Anxiety- medication- advice/help?
My entire life i have dealt with anxiety..im really shy.. but ive alway been hesistant to bring it up to the doctor or make an appointment for it b/c i dont want people thinking im just doing it for the drugs or something! Problem is... im not depressed or anything.. i love my life. so counseling isnt an issue.. i truly just think i probalby have social anxiety disorder.
heres some examples:
1) At work i get really nervous to answer the phone to customers all the time b/c im scared co-workers are overhearing the convo and will judge what i say
2) I get extremely extremely nervous meeting old friends from my past... something that should be a really enjoyable experience makes me so nervous for the days leading up to it
3) Meeting new people is my worse nightmare.. i jsut prefer to be alone and not make new friends... i know.. that sounds terrible!
has anyone dealt with anxiety before? How did you bring it up to your doctor? Did medication help?
Answer:
COUNSELING ISN'T JUST FOR DEPRESSION! IT'S FOR ANY PROBLEM THAT YOU HAVE AND NEED HELP FIXING!
Before ANYTHING you need to go to a therapist to talk about your problems first. It's possible, like the person above me said, that it might not even be a social anxiety problem. And most of the time just understanding your problems helps you fix them without any medication at all. And then you wouldn't have to waste tons of money on medicines that might not even work and that could possibly cause long term health problems (many psychological medicines have VERY bad side effects--trust me I've tried like 10). And NEVER ask for psychological medicines from your general practitioner. They don't have the specialization needed to make those kinds of diagnoses, and taking medicine that you don't need can actually make things worse, not better. If you want an EFFECTIVE psychological medicine, that is if you need one at all, you should see a psychiatrist, which is basically a psychologist with a medical degree.
But your problems don't really sound that serious. A LOOOOOT of people are nervous to talk to strangers and old friends. And just about everyone (whether they let on or not) is nervous when they meed new people. There have been points in my life where I didn't even go to the grocery store because I was afraid of interacting with people. The definition of a disorder is when it affects your life negatively. It's possible you have a minor social anxiety problem, but it doesn't seem to interfere too much (you still can answer the phone, you still do meet old friends from the past, and you still do meet new people). I'm sure many psychiatrists would tell you to see a therapist before even THINKING of giving you meds (that is if they're not just out to get money).
PS: as I said I've been on way too many different meds... some of them helped with depression, which in turn helped with social anxiety, because a lot of my social anxiety is depression-based. But the thing that's always helped me most with social anxiety, more than any medicine, has been practice and support. If you have a supportive therapist they can boost your confidence tremendously, and well, socializing is one of those situations where practice makes perfect. Unfortunately, you have to just do it, like the nike ads say.
My daughter and I both suffer from anxiety to some degree, and both of us have had great success with medication. Not sure why you think you need to be depressed to have anxiety.. But based on what you've told us, I don't think anxiety is at the root of your problem. It appears more likely that anxiety is the way you are dealing with your issue which is lack of self esteem...
I think that you should tell your doctor how you feel and get a prescription. I know many people who take medicine for social anxiety and it helps them a lot. If your doctor ignores you then find another doctor. I think a doctor will take you seriously because anxiety disorders are common in our society. Also, do not worry about being extroverted if you are not that way naturally. Maybe more people than you realize feel just like you do.
okay-
I spend a lifetime denying I needed help over 25 years!
Since I have been medicated "this year" 2007, the quality of my life has gotten immensely better. It was like "freedom", my heart is happy for the first time in many years. My life is incredible anyway, just didn't see or feel it.
I will not sugar coat it. Its a LIFE choice. You can't drink booze or 'forget" your medication if you want too. EVER again. You must modify your diet, little or no caffeine or nicotine, no stimulates of any kind, (diet pills) or energy drinks. They can mess you up! You realize its a chemical issue and a permanent one, like being an alcoholic...you must be aware of it daily.
I realized that everyone in the world "has an issue" and this one is mine. I don't tell anyone, just the need to know folks in case of an emegancy.
Some examples: Its has taken The "Hard Edge" off life.
So far its worth it. I can sleep at night [really really good sleep] The morning is a process, not a frustration sweat fest.
Traffic is time for me to enjoy my favorite music or book on tape. I am more at ease with myself, and don't worry so much about things I can't control.
