What can I do about my severe anxiety (was caused by other problem) if I don't like to go to public places?

Question

I've had severe anxiety for several years & totally avoid public places, this includes grocery stores, post office, restaurants & anywhere else I would have to be close to other people. I know I need to get some help for it because it has totally affected and disrupted my life, but I can't get enough courage to go see a doctor because I know the waiting room (which is what I dread about doctor's visits) is going to be packed with people & that is what I always try to avoid. You see what brought on my anxiety was a problem that also started several years ago. I started having digestive issues several years ago & I'd been working in a fast food place when it started. I had made a few friends there & then when my health problems started, I noticed that the friends I had made there, stopped talking to me as much & would sorta keep a distance. This was becuz I didn't know but my health issues were also causing me to have a foul odor. please read additional details for the rest

I wasn't even aware of it, but the health problems were also causing me to have a foul odor. The way I found out about the odor, was one of my co-workers said out loud in front of everyone, 'Well at least I don't smell like butt!' and then she looked over at me. Actually when she said that, everyone in the restaurant looked over at me. I tried many things to get rid of the odor, taking 2 to 3 showers a day, switching soaps, deodorants using more perfume but nothing helped & my digestive issues were getting worse. I worked there for about one more month & finally I just stopped showing up. The rude comments were just too much & I felt terrible health wise. My stress was thru the roof & my anxiety was getting worse. Thankfully I'd saved up enuf money to get insurance. I saw several Dr.s b-4 finally being referred to a gastrointerologist - the GI found out my gallbladder would need to be removed it was infected. I had surgery for it but the odor is still present and so is the anxiety.

Answer 1

Social anxiety can cause these feelings, which can also lead to severe depression,
http://www.socialanxietyinstitute.org/ds...

if not you could be suffering from Generalized Anxiety
Disorder..http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/general_anx...

There is hope; I've been there, and still am there, it is a long, hard struggle. I recommend
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/cognitive_b... worked best for me, with mild anti-anxiety meds. I suffered from social anxiety for over 15 years. I've tried individual therapy, and group therapy and studied psychology for 10 years, as a profession, but also with the hope to cure myself.

Depending on your comfort level, you could go to a psychologist that practices CBT and specializes in anxiety disorders, seek a group therapy, or create one. Usually those that do attend the group therapy are a bit more high functioning because as you know, it can be difficult to speak in a group.

Another idea is to see if there are any local research studies being conducted that you could participate in.

The program that finally worked the best for me is this one: http://www.socialanxiety.us/findinghelp.... and I was lucky enough to have a structured behavioral group to go along with it. Sometimes the people that actually attend this program come back home and form groups.

I recommend a mild anti-anxiety med in addition to CBT therapy.

Any questions, let me know ... I can't tell you how much this has improved my life!

Answer 2

I have had the same public place-phobia for the past several years, but I hid it pretty well. I stopped going to school, didn't go anywhere, and didn't even want to talk on the phone. I stayed in that miserable state for way too long. I, like you, couldn't get the courage to go to the doctor's because of the waiting room. But, I finally said that I had had enough! My life was truly saved by anti-depressants. Make an appointment during the day when everyone is at work or school. Also, go with someone you trust. I only have a few people left that really stuck with me through all these years of hell. I'm sure you have a few too. Trust me, everyone at the clinic is there to help you. They really showed my sympathy and understanding when I explained my story. I know it's hard, but think about how much better your life will be after this one little appointment. You can do this, I promise!

Answer 3

I had severe anxiety for probably 10 years. One doctor told me that too much stress can cause anxiety. I was going through new jobs, running from an ex who abused me physically, had a stillborn baby, moved to several different apts, health problems (diabetes) and that's when it started. The earlier you face it the sooner you will be free. I would suggest a mild anti anxiety pill in the beginning (I took Buspar) and therapy is great. However YOU are the only one that can get out and face life. Remember you have options. I always thought the negative. Like you - you were thinking of how bad it would be to sit in a doctor's office. Make arrangements ahead of time and see if they have a room in the back that you could wait in. If you go to the grocery store make sure you tell yourself it is ok to leave if I get too anxious. You can leave the grocery cart full of groceries in the middle of the aisle. Positive thinking is a huge part of recovery and having someone you feel safe with also is huge. My first job to get back into the working world was volunteering for a Crisis Center. I explained to them that I had anxiety attacks and may have to leave. Don't be embaressed. Be honest and you will be amazed at the kindness people will show you. Gradually the center hired me parttime and I have gotten better and better. I also ordered some cassettes through an anxiety help center that I listened to over and over again. Good luck and God is a huge part of recovery too. Just know that you can get over this anxiety.

Answer 4

I'm 30 now, but since I was 13 I've had severe anxiety. So bad that I had to be placed in a mental institution. Some people go through situations in life that causes anxiety and others have a chemical(neurotransmitter) imbalance in their brain anyway. Either way, anxiety is a result of that chemical imbalance. It wasn't until I grew up and started doing research on my own that I discovered how to help myself. Getting away from my emotionally abusive parents was one of them, although I think the damage my be permanent. I've tried many anti-depressants, they all worked, by working on fixing neurotransmitters. But they all had side effects. Different ones work differently on different people. When I tried Lexapro, it's worked wonders. I suggest trying an anti-depressant along with counseling which is exactly what a doctor will also tell you. Counseling can get expensive, which so are some prescriptions. But it is worth it. There are many places that counsel and only charge you based on your income. It will take time to find one of those places, but you can do it. Just start in the yellow pages. My MD actually referred me to a couple of places. They always know. Going to the doctor is something you're going to HAVE to make yourself do. You will feel scrutinized, but he will ask you lots of questions trying to get to the root of the problem, not to scrutinize you. It's well worth it.

I failed to say that Xanax works well too, but many doctors don't like to prescribe it since it's a controlled substance. Yes, it can be addicting, only if a person lets it. But if it works, then I don't see a problem with it.

Answer 5

I have anxiety as well and I have been doing a lot of research and I have come to the conclusion the only thing you can do is talk to a professional or get medication. Personally I think it is cheaper to just go to my reg. doc and get medication. I find it easier to go to the doctor if someone is with me, try and get a family member to go with you and if not just suck it and go so you don't have to worry about it anymore. I took xanax a couple years ago and I must say it worked wonders on me, after my pregnancy I plan to get back on it.

Answer 6

I have read some litterature about panic attacks. But they allways seem to have a more scientific approach and that is nothing I need in my struggle to survive those horrible panic attacks. This is a "hand on" and very practical book. I felt it was written to me. I am sure that you are going to feel the same.

Joe Barry writes exactly how I think. The examples are perfectly described. And the method is genius. I recommend this book and thanks Joe Barry for writing it. It changes your life