Anxiety Disorder

Anxiety Disorder questions and answers

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Q: anxiety disorder?
does anyone suffer from some type of anxiety disorder? how do you deal with it?

A: It took me 8 years(!) after I identified my problem to change it. And it was a hard transition. I had been dealing with it since the age of 10, I realized it was depression and anxiety at the age of 14, I realized what to finally do about it at age 21. I'm almost 25 now, and I can say I've been comfortable with my life for only about 2 years. It depends on the person, really- how bad you want to change, and how much you beleive that you have the power to. Now you have to understand that the process I went through didn't provide immediate freedom and results from my problems. It took time to accept what I had to do, and then more time to reprogram my brain into thinking this way, after living a life of anxiety and depression for so long. It is the answers that sound simple, but it is the process that you heve to be patient with. Just don't give up! I don't want anyone to take as long as I did to get over this. It is a horrible way to live. In the beginning, I started taking anti-depressants and anti- anxiety meds. But they majorly screwed with my head. One of them( I can't remember the name- I took Paxil, Xanex, Celexa, and one other I can't remember.) messed me up so much I had trouble walking in a straight line. I feared that my boss was going to give me a drug test-because I appeared drugged or drunk-one of the two. I got off the meds, and my problems were still there. That's when I realized that these problems were in ME. Medicine couldn't help me, only I could. Then I tried to turn to religion to find joy. I began to tell myself that this is just how God created me, and it was for some greater purpose.I tried to be happy with this-but it was only surface happiness. I was just accepting that depression and anxiety was just who I was, but deep down I still hated myself. It didn't feel right. Why would God make me suffer this way?It wasn't until I was 21 that I realized that I was this way because I was choosing to be.That was the hardest thing to overcome, because I didn't want to blame myself. I wanted to blame my parents, God, the kids in school, anyone. If I was to blame, then I would have to be the one to make a change, and I was scared to. But overtime I did accept it. I was to blame. No one is making me this way but myself. Yeah- I was never good enough for my parents, yeah the kids in school made fun of me- but I didn't have to let them control my life anymore. I wanted to be in control. I started moving toward the things that brought me joy. If it brought me joy- I accepted it. If it didn't, I turned away from it. Slowly I began to find who I was again. I found the things I enjoyed doing again. I learned that I can't please everyone, so I stopped trying to, and I learned to please myself again, and in the process I've made others very happy as well. The root cause of anxiety is really just nitpicking things to death, and overanalyzing things. I used to think that everytime someone was laughing, they were laughing at me. Or everytime I overheard the word "stupid" in a conversation, that they were talking about me. I walked with my head down constantly.I couldn't function in social situations, even around relatives, I would freeze up, because I felt that everyone was judging me. I stayed holed up in my room all day. You need to rid yourself of the fear of worrying what others think about you. Then you need to work on finding your true self again. First of all, rid yourself of caring what others may think about you. This doesn't matter. If you lose your friends, you will make more who are more like minded with you. If you are ridiculed, lets face it, there are always going to be people who disagree with your choices. Even if we changed ourself to please THEM, there would be others who disagree with THOSE choices. It's a never ending battle trying to get everyone to agree with the way you are, because everyone is different, and it simply is not possible. Think about what makes YOU happy, not others. It is YOUR life, and you are the one who will be dealing with all the choices you make, not them. In the end, their opinions do not matter.So get rid of the fear of being ridiculed. If you fear failure, remember that you will always be a failure if you do not even make an attempt. It is better to give something your all, and be 2nd best, than to not try at all, and be left with nothing, not even the experience. In the end it is the experiences of it that you will remember, and be proud of. Next, after you rid yourself of your fears, you need to start to remember the true you. To do this, you simply pay attention to those little tugs you feel, and go with them. You may not know where it is leading you, but to ignore them, you will be missing out on a great number of opportunities and experiences. When you feel the tug, you are either being pulled toward something that will bring you ultimate joy, or you are being pulled away from something that will not bring you joy. Listen to yourself. Your true self already knows who it is. It is always trying to get us to remember. Its the outside influences that make us forget. Ignore the outside influences, and begin to listen to yourself. You will begin to discover a whole new side of you that you never knew existed. And you will be truly happy, because you will be truly yourself. I still have my off days. I cry sometimes- I still beleive in letting out your emotions rather than bottling them in, I get angry sometimes, but I always get snapped back into reality when I remember that I am in control- me and only me. I don't have to do this. I don't have to be this way. I can be happy. I don't know if your experience is the same as mine, but from what I went through, I found that this is the only way to truly rid yourself of anxiety, and depression as well. Sorry so long, I just identify with you alot. Contact me any time if needed.Just remember that the power to do this is inside of you and you alone. Don't depend on others. They can definitely support you, but ultimately, it is up to you. And definitely don't depend on medication. It doesn't fix the problem, it only hides it. Good luck!

