anyone ever experienced or heard about such a thing?

Question

i'm a young man with anxiety and ocd issues(on meds and had sessions with psychologist).i have quite a few ocd obbsessions and compulsions under control(anxiety too).the problem is that i find it very difficult to work or perform tasks when people are looking at me(i sort of freeze).i sometimes feel like running away(when i am walking in a quiet or not so busy area) when a person(s) glances or looks at me-i have a sort of adrenaline surge and sort of jerk(as if there is danger).i know it is irrational but has become like a reflex action(second nature)-very embarrasing in public.when people enter rooms or just pass by(rooms that i am in)i feel like taking off.i actually run (jerk) as i mentioned earlier.i have been forced to stop work because it was impossible to cope.people always judge me negatively.therapist told me it is anxiety.has anyone heard or experienced such things.would anyone mind to cast some light on it?thanking you all in advance.

Answer 1

This is only a suggestion. Get away from the psychiatrists and psychiatric drugs. Read the book, "Dianetics, The Modern Science of Mental Health". It is available in all the major bookstores and only costs about $6 in paperback. Reading it may give you some insights on why you have these reactions. It worked for me :)

Answer 2

Anxiety is suffering experience to endure, but you've gained some control already with some of your issues. Way to go!
I've gone through this myself some time ago, and learnt there is no time schedule here. My first suggestion would be to stop for a moment and breathe....that's one of the easiest tasks I used and quickest to deal with sudden panic, and still use it! I also learnt to do what works for me, meaning I filtered out advise that was helpful in my steps towards acheiving a calmer life, and left the rest out. I found that taking smaller steps worked better for me in the social atmosphere. By that it was much simpler and better for myself to take a short walk, and slower steps, to breathe more relaxing along the way...look around for nice plants, listen for birds chirping...that kind of thing up along to the nearest cafe. I did enjoy my coffee, but had to keep in mind coffee is not good for the nervous system, so I had used a bit of common sense here. I usually found my walk back home was much more relaxing, and repeated this process until I felt more comfortable with my surroundings. Every other day, or twice a week, whatever worked for me. In time, and once in a while I'd get a pleasant hello from someone, that was pretty cool being eventually able to respond much calmly and politely. Eventually my walk took me further, and to more stores, shops, etc...and met a lot of very nice people. Some rude ones too, some still laugh at me, but that's okay, I care none...I enjoy life too much to allow any one to try and put me back into a coccoon life. I learned that at a young age cruelty had emotionally crippled me, but I didn't have the resources then, that they now have today. Having a pshycologist is a good thing, however, I would have my physician hooked up with that as well especially if you're being prescribed medications. About being judged negatively, that's just ignorance, to those who lack knowledge and/or in their own denial. Don't worry about it, or them, think of yourself, be good to yourself, and continue on with your courage, you're on the right track. I don't know if that helps you much, but I'm hopeful for all your future successes small and great and hope you celebrate a special way when you won't need the medication any more because you beleive in yourself a whole lot more. Here's to you...so far for your effort....continue on towards a very happy and feel free life!

Answer 3

I experience the same things. I don't leave the house much anymore, but I am working on it. It's a hard thing to deal with and you need the proper meds. I use Valium to cope in public, maybe you should ask your doctor about it. What you are having in public are panic attacks that come with OCD. Your out of your comfort zone. If you can get a psychiatrist, you may be eligible for social security benefits.

Answer 4

Hmmm.. performance anxiety? i wonder... why do you care soooo much what others think? If you could teach yourself to care less about others opinions of you, negative or positive, perhaps you would feel less anxious. I used to be extrememly shy and had to teach myself to be more outgoing and open, and not to worry what others thought about me, but I wasn't as bad as you sound. it sounds like you have a hard road ahead, if you are seeing someone and taking meds, you are on the right track.... try talking to others, even if it's only a quick "hi" as you pass in a hallway. Also, please try to realize that it's ok to have the proverbial booger hanging from your nose, everyone makes mistakes, if you catch yourself in a faux pas just say your sorry and go on. It it ok to laugh at yourself, it's also ok for others to laugh too. It doesn't mean they think less of you, it's just a human response to a lot of different emotions. You sound like you have a lot to offer, so please keep trying. *Eat a toad when you first wake up. Nothing worse can happen the rest of the day.*

Answer 5

Very normal for someone with Anxiety. It is a social anxiety. Try asking your therapist for solutions of wht to do when you feel this way. Isolatiing yourself from others is not good for anyone, more social interaction is actually better to help you. Good luck.

Answer 6

It's called Social Anxiety Disorder. Zoloft is used to treat it.
My sister used to have that problem.
OCD, anxiety, and depression runs in my family, so I am very familiar with all these.

Answer 7

Most people don't focus on what you're doing because they're wrapped up with their own issues. And if they notice your performance, they forget about it a few minutes later. It you feel self concious when people look at you, try to get them to talk about themselves. If you get people to talk about themselves and their hobbies, it takes the focus off of you.