Problem with anxiety

LegacyUser

Hi
I know this might sound like a very ordinary problem for a lot of people but for me it has gotten very bad in the past while and I am having real trouble overcoming it.
The problem is basically that in nearly all social situations I get *very* nervous and have trouble just being myself. Even with friends that I have known for a long time I get fairly anxious when talking to them and I can actually feel myself getting nervous and my heart rate go up (sometimes really a lot and I can't control it). It's only with people I know very well like close family that I don't have a problem, but at work for example if I run into my manager I almost can't deal with it at all... I know that sounds ridiculous. Also I find myself worrying about things a lot anyway and not being able to stop it....

I think I've always had this problem more or less but I really want to sort it out now because I feel it is really beginning to ruin my life and my personal relationships. At work it cuts out so many opportunities I think because how can you get anywhere without building up good relationships with people? A few months ago my manager actually came up to me and I quote said "would you ever stop being so ****in nervous?" so it must be noticeable.. and to be honest he had a point I think...

I just don't know how to go about getting over this or where to start.. the thing is I do have a very positive outgoing side to me that is completely hidden. 2 weeks ago I broke up with my girlfriend and from what she said (I won't go into the details) these issues were basically the reason thanks!

deadpoet

She broke it off with you because you have an anxiety disorder? With all due respect, lol. So much for support eh?

You have two options; both involving a visit to the GP.

The first is going on a course of anti-anxiety medication for a few weeks, which could stop the anxiety dead in its tracks. They'll relax you for a long enough period for you mind and body to calm down then you could return back to your usual self.

If you dont want to use drugs, the second is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Your GP will give you a referral to a specialist.

In terms of costs, fret not. Theres free mental health clinics all scattered all over the place and if you cant afford treatment you can get it for free.

LegacyUser

Hi
I have actually been on medication for this a few years ago but I don't think it got to the root of the problem. It did relax me in a way but it made me really tired for some reason and it really wasn't worth it for me to go on them. It interfered with my appetite as well which was terrible (I had a voracious appetite on them and put on weight).

I don't actually mind the cost of getting CBT treatment as long as it's worthwhile and it's not too expensive. I don't want to go on but I have had this all my life. I am determined to do something though and work at it, the problem is I'm working abroad at the moment. Also a problem at home is that I work in a fairly small town and it's great but I'd love to move back to dublin at some stage - there aren't an awful lot of people the same age as me where I work/live at the moment and doing things outside work can involve a lot of travel...

Johnny Bitte

Hey mate,
Know your pain.
Suffered from panic attacks for the past 8 years.

Went from barely being going outside to now living in Dublin : )

The 2 things that I found helped me the most was hypnotherapy and Lexapro.

There is also Cognitive Behaviour Therapy.

When I first got them a "quack" put me on relaxents which helped short term but didnt really help.

Get to your GP, talk to him/her and got from there.

Also, if she left you becuase of this, then your better off.

LegacyUser

Hi,
Sorry to hear about your troubles
I can understand how you feel, over the 2/3 years I have found myself feeling increasingly more anxious and panicked over very simple things,work, the approaching weekend, social events. Around my manager too, I act ridiculously! It has gotten to the stage now where I am almost in a constant state on anxiety which ends up affecting everything even more.

The best thing to do would be to talk to your GP or go directly to one of the many counseling groups available. I have found the clanwilliam.ie group to be great with some really great people to talk to. You can get past this, but you need to take a step in the right direction. I have found out the hard way that this won't fix itself

Good luck

Pepe LeFrits

Take the plunge and go see a psychologist. Anxiety issues are very treatable with CBT and there's no reason to go on suffering needlessly.

deadpoet

Unregistered wrote: »

Hi,
I have found out the hard way that this won't fix itself

Regretfully, as I have I. Fortunately for me, a course of valium sorted me out to no end but of course once you're back on your feet, stress will inevitably take you back down again. With the tools you'll gain from CBT, that wont be a concern.

Best of luck, and you want anymore advice dont hesitate to PM. I know exactly the kind of impact this can have on a life. Exactly what kind of impact.