Is this depression or social anxiety disorder?

Question

I cry over nothing almost everyday. I'm not in a situation where I need to work, but it would help. I cannot bring myself to get a job, clean the house or go to the store. I don't feel comfortable going anywhere by myself. I had some shopping that needed to get done today and as I was getting ready I started to sweat and my heart started beating fast. I put on some calming music and that didn't help at all. It came out of nowhere. I was fine and when I was almost finished with my make-up, I didn't want to go anymore. I have suffered from depression before but I would still go out in public. If I go with my husband I am fine, but I don't want to go alone.

Answer 1

That sounds like agoraphobia.. its the phobia of going out of the home and dealing with people. It is part of depression and a social anxiety order its actually both. I use to suffer from the same thing if you see a psychologist they can help you over come that fear and anxiety, but you have to be willing for it to work.

Symptoms of a panic attack may include:2

Rapid breathing (hyperventilation), shortness of breath, or feeling "smothered."
A pounding or racing heart or an irregular heartbeat.
Chest pain.
Lightheadedness.
Sweating.
A choking feeling.
Nausea or an upset stomach.
Dizziness, shaking, or trembling.
Numbness or tingling.
Chills or hot flashes.
Fear that you are going to die, lose control, or "go crazy."
Feelings of being detached from yourself or from reality

Answer 2

I'm really sorry to hear about that! I know first-hand how much social anxiety can screw up your life. I have it, too, but somehow I can keep it under control. I know the feeling of walking in an open space and just being so worried about how you look to others, and being so self-aware, that you are ALWAYS keeping track of how you look and sound to others. It really takes up your life and consumes you. I hate to say this, but I have just dealt with and lived with it. It is really hard to find a significant other this way, or any friends for that matter , like you said. Sometimes I feel like it's such a waste of life to be this way, and it really is, because we're not contributing our uniqueness to the world, we're just scared to show ourselves to people. It's no way to live, and we should be proud to show off who we are and be open and let people in. I really hope you have the courage to open up to people, just try it out one day. Do something one day that you don't normally do, then maybe you'll get the courage to do ONE MORE thing you wouldn't normally do. Then hopefully, eventually you will be at the point where you are more outgoing and able to communicate better. Gradually do this, and see what happens. Good luck, and just DON'T think suicidal. There are people JUST LIKE YOU, same problems, walking among you, and you don't even know it. With some help , you can get better FOR SURE. it's all about your mind-set. tell yourself you can do this... try and change your outlook on things... if none of this works you really need some medication. i have been on zoloft and it helped SO MUCH. i felt soooooooo normal and confident!!! if you really need meds I would talk to your parents... well i wish you luck!!! you're not alone ! :) i hope i made sense.. i'm so tired hahaaa

Answer 3

That sounds like what I used to deal with, and still do on the very odd occasion. I used to be just paralyzed by depression and anxiety, but no more. For the depression part, I take Lexapro, which is wonderful -- quick response (don't have to wait weeks for it to take effect), no weight gain, no sexual side effects. For the "can't move around in the house or go out of the house" part, I take Klonopin for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). And for the rare panic attack, which I still have (for example, getting overwhelmed at the thought of going to the grocery store during the Thanksgiving rush), I take Xanax as needed. Sure, it sounds like a lot of meds, but it's given me my life back, and I am happy, calm, and functional again. Good luck to you, and know that things really will get better!! p.s. A psychiatrist is your best bet for prescribing and managing these drugs. Don't be afraid. You can do it!

Answer 4

I think it may be a combination of both..the sweating and rapid heart beat sounds like anxiety to me..and the lack of motivation and crying sounds like depression...talk to your doctor ...if you are put on anti-depressants, have those close to you really monitor your behaviour...some meds in some people actually make your symptoms worse.I was lucky, the first one I tried worked for me....it's not a "magic happy pill" though , like some people think...I still have bad days, it just helps me get through them easier. Counseling is also helpful...after your appt, take advantage of being out of the house and run some errands, or just go for a walk, or treat yourself to lunch..you'll feel sooo much better.

Answer 5

I am so happy, it was only a 35 minute drive ( 70 minutes total) but absolutely no sign of anxiety or panic i shopped till I dropped - brilliant! I will now go for the next stage DUAL CARRIAGE way, probably at the weekend, with my husband accompanying me first then the solo drive, if successful the final stage of driving on motorway

Beat Anxiety And Panic Attacks Naturally?

Answer 6

I could have written your question. I am going through the same thing right now. I haven't been out of the house in 10 days. I was on anti depressants but stopped taking them over a year ago due to excessive weight gain. I think maybe we should both call the doctor.

Answer 7

Overcome Social Anxiety And Shyness : http://tinyurl.com/K6vfzTLLXZ

Answer 8

This is a very good blog, a beginner’s guide to abnormal psychology.
Short, clear and simple; and you can even post your question and contact the author regarding particular subject you are interested in, for FREE

http://sensitive-psychoworld.blogspot.com/

Answer 9

Sounds like Panic Attacks, call your Dr, they can control this with Meds

Answer 10

Depression and a phobia. There are meds that can relieve the symptoms and talk therapy that may cure