Suffering from anxiety...Help! What should i do?

Question

Anxiety is really having a negative affect on my life. Its affecting my social life, school, and work. I try to hide it but sometimes its really hard. Some people just think I'm mean or anti-social but when Im around a group of people I feel really uncomfortable and I think others can sense it. I've been suffering from this since my pre-teen years and I thought I would grow out of it but I was wrong. Its making me lonely because avoid others just so I wont have to go through feeling this way.Now being a little older I have identified that I have I problem and I need solutions my anxiety is blocking who I really am and I dont want to be like this for the rest of my life.

Answer 1

You have a number of options.
1. The most popular (but damaging) option is to get drugs like Prozac. I suggest you read http://www.antidepressantsfacts.com/ first before taking this option. Many times drugs don’t work and people get trapped in the cycle of trying different mind-bending drugs for years, without relief.
2. If you have an issue or problem with a certain event or situation or person, see a therapist and work through it, learning new coping skills. If seeing a therapist isn't an option, self-help books can help you to learn ways to cope with problems. Plus, there are many books on panic/anxiety and also a free online course that you take over a period of weeks at http://www.paniccenter.net
3. If you have irrational phobias in an otherwise balanced life, and can’t understand why you get anxiety/panic in a certain situation, try self-hypnosis-type programs like http://www.panic-anxiety.com
4. Calming herbs like valerian, kava-kava, chamomile or special formulas might help to take the edge off, but don't seem to eliminate the problem completely. Be wary of expensive on-line herbal formulas that promise to eliminate anxiety/panic: you can easily get the same herbs at most drug stores for a fraction of the cost.
5. Exercises like tai chi or yoga (many libraries have DVDs you can rent) are helpful to calm the breathing and mind. You can do these, and other things like walking no matter what treatment you decide on.
6. If you feel you have a more or less balanced life without any major issues, yet you're having both mental and physical symptoms, such as heart palpitations, anxiety, feeling weak, mood swings, confusion, etc. you could have a hormone imbalance, which would take blood or saliva tests to determine. If you have a hormone imbalance (NOT a chemical imbalance) no breathing exercises or hypnosis or self-talk is going to help- the physical imbalance is in the adrenals, thyroid, and cortisol levels. This is easily corrected with bio-identical hormones. Many doctors/insurance don’t deal with this, so you’ll need a specialist. http://www.womentowomen.com/depressionanxietyandmood/anxiety.asp

Answer 2

Anxiety can make a person very unhappy. I have also suffered with anxiety and depression for many years. Medication helps. Walking really helps and therapy. A person like me never lets a thing go. I never subtract a bad ordeal from my life, I just add on another. Shame and guilt are not my friend. Believe in yourself. Know that you can and will accomplish whatever is important to you. Don't avoid others. Choose the people that you are around. Like people that love and accept you. I had the best new years eve ever. No partying, but I invited my entire family over. We had a blast.Everyone there loves me and accepts mejust the way I am.

Answer 3

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 4

there is no shame in talking to a doctor about anxiety. I was afraid for years, but there is such a feeling of relief when you finally make a step towards controlling it. find a good doctor you trust, and do a lot of online research about any medications suggested so you can be aware and knowledgeable. That will make you a more effective part of your own resolution. Very good luck to you :)

Answer 5

See a Doctor, even your family physician can help. He needs to evaluate your symptoms based on what you can tell him. He will ask you a variety of questions. Be honest. Treatment is available and sometimes NECESSARY to be productive in life. Much Luck!

Answer 6

I would recommend discussing this with your doctor. There are many anti-anxiety drugs on the market now that might be a good solution for your situation.

Hope that helps!

Answer 7

get professional help. Make an appt. to see a psychologist for therapy(doesn't mean your crazy), and a psychiatrist to administer some medication(which can make a big difference) Also your medical doctor can prescribe medication for this if your not comfortable with any of the other suggestions.

Answer 8

The best thing to do is talk to your doctor who may prescribe therapy and/or medication. If you're under 18 talk to your parents or if you're not comfortable with that talk to a guidance counselor who can be a mediator between you and your parents or if you're in college a school clinician.

Answer 9

I'm a nurse. You need to see a doctor to get medication for this. The medication will allow you to feel better and live a normal life. Please see a doctor, it will be worth the trip.

Answer 10

Is it more pronounced in winter (less sunny) months? Have you tried watching your blood sugar? High protein diets can and do cause anxiety.