You will need to try several ones, keep a journal of them and HOW it makes you feel or not feel. I went for the "not feel" part, since I felt too much to begin with.
Lexi pro. and tried different doses over a three month period, and found that less is best for me. Yet under extreme stress, the doc as up'd it for me and we weaned me back down.
Valid questions for a woman is pregnancy. so when you get to that point in your life, talk to the doctor. Until then- JUST DO IT> it makes life so much easier.
I have also done years of Hypnosis to relieve many of the issues that are the catalyst for my anxiety. It works, it just takes time and money. Well worth it as well.
Good luck!
Reunions- they are what YOU make them!
The first few were very nerve racking- No meds!
I have gone to all of mine...I still liked the folks I liked and gave the old ones the benefit of the doubt, sadly, some did not change- they just got older, and happily many had changed like I did. It has been wonderful, we now meet a group monthly- we would have NEVER been friends in HS, and now, life has changed us. we rejoice in someone from our past, that can see "the real grownup" me. We share kid stories and about our job, and seldom do we go down "memory lane" expect to tease each other about waistlines and hairlines.
you are not by yourself i have always been a nervous wreck when it was something i really did or still donnot like to do as on my job i have to do a parent bulletin bd. and i get ill figuring out what to put up on it iam brilliant but donnnot see it that way,i am not as outgoing as i use to be something inside me has changed,i have been thru the gambit shrinks ,psychologist,neurologist,and my own dr. i take meds for depression and anniety for when i feel an attack coming on or if i have got to out of my house to a fuction i donnot wish to i am a wreck,pills shrinks all that is just like putting a bandaid on a cut ,i want to come off of this stuff,i donnot see shrinks or anybody like that or go to mental health,i just keep praying and helping others like me on FunQA.com,i am tired of this ,i like being by myself too,i donnot wish to be bothered,sometimes i do talk on the phone to my cousin who is a custdian at my scool and my godsister who teaches at my school ,at work i am tired of clicks people acting like they are all that,
More Questions and Answers:
Is this normal... (has to do with dreams)?
How do you deal with bad behavior in teenagers?
What gives you confidence? What have you done that gives you a swagger?
I am a contactee with those on a Mothership. I can hear them with my telepathy to avoid radio communication.?
How to stay up through an all-nighter?
Why don't people let themselves cross over that line -In a pleasure-able cents?
Counsellors/therapists, psychologists.risks to them!?
Why are people racist/prejudice - is it just jelousy.?
What is love of one self?
heres some examples:
1) At work i get really nervous to answer the phone to customers all the time b/c im scared co-workers are overhearing the convo and will judge what i say
2) I get extremely extremely nervous meeting old friends from my past... something that should be a really enjoyable experience makes me so nervous for the days leading up to it
3) Meeting new people is my worse nightmare.. i jsut prefer to be alone and not make new friends... i know.. that sounds terrible!
has anyone dealt with anxiety before? How did you bring it up to your doctor? Did medication help?
Answer:
COUNSELING ISN'T JUST FOR DEPRESSION! IT'S FOR ANY PROBLEM THAT YOU HAVE AND NEED HELP FIXING!
Before ANYTHING you need to go to a therapist to talk about your problems first. It's possible, like the person above me said, that it might not even be a social anxiety problem. And most of the time just understanding your problems helps you fix them without any medication at all. And then you wouldn't have to waste tons of money on medicines that might not even work and that could possibly cause long term health problems (many psychological medicines have VERY bad side effects--trust me I've tried like 10). And NEVER ask for psychological medicines from your general practitioner. They don't have the specialization needed to make those kinds of diagnoses, and taking medicine that you don't need can actually make things worse, not better. If you want an EFFECTIVE psychological medicine, that is if you need one at all, you should see a psychiatrist, which is basically a psychologist with a medical degree.
But your problems don't really sound that serious. A LOOOOOT of people are nervous to talk to strangers and old friends. And just about everyone (whether they let on or not) is nervous when they meed new people. There have been points in my life where I didn't even go to the grocery store because I was afraid of interacting with people. The definition of a disorder is when it affects your life negatively. It's possible you have a minor social anxiety problem, but it doesn't seem to interfere too much (you still can answer the phone, you still do meet old friends from the past, and you still do meet new people). I'm sure many psychiatrists would tell you to see a therapist before even THINKING of giving you meds (that is if they're not just out to get money).
