I get really REALLY anxious when I'm in crowds. I get cotton mouth, lose my hearing, get tunnel vision, and my body temp fluctuates uncontrollably. I know that this is a panic attack. Are there any ways to help me relax around crowds? I like to go to clubs with my fiance, and I like to go to concerts. I'm also a musician, so I perform a lot, yet can never be in a crowd. What can I do ahead of time to prepare or relax me? Is there anything I can take to help handle it?
2007-03-27 10:31:07 · 3 answers · asked by HW-7 3 in Health ➔ Mental Health
I tried drinking.........didnt' help AT ALL.
2007-03-27 11:26:02 · update #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!
2007-03-27 14:23:26 · answer #1 · answered by Advice Please 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Go to the doctor. You can try Passionflower tea, it's a nice natural sedative. Psychological treatment could help also, especially since you're a musician and you're gonna be in crowds quite often.
2007-03-27 10:36:12 · answer #2 · answered by Diana H 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Overcome Social Anxiety And Shyness : http://tinyurl.com/6L4CSeYl9v
2015-09-25 16:30:02 · answer #3 · answered by Ralph 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if there's nothing physically wrong with you (hyperthyroid, hypoglycemia, etc.) then try self-hypnosis. Herbs and whatever don't really work- if it's not physical, it's a phobia in your head
http://www.hypnosisdownloads.com/
2007-03-27 10:38:40 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Drink tons of alcohol. It helps me.
2007-03-27 10:38:50 · answer #5 · answered by John M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