I have terrible anxiety and have started to drink before i go into work?

Question

I have depression,along with anxiety and panic attacks. I recently was nervous about the work xmas meal so i drank vodka beforehand and it did a good job of cooling my nerves and i talked to people without any anxiety. I go back to work Thursday and i will have to go into several crowded offices(because i''m covering for someone). I am nervous about this as my boyfriend works there also and his mate(they are both cops),and i worry about making a fool out of myself. I'm tempted to drink again to get that confidence feeling back. How am i supposed to walk in there sober?

Answer 1

it's abit like dumbo the elephant, he didnt believe he could fly without the feather his friend gave him, but it was only a psychological prop because he soon discovered he could do it when he lost it. The alcohol is giving you a false sense of security and soon it will have you believing you cant function without it, you can. Please dont let it become a real physical addiction as well. In the long run it will smash all your confidence as well as your health. Seek other help to build up your confidence, you'll be glad you did. And dont forget, people are much more sympathetic to those who are nervous or anxious and are probably less aware of your anxieties than you are yourself, but you will not find many who will tolerate alcoholics. It will wreck your life. Good lluck and hang in there. Get help.

Answer 2

Think up a mantra you can say to yourself, something that makes you feel really good, then say it to yourself before going into situations where you feel anxious. Also, take away temptations, give the alcohol in your house to a friend that you trust so you won't be able to drink.
Also you could try designating the money you have to certain things (£2 for a magazine, £1.50 for milk etc), and only getting out the exact amount you'll need for 3 or 4 days so you can't buy drink.
You can get through the problem, if you don't stop now you'll fall into the trap.

Answer 3

Any problem well stated is half-solved. You already have a collection of good answers from good people. It can be a tough world out there without compounding it more with problems such as alcohol. I suggest you take this advise to heart. I lived four years with someone just like you whom I still care dearly about.But that's a different story. I also believe that if you are serious enough to help yourself by what you have written Then LISTEN TO THIS ADVISE. PLEASE!!! There is a Totally Proprietary Dietary Health Supplement Beverage that you can use to replace whatever drinks you currently think is going to help you. The product is "Tunguska Blast". It will also help calm your nerves and help you sleep better! It is bio-available now from the site listed below. GOD BLESS YOU!!! And Have A Happy New Year IN 2007.

Answer 4

Drinking doesn't help the problem - it just buffers it a bit, and trust me, it never gets better, it just gets postponed. Learning how to deal with the anxiety will be better. It's okay to feel, just remember to breathe. When you can, talk to a counselor to find ways of coping with your anxiety. It's a much better way to go than drinking. I guarantee you, if you think the drinking will help, you have a good chance of becoming an alcoholic. Don't let that be a crutch. Find a way to cope. You can do it, you can. Oh, and one last thing - if you don't have confidence and want it back, then pretend you have it. The more you pretend you have confidence, the more you will believe that you've got it.

Answer 5

Like me, you appear to have low self-esteem, possibly something that happened to you when you were a Child?
I've just put a Question out on the 'net saying something similar-that I find it hard to show Emotion in Public.
Do you get a knot in your stomach that you can't untangle?
Anxiety, for whatever reason, is a Crippler. I've been there, and Im still there.
Dark Glasses in Public help.
It,s about not wanting to be humiliated or say the wrong thing. At least, that's PART of the problem.
Child Anxiety is probably the root.

Answer 6

You're not the first person to need a drink before braving an office party. However, it won't do for every day living. Have you visited the doctor for the depression? You don't sound like you're getting enough help...I'd go back to him and ask for more help...tell all. Telephoning AA will give you some confidence too (I know you're not an alcoholic but they are very good to talk too), and they will understand your problem.

Answer 7

Trust me....drinking is not going to give you confidence and you will make a fool of yourself as it may make you an addict. Have you ever thought of destressing with ther help of herbs ...like valerian root. Check out your local heath food store for help or consult a doctor because believe me eventually the day will come when alcohol will play you as the fool. All the best!!
Nature's Herbs EuroQuality Valerian Root is a perennial herb that is harvested from Europe. Although the flowers are beautiful and sweet-smelling, it is the pungent root that is most sought after today. Used since ancient times, Valerian Root is as popular today as ever for its beneficial properties. It is safely and popularly used worldwide for its soothing effects. Current scientific research confirms that this herb contains Valerenic Acid which is known to have calming properties.

Answer 8

You just have to. I know its hard, and I know you want to drink, but do all you can not to. Try to ignore that voice in your head that wants you to drink.
This is a very hard time for you, I'll be thinking of you.
If you want to talk, feel free to message me.
~ I suffer with depression and generalised anxiety disorder. I'm currently 32 days sober :)

Answer 9

At least you admit you have a problem

Get it in your mind that you are a success and not a failure. It is all about self esteem and confidence.

Drink is not the way to gain confidence as it multiplies the inadequate feeling after the effect has faded

Answer 10

A little shot of haldol should fix you right up, just kidding. Why so up tight about a stupid Christmas party with a bunch of social misfits. We all get up tight about being around strangers or people we don't know very well. I'm always worried I'll break wind around others but I'm still able to hang with the social giants until they bore me then I hit the bar. Hey, there's usually a company toll free number for counseling give it a call.