Best way to beat anxiety?

[mazeroth]

I have been suffering from anxiety for almost 6 years (30 now). When it started it was very bad and came out of nowhere. I was a temp at a company with two months left and mad that I wasn't getting hired in full-time. I would slack off at work on the internet all day but would be nervous that I would get caught. I was always looking over my shoulder, a constant state of stress. Then the ab and back pains came and I thought it was a digestion issue. Then, my heart started missing beats and beating hard the next beat. Finally, at a friends house, I had a full-blown panic attack and I've never recovered from that day. I was having panic attacks every few days and I was afraid to go out when it was dark. Slowly I have gotten better over the years and I feel pretty normal now but I get bouts of anxiety when I have a deadline due, or I have to speak in front of a group; something I never, ever experience before the onset of my anxiety. Back in college I could get up and type a 10 page term paper that was due that day without the slightest bit of anxiety. I could give a speech to my speech class, no problemo. In fact, until I was 25 and had my first bit of anxiety I NEVER, EVER felt anxiety before. Now, I would probably go up there and studder through the whole speech thing with my heart going crazy.

What I'm asking is, how can I beat this for good? I do have a good bit of stress every day from my job and raising two young children at home. I do not eat well and rarely exercise due to my time constraints (excuses, I know). I feel if I was able to relax for a change for an extended period of time and given time to diet and exercise I would progress but it seems for the time being I'm stuck.

Anyhow, just looking for any insight out there. I do take 1mg of lorazepam on occasion to take the edge off if I've had a really bad day. Though, it's only maybe once a month. Just thought I'd throw that out there, since I refuse to take meds to get over this except for something I can take only when its absolutely necessary.

 

[killster1]

wow i get nervous too when have to meet new people or do a presentation.. let me know when u find the cure.. meds before would seem like help but i dont want to take anything either and wouldnt fully cure it.. i get really red and start sweating bad hahahhaha. Just wait 2marro it will be bad

 

[shortylickens]

Short term: Exercise. Get good and tired and sweaty before hand. (Shower, obviously).

Long term: Confront that which unnerves you and keep practicing & attacking it until you arent worried about it any more.
In your case you may need to seriously consider spending some time with a shrink to figure out what the real source is.

 

[RocksteadyDotNet]

Sounds like depression.

Try an SNRI.

 

[mazeroth]

Short term: Exercise. Get good and tired and sweaty before hand. (Shower, obviously).

Long term: Confront that which unnerves you and keep practicing & attacking it until you arent worried about it any more.
In your case you may need to seriously consider spending some time with a shrink to figure out what the real source is.

The long term I'm not sure about. Really, I feel fine most of the day, just tired. I don't feel anxiety until I'm put in a situation that brings it on. 6 years ago it wouldn't. It's just that I'm oversensitized. I think what put me here is my ability to procrastinate, which causes stress. And that I'm a worrier, though, I have been working on that and feel progress.

 

[mazeroth]

Sounds like depression.

Try an SNRI.

Can't I get bloodwork done to check my serotonin and norepinephrine levels?

 

[iluvdeal]

Given the history you've just relayed, you really need to talk to a professional who specializes in anxiety disorders. You should look into attending an anxiety support group as well since that's been found to be very helpful in treating anxiety.

Of course you should also be getting enough rest, exercising since that helps relieve stress, eating right, and avoiding caffeine since that increases anxiety symptoms which you are sensitive too. The main thing though is getting to the bottom of your underlying fears, facing them and not running away from as they never go away if you do that.

 

[mazeroth]

One last thing. I do feel a tad tired all day and a little down. Last year I played as a sub for a friend in his indoor soccer league. I'm in horrible cardio shape but played my ass off and needed a sub about 5 times to catch my breath. I beat myself to death! I slept like a baby. The next day, I felt like my old self. I had tons of energy, my mind didn't feel down, I was alert, I could make complete sentences without having to think. It was a miracle. Then, the next day came and I was back to normal. I have tried running a mile a few times (7:30 time, not bad for my shape: 5'10 175) and was dead tired afterward but I never did get that feeling like I got when playing indoor soccer.

 

[mazeroth]

The main thing though is getting to the bottom of your underlying fears, facing them and not running away from as they never go away if you do that.

I really don't have any fears. Literally, day 1 I could go up in front of a group and speak. Day 2 I have my first panic attack. Day 10 I can not go in front of a group because I am so sensitized. Now, don't get me wrong, going in front of a group I would get maybe 10% nervous. Nothing bad. The state I'm in now it jumps up to 80%. My nerves need to calm down.

 

[RocksteadyDotNet]

Can't I get bloodwork done to check my serotonin and norepinephrine levels?

Nah, you'll have to take them for a while and see if they work. I'd say this is your best bet.

I know theres a lot of stigma around depression, and heaps of idiots who think it's 'fake', but SSRI's and SNRI's work. Work big time.

They dont need to be taken forever. You might just need a 6 month run to balance ya chemicals out and you'll be right as rain.