PS: as I said I've been on way too many different meds... some of them helped with depression, which in turn helped with social anxiety, because a lot of my social anxiety is depression-based. But the thing that's always helped me most with social anxiety, more than any medicine, has been practice and support. If you have a supportive therapist they can boost your confidence tremendously, and well, socializing is one of those situations where practice makes perfect. Unfortunately, you have to just do it, like the nike ads say.
My daughter and I both suffer from anxiety to some degree, and both of us have had great success with medication. Not sure why you think you need to be depressed to have anxiety.. But based on what you've told us, I don't think anxiety is at the root of your problem. It appears more likely that anxiety is the way you are dealing with your issue which is lack of self esteem...
I think that you should tell your doctor how you feel and get a prescription. I know many people who take medicine for social anxiety and it helps them a lot. If your doctor ignores you then find another doctor. I think a doctor will take you seriously because anxiety disorders are common in our society. Also, do not worry about being extroverted if you are not that way naturally. Maybe more people than you realize feel just like you do.
okay-
I spend a lifetime denying I needed help over 25 years!
Since I have been medicated "this year" 2007, the quality of my life has gotten immensely better. It was like "freedom", my heart is happy for the first time in many years. My life is incredible anyway, just didn't see or feel it.
I will not sugar coat it. Its a LIFE choice. You can't drink booze or 'forget" your medication if you want too. EVER again. You must modify your diet, little or no caffeine or nicotine, no stimulates of any kind, (diet pills) or energy drinks. They can mess you up! You realize its a chemical issue and a permanent one, like being an alcoholic...you must be aware of it daily.
I realized that everyone in the world "has an issue" and this one is mine. I don't tell anyone, just the need to know folks in case of an emegancy.
Some examples: Its has taken The "Hard Edge" off life.
So far its worth it. I can sleep at night [really really good sleep] The morning is a process, not a frustration sweat fest.
Traffic is time for me to enjoy my favorite music or book on tape. I am more at ease with myself, and don't worry so much about things I can't control.
You will need to try several ones, keep a journal of them and HOW it makes you feel or not feel. I went for the "not feel" part, since I felt too much to begin with.
Lexi pro. and tried different doses over a three month period, and found that less is best for me. Yet under extreme stress, the doc as up'd it for me and we weaned me back down.
Valid questions for a woman is pregnancy. so when you get to that point in your life, talk to the doctor. Until then- JUST DO IT> it makes life so much easier.
I have also done years of Hypnosis to relieve many of the issues that are the catalyst for my anxiety. It works, it just takes time and money. Well worth it as well.
Good luck!
Reunions- they are what YOU make them!
The first few were very nerve racking- No meds!
I have gone to all of mine...I still liked the folks I liked and gave the old ones the benefit of the doubt, sadly, some did not change- they just got older, and happily many had changed like I did. It has been wonderful, we now meet a group monthly- we would have NEVER been friends in HS, and now, life has changed us. we rejoice in someone from our past, that can see "the real grownup" me. We share kid stories and about our job, and seldom do we go down "memory lane" expect to tease each other about waistlines and hairlines.
you are not by yourself i have always been a nervous wreck when it was something i really did or still donnot like to do as on my job i have to do a parent bulletin bd. and i get ill figuring out what to put up on it iam brilliant but donnnot see it that way,i am not as outgoing as i use to be something inside me has changed,i have been thru the gambit shrinks ,psychologist,neurologist,and my own dr. i take meds for depression and anniety for when i feel an attack coming on or if i have got to out of my house to a fuction i donnot wish to i am a wreck,pills shrinks all that is just like putting a bandaid on a cut ,i want to come off of this stuff,i donnot see shrinks or anybody like that or go to mental health,i just keep praying and helping others like me on FunQA.com,i am tired of this ,i like being by myself too,i donnot wish to be bothered,sometimes i do talk on the phone to my cousin who is a custdian at my scool and my godsister who teaches at my school ,at work i am tired of clicks people acting like they are all that,
The answers post by the user, for information only, FunQA.com does not guarantee the right.
More Questions and Answers: