues). But I can't seem to do that. -- John Hi and Welcome to DF John You make a very good point there. Worry at times can be beneficial. Procrastination can be a terrible thing, but setting small achievable goals can help. Trace
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Listen in deep silence. Be very still and open your mind.... Sink deep into the peace that waits for you beyond the frantic, riotous thoughts and sights and sounds of this insane world. - A course of miracles.
True beauty must come, must be grown, from within.... - Ralph W Trine.Faith is the true belief we have in hope and hope is the thing that keeps us going to have faith
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May 25 2009, 03:45 PM
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Newbie
Group: Newbie
Posts: 6
Joined: 25-May 09
Member No.: 37,086
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Hi everyone,
Im 23 years old.. For the last 5 years Ive been suffering from social anxiety which has led to depression.
My situation is such that when ever i talk to any one I get nervous and start stammering and slurring my words.. and this leads to me feeling very awkward and embarrassed which only makes it worse.. and i end up saying stupid silly things.. I begin to feel that people are judging me and i start getting angry and depressed.. Before this nonsense started I was a very social person and loved going out with friends and meeting new people.. Now I just a shell of my former self.. I dont go out much.. i prefer to be by my self all the time and I hate meeting new people..
This cancer has spread so much that i cant even deal wth my best and oldest friends..I dont have a girl friend and any time i meet a girl i could be interested in, I talk and i screw up.. I know its probably all in my head.. but thats the problem isnt it. About the only people im comfortable with now is my immediate family.. Ive been going through this for the past 5 years and its only gotten worse.. Im angry or depressed most of the time..very very insecure and have pretty much lost interest in doing any thing.. i dont care abt any thing.. I honestly dont see my future as being any thing but more sadness.. I see my self being alone (i hate being alone, but people make me feel even worse about myself because of this issue)
Its gotten so bad now that its even affected my sex life.. basically for the past year ive had none.. ever since the anxiety spread to my sexual performance, im a flop under the sheets.. haha i cant even get it up.. Can i even call my self a man any more?
Recently ive been seeing a shrink and he prescribed zoloft which wasnt working so i moved to paxil..
Now the only thing that paxil does is keep the depression at bay.. but social anxiety is the same as before.. so now the only difference is that my life still sucks but i dont get depressed about it..
To be honest ive thought about ******* a few times ..thats how bad it gets.. ive become a recluse and if this continues theres no way id want to continue living this way knowing theres so much better i could have.. and could have been
To be honest ive almost given up on getting ok again.. 5 years i fought this to no avail ..its changed/ruined my life completely.. i was wondering if any one has a similar issue so we can talk about it.. may be that will help
Thanks for listening. and sorry if i rambled.
This post has been edited by Mungo: May 25 2009, 03:57 PM
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May 25 2009, 03:53 PM
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Member
Group: Platinum Member
Posts: 4,824
Joined: 20-February 09
From: UK
Member No.: 33,974
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QUOTE (Mungo @ May 25 2009, 09:45 PM) Hi everyone,
Im 23 years old.. For the last 5 years Ive been suffering from social anxiety which has led to depression.
My situation is such that when ever i talk to any one I get nervous and start stammering and slurring my words.. and this leads to me feeling very awkward and embarrassed which only makes it worse.. and i end up saying stupid silly things.. I begin to feel that people are judging me and i start getting angry and depressed.. Before this nonsense started I was a very social person and loved going out with friends and meeting new people.. Now I just a shell of my former self.. I dont go out much.. i prefer to be by my self all the time and I hate meeting new people..
This cancer has spread so much that i cant even deal wth my best and oldest friends.. About the only people im comfortable with now is my immediate family.. Ive been going through this for the past 5 years and its only gotten worse.. Im angry or depressed most of the time..very very insecure and have pretty much lost interest in doing any thing.. i dont care abt any thing..
Recently ive been seeing a shrink and he prescribed zoloft which wasnt working so i moved to paxil..
Now the only thing that paxil does is keep the depression at bay.. but social anxiety is the same as before.. so now the only difference is that my life still sucks but i dont get depressed about it..
To be honest ive thought about suicide a few times ..thats how bad it gets.. ive become a recluse and if this continues theres no way id want to continue living this way knowing theres so much better i could have.. and could have been
To be honest ive almost given up on getting ok again.. 5 years i fought this to no avail ..its changed/ruined my life completely.. i was wondering if any one has a similar issue so we can talk about it.. may be that will help
Thanks for listening. Hi Mungo Social anxiety of this level can be really crippling so I really feel for you. The awareness of the situation I think is the worst part. It just feeds into it and makes you even more self-conscious. I say really stupid things when I'm in uncomfortable situations. People always give me 'that look'. I guess some people do judge us but at the same time, I rarely think badly of other people for things like this, so I guess that most other people don't either. Is there anything that happened to set this off? You may find that you don't get too many replies here as it's in the welcome thread. It might be worth starting your own topic in the forum if you want more people to reply. PRT xx
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To see a world in a grain of sand And a heaven in a wild flower, Hold infinity in the palm of your hand And eternity in an hour. |
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May 26 2009, 09:11 PM
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Newbie
Group: Newbie
Posts: 24
Joined: 21-February 09
From: NJ
Member No.: 34,004
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QUOTE (Mungo @ May 25 2009, 03:45 PM) Hi everyone,
Im 23 years old.. For the last 5 years Ive been suffering from social anxiety which has led to depression.
