I have anxiety and fear!?

Question

I started having the problems when 8 years ago. I am a male. I had a parent with mental problems when i was growning up which was tough to deal with as a child. Everything was pretty normal for me through my twenties until my marriage started going down hill,then divorce and a family member past away. It was devistating. I started having the anxiety and fear going to work. My heart would fluctuate and my breathing would get hard. I started having allergies to pollen too. I went to the docters and they told me i have anxiety. I cant even feel comfortable in public or a social situation. I tried one after another of the ssri's and other anti anxiety drugs 6 different ones that made things worse or side effects were too bad. I have tried exercise,breathing,bvitamins but it still seems like its just always going to be there. It makes me dred going in a store to the point that I avoid it because I dont want to run into anyone I know. Ive been off the pills now for almost 2 years. Any sug?

Answer 1

Are you having panic attacks? Those are different than anxiety. Anxiety disorders are intense feellings so strong taht a person is unable to funtion on a day today basis.

Panic attack are periods of intense fear and physical discomfort, in which a person feels overwhelmed and terrified by a range of bodily sensations that causes a person to feel they are losing control. Some symptoms are pounding heart, sweating, trembleing, shortness of breath and so on. A person may hove one or more of these symptoms.

There is social phobia in which an individual experience is specific to certain situations and then there is agoraphobia which is more generalized, meaning intense anxiety about being trapped, stranded, or embarrassed in a situation without help if a panic attack were to occur.

Ok now with all of these there is treatment. Medication is helpful but there should be some thearpy that goes along with it. Such as graduated exposure. If the store causes you anxiety then slowly work your way to it. Start off with a smaller store that causes little anxiety and work your way up to the bigger store.

There is also relaxation thearpy where the psychologist will teach you how to tense your body and then relax.

I recommend that you go to a psychologist tell him what is going on with you and ask him/her about cognitive-behavioral thearpy. Ask about the relaxation thearpy and the graduate exposure. Keep in mind that your not going to get better overnight. It will take time and effort. Also keep in mind that you don't want to keep living like this, because it is only going to get worse without help.

From what I gather you have maldaptive thoughts and faulty learning experiences that probably started in childhood and then developed into more during your divorce.

While your talking to a psycholgist mention your family history that will also give him/her some more insight. The more you tell the better the chance of recovering. Meaning they will find the right kind of treatment that suits your needs.

Good luck (I am not a professional, only a student in the begining of psychology.)

Answer 2

Regular fear has a meaning to it. You have a situation that you know is fearful but, in the back of your mind you know it's going to end. Anxiety has no meaning to it, it is a total body encompassing feeling. There is no reason to feel this and your rational mind knows this but, your body doesn't. You don't know when or where anxiety is going to start, you also don't know when it is going to end. Which in turn increases your anxiety. Anxiety is very close to the feelings you had when, you were a small child and had done something wrong and are waiting for the punishment you know you are going to have. That awful sick, trembling fear.

Answer 3

Hello, I too suffered from panic and anxiety. I tried pills, counseling, everything. Nothing seemed to help. Until I learned to take control. When you feel an attack coming on, learn to recognize the syptoms. Not knowing what is going to happen next is what sends you into panic mode. Once you realize the order in which your panic happens, you can then realize you have made it through it. Remember, no matter how bad your attack is, it will soon pass. I have been panic free now for 3 years. Just relax, ( I know this is easier said than done). If you need to talk, e-mail me. [e-mail]

Answer 4

k... 1st of all.. NEVER ask online about psychiatric drugs... they have numerous side effects and should NEVER be taken without a prescription, and without continous monitoring by your doc.
SSRIs are mainly for depression... what you seem to be having is either general anxiety disorder or social phobia or panic attacks. The treatment for these includes benzodiazapines like lorazepam and diazepam, tricyclic antidepressant drugs, or a newer alternative would be buspirone. But no matter what drugs you use, you have to remember that ultimately it is you who controls your emotions. We are human because of our emotions, because of our control of what makes us human and so it is oyu who will have to consciously make efforts towards living a relaxed, stress-free life. In this respect, the most important aspects of therapy include relaxation techniques eg-yoga, meditation etc; selfhypnosis, counselling and other psychological counselling therapy modalities.
RELAXXXXX!!!! SMILE!! :-)

Answer 5

Find a good therapist that will work with you. They will help you get in touch with what's triggering the anxiety and help you conquer it. Sometimes people think they know what's bothering them or they may just think that they have a flaw in their personality. A counselor will help you work through this difficult time in your life and come out the other side a stronger person. It really works.

Answer 6

I went through the same kind of thing. You get in a social environment and shrink back. You have some bouts of anxiety and your breathing picks up. This is what my pastor suggested that I do:

Slow down your thinking
Figure out what you are anxious about, have you given into a lie like "no one likes me", "I just don't fit in", etc.
Replace that lie with truth, "they invited me to this social function, they wanted me here", "I'm probably just as weird as they are"

Normally there is nothing to be anxious about. Think about why it is that you don't want to run into anyone that you know. Pray about it, "God, why do I feel this way? I don't want to feel this way anymore. Please take this anxiety from me."

The one thing that has really helped me is my relationship with God through His Son Jesus. God not only counsele me and healed me from anxiety, but also depression and OCD.

"6For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder. And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

So, I strongly suggest that you get a personal relationship with God, by accepting Jesus as you Lord and Savior. He has been my Wonderful Counselor that has healed me, when I went to Him with my problems.

Answer 7

Ive found that nothing really works besides looking in a mirror and telling you self that you are who you are and complimenting yourself, just being strong is the best thing to do

Answer 8

I suggest you see a psychologist. They are trained, expert professionals who can really help you. Just do whatever they say, and it should work. They go through cognitive-behavioral therapy which has proven to be very effective.

Answer 9

Look the best anxiety drug is God. Pray if you dont believe than start. Say God as you made me let me be healed if it is in his will it will happen.

Answer 10

having pets helps
you can relax because they are lovable and they give you love and affection unconditionally
no matter what they will remain loyal unlike human beings
pursue hobbies..like painting or hum a song when you are getting anxious
whom do you fear? your colleagues ?your boss?
why is that? can it be sorted out?can you speak to them and tell them how their behaviour affects you?