Does anybody else suffer from panic attacks, anxiety, some sort of social phobia?

Question

I suffer from really bad anxiety, and have had a few panic attacks. I can't go into my city centre on my own, don't really like to go anywhere on my own. I struggle with busy places, I end up feeling on edge, and like I stand out (although I don't).

I'm a manager in a bookies, so have to deal with abusive and angry men sometimes. Although I stand my ground, any sort of confrontation leaves my whole body trembling.

I hate it. I hate being scared of everything.

I used to be really bad, I wouldn't get on the bus at certain times. I used to go out of my way to get another bus home, because I didn't want to get on my usual bus. Sometimes, I wouldn't even use the usual bus stop.

I don't understand it. I feel silly, but I can't help it.

I have to feel safe, but I don't.

Anybody know what I mean?

I have confidence in my job, because I know what I'm doing, and it's generally the same everyday. I have a routine there.

I don't smoke, I eat okay, and I have already stopped drinking coffee.

This has been going on for years.

My mum died last year, so I struggle with a little depression. But the anxiety etc went on long before that.

Answer 1

I used to be the same. I was heading for a life of serious misery. When i moved out of home, for some reason it got much easier and now several years on, it's pretty much gone. My last panic attack was 18 months ago. I still struggle more than most but it doesn't affect my life anymore. I do what I want to do.

I guess some things that have helped are: exercise (this has probably been the biggest help actually), making people who are close to you aware of the problem (my parents and friends didn't really understand but they were so supportive), distraction techniques when you feel an attack coming on. My favourite one is trying to remember all the football teams in the Premiership plus their managers and grounds. Sounds stupid but that really works. Also having a book while you are on the bus might help.

Don't feel silly. Panic disorder isn't silly and it's not trivial. Don't pretend it's not there. You could always try cognitive behaviourial therapy. I didn't find it very helpful but everyone is different. Could be worth a try.

Answer 2

I used to have quite a lot of panic attacks when in company when I was younger and like you any kind of confrontation had me trembling.I've always been a worrier and had no confidence,since I've grown older I am not nearly so bad.I got a job in home-care and I feel this has helped by being responsible for other people.I wish now I'd asked for professional help and not suffered all these years but I felt embarrassed and silly which I can see now was stupid as so many others go through the same agonies.Please get some medical help and don't go through life like this maybe you wont be cured but they will learn you to cope I am sure.Best of luck.

Answer 3

I went through the same thing you did, It's horrible and people just don't understand that this is real and your not faking it. My biggest phobia was going to the grocery store, usually I'd leave before I could check out. I also didn't work for awhile because I was scared of freaking out, I even went to the E.R once thinking I was having a heart attack. I even self medicated(alcohol) but this made it worse in the long run. My anxiety started when my parents died. Finally the Doc. put me on Zoloft, it was a miracle drug for me. Believe it or not exercise, and a healthy lifestyle can also help you. Its been 5 years since I've needed any medication, I feel great, like I never had this affliction. You can contact me if you need to talk, remember this is not in your head, this is real, but you can overcome it.

Answer 4

Just to let you know the name I am writing under is my husbands, he had read me your problems because it sounded a lot like what I used to go through, and still do.

Honestly, you need to go see a psychiatrist, (I am not a doctor, and I can not give you a diagnosis, you have to leave that to the experts, I am on the patient end, just trying to give you some advice) and possibly go through some type of therapy, or go on some type of medication. Like I am. I have generally the same type of symptoms you have, and over the years without treatment only got worse, the situations more serious, the desperation only gets more intense.

So, before you wind up slipping into a depression or having another anxiety attack, hurting yourself or someone else, go see someone.

Believe me you WILL feel a lot better, and you wont feel so overwhelmed, (sometimes I would feel like I was really going crazy, and the only one in the world who felt like this) and you will be able to live the way you want.

Good luck, all of the best to you. I hope you find the peace you are looking for.

Answer 5

Yeah i was the same and still would be if it wasnt for medication .. i got to the point where i was scared of picking my children up from school and relied on neighbours to do it .. eventually i went to the docs and he helped me, im currently on beta blockers for the anxiety and panic attacks .. i was prescribed 3 a day which initially i took .. and after 6 months have reduced to 2 a day and within another 3 months hopefully can reduce it to 1 . Dont think ur being silly there are plenty of people dealing with such issues day to day .. u just dont realise they are ..
go to the docs .. a counsellor or medication may help
hope things work out for you :o)

Answer 6

Well its nice to see that there are other people that suffer.
I've had social phobia for about 3 years but to be honest i ended up moving towns and got a new man great job and its not as bad but it was at the piont where i knew it wasn't going to cure its self so i had to do some thing. i still get bouts of it and have a cry and scream at my man but he trys and understands it, your not alone it unfortually rules your life. mine all started from workplace bulling but it doesn't sound like it in your case, i will try anything not to be reliant on meds so i have good days and bad, maybe leave your job all the negitive customers maybe making you feel nervious and your probably realise when you leave that it may have been the job. i feel for you coz it is truly **** to have and i am only 23 so to i need to be at the pub i'm still young i ended up always going to another town to shop and go out and that seemed to work so i still had fun.
its crap power to you my friend you sure as hell need it.

Answer 7

Hi there, I just laugh about my past 3 years of panic now. I was not able to go anywhere without carrying xanax. Fear of having another attack was the most important subject of my days.When i first found joe barry's web site i started to cry because of my happiness.

Free audio to end anxiety and panic attacks fast?

Answer 8

Yes, I was jumped and beaten up when i was 17.

20 years later I still get edgy if I see a gang of guys standing around. I took Karate lessons for a while which made me VERY watchful & aware of everything that goes on around me.

I see things that most people don't even have the awareness level to see most of the time, its useful but it can be annoying at times too.

Answer 9

I really get nervous and won't stop fidgiting, when i'm in a public place where there are lots of people...town/supermarket.

I keep thinking that people are looking at me judging me, laughing...because I look ugly...have less hair a big nose. i'm quite a shy person and can't maintain eye contact with people maybe thats why...

I sometimes have a few strong alcoholic drinks before going out to town, and i find that helps me alot..

....I think maybe hair root surgrey and a nose job will help me...give me a bit more confidence to look people in the eye

Answer 10

absolutely. I still get panic and anxiety attacks from time to time, but I am able to deal with them now. I am still somewhat agoraphobic (afraid of crowded places) and I am almost paralysed when it comes time to do paperwork that has anything to do with my personal life; work stuff, fine but taxes etc. and I'm almost frozen
it helped me a great deal to get out of the city for a few years; to get away from crowds and though I've been back in the city for more than 10 years now, i still avoid crowds as much as possible and keep my time in crowds to less than two hours.
i don't know what triggers your attacks, but I do know that it is perfectly normal in today's way too complicated and fast-paced world. try to learn how to meditate if you have access to a buddhist temple they will probably offer free classes. and you don't have to be buddhist.
you really need to change your profession; even if you do it gradually, just knowing you're not stuck there will help a great deal
is it possible for you to get somewhere quieter for a few years?
if not, seek and make serenity a daily part of your life, I promise it will help if you can eliminate as much distraction and multi-tasking as possible
and remember, you're not nuts; you're perfectly normal in a perfectly abnormal world