Blushing, anxiety and panic attacks

LegacyUser

Hi All
Just wanted to see if there was anyone out there who understands what im going through. i really dont know whats wrong with me but ive been like this for years. when im on my own with someone (workmate, friend etc) i start feeling very panicky and worry what im gonna talk about. i know it sounds stupid but its awful. then sometimes i might start blushing for no reason whatsoever which makes things even worse. some days im ok but others (if im feeling tired or worried about somthing) bad.its at the stage where i avoid being on my own with somebody. i feel more at ease just doing things by myself. people would see me as a very confident person but deep down i really mustnt be if i feel like this. i seem to be more comfortable talkin with people i dont know than people i know, its weird i know...i wonder is it panic attacks i have or what? anyone know whats wrong with me? i cant carry on like this for the rest of my life (im in my mid 20's)
Thanks.

LegacyUser

You sound just like me - or, more like the way I used to be.

I used to go red at the drop of a hat and found it difficult in college and then in my first few years in work. I could never do presentations.

I get red when I'm hot as well - so i I walked to work and was hot, or sitting on the train, I'd feel myself getting physically red and then I'd get embarrassed to top it off. I do have to remind myself sometimes "I am going red because I am physically hot - this is not due to being embarrassed"

The main thing to remember is this: everyone goes red at some stage, that shows that you're human.

As for being in someone else;s company like that - again, I used to get on with some people, and other times I'd be too focused on me and therefore overly conscious about everything I did or said. I could never go on dates.... now though, like a date I was on the other week where I did start off a bit embarrassed, I know I'll ease into it.

What to do - well, you could firstly download some hypnotherapy pieces from the net and listen to them every day.

You can choose to let it effect you and take over your life or decide "I know I can go red, that's okay. I might start off red but that will quickly pass. I am

I went travelling and found that it just stopped - I got talking to so many people I think that I had to get over the problems, and what's more, and this might be an issue, is that I actually had something to talk about with people "oh, where have you come from ? Where are you off to next? How was such and such a place?".

Visualisation can also help - picture yourself in a situation where it effects you and picture yourself as being calm and serene and having fun and having a smile on your face.

It still effects me at times and it held me back for many years. Try your best to tackle it now and don't let it hold you back.

VO

I have heard that hypnosis can help with panic attacks and blushing. No persoanl experience but worht a try?

karen3212

It sounds like social anxiety to me.

If I saw someone with a big red head on the bus or in front of me talking to me, I would most likely think they had just been running and think very little of it.

Concentrate on the other person and what they are saying (it might help)

If it affecting your life though, I think you should mention it to your doctor or try CBT for yourself or with a counsellor.

Best of luck

and you notice the blushing - others don't care.

LegacyUser

Counselling is probably the answer to get to the real root of your problem.I've heard that cognitive behaviour thearpy and neuro-linguistic programming can be good.
I've also heard very good things about EFT (emotional freedom Thearpy). It's a tapping technique focusing on different acu points on your body and you say affirmations as you tap.
But you could also log onto www irishhealth.com It's a forum for blushers and sweaters. I came across some good advice there e.g. vichy dermablend foundation makeup if you are a female .Also, taking baking powder mixed with water is supposed to stop blushing. The panicing part....Valeriaan tea or tablets, they are herbal, can be bought in most health food stores. 'hope this is of some use.....

LegacyUser

Thanks for all yere replies!
it might be social anxiety but im ok in groups, its really only when im on my own with somebody...its like im focusing too mucg on what to say that i just go blank? it seems to happen more with people of the same sex (female) rather than with males..
i might try those hypnotherapy things from the net.. i love herbal teas too so will try valerian tea too
Thanks