Posted by Carlos on March 14, 2002, at 14:59:10
In reply to Anxiety or something else?, posted by Bill1 on March 14, 2002, at 8:50:32
Hi Bill,
I can't diagnose you or anything, but I can express to you what I have and see if maybe you can relate.
I recently turned 20, so we're around the same age. I've had social anxiety disorder ever since I was about 13. I can't even remember what it's like to be "normal" All I know is that (when medication isn't working) I am very scared of social situations. Like you, I get what I would precieve to be "anxious". My heart starts to palpatate, thoughts race through my mine of how bad I'm going to come off, if I might have to be the center of attention, if I make a ass of myself, etc.
College was especially hard. I would often not go to class because I might have to talk in front of people, or embarass myself in some way. Even hearing people socialize outside my apartment door would make me extremely nervous cause me to stay inside. I really felt alone. I had absolutely no frineds. This eventually made me so upset and depressed I dropped out.
I told my parents about it, and asked my dad (since he sufferd form acute depression) if could take some of his anti-depressants (Zoloft 50mg). It seemed to worked great for the first two weeks. I would usually be in a good mood, I wasn't a social butterfly as they say, but I wasn't as nervous in situations the I would usually avoid. Then the anxiety came back I went to see my doctor about it (not a physciatrist) and we tried uping the doseage, which only made the side-effects worse. But to make a long story short, I've tried many drugs since than and am still having some troubles find the 'right one'. I haven't really been diagnosed with anything by a pdoc, but am pretty sure I have SAD, and mild depression as a cause.
Even though it wasn't a good idea to take someone's prescriptions drugs, I am glad to hear it seemed to improve your situation. This just might be the right thing for you. I would certainly see a doctor about it though, as it's not safe to self-medicate yourself. If things go well, you may be one of the very lucky few that found their problem and a working strategy to combat it.
Best wishes,
Carlos
poster:Carlos
thread:97954
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020313/msgs/98003.html