My situation is such that when ever i talk to any one I get nervous and start stammering and slurring my words.. and this leads to me feeling very awkward and embarrassed which only makes it worse.. and i end up saying stupid silly things.. I begin to feel that people are judging me and i start getting angry and depressed.. Before this nonsense started I was a very social person and loved going out with friends and meeting new people.. Now I just a shell of my former self.. I dont go out much.. i prefer to be by my self all the time and I hate meeting new people..
This cancer has spread so much that i cant even deal wth my best and oldest friends..I dont have a girl friend and any time i meet a girl i could be interested in, I talk and i screw up.. I know its probably all in my head.. but thats the problem isnt it. About the only people im comfortable with now is my immediate family.. Ive been going through this for the past 5 years and its only gotten worse.. Im angry or depressed most of the time..very very insecure and have pretty much lost interest in doing any thing.. i dont care abt any thing.. I honestly dont see my future as being any thing but more sadness.. I see my self being alone (i hate being alone, but people make me feel even worse about myself because of this issue)
Its gotten so bad now that its even affected my sex life.. basically for the past year ive had none.. ever since the anxiety spread to my sexual performance, im a flop under the sheets.. haha i cant even get it up.. Can i even call my self a man any more?
Recently ive been seeing a shrink and he prescribed zoloft which wasnt working so i moved to paxil..
Now the only thing that paxil does is keep the depression at bay.. but social anxiety is the same as before.. so now the only difference is that my life still sucks but i dont get depressed about it..
To be honest ive thought about ******* a few times ..thats how bad it gets.. ive become a recluse and if this continues theres no way id want to continue living this way knowing theres so much better i could have.. and could have been
To be honest ive almost given up on getting ok again.. 5 years i fought this to no avail ..its changed/ruined my life completely.. i was wondering if any one has a similar issue so we can talk about it.. may be that will help
Thanks for listening. and sorry if i rambled. I can totally relate to you with just about everything.. I said the very same thing today to my therapist that i'm giving up on getting better. I'm not sure what advice I can really give because I don't have any. The only thing I can really say is that I completely understand, feel free to message me if you want to talk man. Its especially hard when you weren't always quiet-- your friends sorta expect you to be the same way or get annoyed when you're not. I think though that once you stop thinking about it, it tends to get a little bit better. When I start feeling weird socially, I try to go to a cafe or somewhere and try to make small talk. If it doesn't work, I talk with someone I trust, until I feel a little better and keep at it. Little by little, the more comfortable I feel with people I won't necessarily have to see again, the easier it gets to step out on that limb. Hang in there! -J
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"Chin up, cheer up.."
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May 27 2009, 11:45 PM
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Just Registered
Group: Just Registered
Posts: 1
Joined: 27-May 09
Member No.: 37,166
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Me venting… I first was treated for chronic anxiety at the age of 16. I suffered with panic attacks for a few years after. From the age of 18 till 31, I have pretty much had it under control. However, after I lost my job in 2007, I have developed, what seems to be Agoraphobia, and very high levels on anxiety. I have not left my house for 17 months now. I don’t know what to do. and I always have difficulty breathing. My heart will begin to race, I will become very short of breath. Things will become blurry like a dream. And if I don’t get home, I will start to get shaky and dizzily. I have to then pray for my life because I feel that I’m going to die. The only thing that seems to help is when I slash water on my face for 5 minutes. I have lost most of my friends, and feel like am in jail. my mother dose all the shopping for me. I have no money, no insurance, and no doctor. Can this get any worse… I understand that it’s all in my head, and I have do this on my own. It just doesn’t seem to be getting any better.    
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May 28 2009, 09:09 AM
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Newbie
Group: Newbie
Posts: 17
Joined: 19-May 09
From: Midwest USA
Member No.: 36,902
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QUOTE (Philippe @ May 27 2009, 11:45 PM) I have no money, no insurance, and no doctor. Where I live, one of the universities has a Community Psychological Service. They charge on a sliding scale. Have you checked if there's anything like that near you? Also - this is a long shot, but just in case it might help - I found out recently that when I have really high levels of anxiety, taking a few Tums helps. Within 20-30 minutes, I feel significantly better (not completely better, but well enough to function). I assume it's the calcium. There's lots of claims of calcium helping anxiety - people argue about the type of calcium compound, whether it needs to be taken with other things like magnesium, etc. - and I'm usually skeptical about such things. Also, I don't have nearly the levels of anxiety that you describe. But popping a few Tums is easy to do and relatively harmless (as long as you don't overdo it - apparently there is such a thing as calcium poisoning). -- John
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