Q: Anxiety disorder?
I think I have a anxiety disorder, and I've tried to tell my parents, they told me it's just part of being someone my age, then they laughed at me. What can I do, to let them know that I'm serious, and that I want to be tested?

A: Find a test on-line. Answer the questions, score your answers, and show them where you fall between not anxious/normal/very anxious. www.nami.org might have a test, or if not, they can tell you where to go. TX Mom Anxiety sufferer for 25 years.

Q: ANxiety Disorder?
so i have anxiety Disorder, and sometimes it hits me and sometimes i feel like i dont even have it since anxiety doesnt occur every second. so if anyone has anxiety disorder, what do u do to help urself to stop thinking about a certain situation...what did you find that helped yourself. thnx.

A: an anxious person can become anxious just by knowing they have anxiety. You cant help but wonder when it will happen next. What works for me (at least with the big ones) is to recognize my breathing. its a big warning. if you can reirect your brain/thoughts the second you realize your attacking...then with time and hard work the degree and frequency will lessen. first off, allow and accept urself to have anxiety. that nips the fear of "when;s next time" Encourage yourself all the way through, if you start panicking, sit down, redirect and take small steps to get through the situation. it will happen. i used to have them multiple times a day!

Q: What causes an anxiety disorder to develop, and how can I control it without the use of prescription drugs?
I've had an anxiety disorder for as long as I can remember. But it is gradually getting worse, to the point where the simplest things will cause me to have a panic attack. It's taking over my life. Every therapist I've ever tried seeing has always just given me prescription after prescription. I want to know if any of you have this problem- if so, how do you deal with it? How do you calm yourself down? How do you cope with it?

A: Ive had an anxiety disorder for a while as well, and I deal with it without prescription drugs. Basically, to deal with my panic attacks and general anxiety I will do one of 3 things. 1. If possible, I will take some time to sit alone and meditate, it really helps to clear your mind. I cannot suggest this technique more - it takes a while to get to the point where you can meditate easily, but it works better than any medication I've ever taken. 2. Write/Talk out my fears at that time. I will write down or say out loud what is causing my anxiety, and the more I read or say them, the stupider they seem. 3. Talk to someone about it. In the past I used to talk to my therapist about my issues, and it did really help, but now that I don't have health insurance, I talk to my girlfriend about it, and it really helps me out. I hope these techniques can help you, they really help me. I really dislike prescriptions and medications in general, I believe they cause more problems than they fix.

Q: How do people with Social Anxiety Disorder function in college?
Because i'm planning on going to a good college (Cleveland State University) when i grad in a couple years from high school. And i have Social Anxiety Disorder and i would like to know how people with this disorder generally function in college.

A: Hi, I have social anxiety and am in first year college so i completely understand you. The first day i wasn't nervous at all because everyone was new and alone there and i felt that since old high school people weren't there, i wouldn't have to worry because everyone seemed alone and awkward. Class is overall easy, because from my experience there isn't a lot of pointing "ok, you. answer!" like in high school, basically whoever puts up your hand. I will admit it is hard to make friends, i have only made one friend in a year, but i feel that one is better than none :) Just try to make conversation with whoever is beside you, just say "Hey, how do you think you did on the test? or Hey, can i borrow a pen?"(yes its hard, i couldn't do it lol, maybe you can though?) Just try to stay calm and relaxed,and take things slow, socially. Good Luck!

Q: How does an anxiety disorder cause the adrenal glands to affect the body?
I have an anxiety disorder....it is GAD (generalized anxiety disorder) stemming from panic disorder. If I am constantly worrying that I have a brain tumor (I'm 14) and that I'm going to have a seizure at any given moment, how can my adrenal gland affect my body? People in the medical field or with experience only please....thank you!

A: Good grief why would you think you have a brain tumor? Have them scan your head and put your fears to rest. Your adrenal gland will give you the fight or flight response. You have had to have been startled or scared at some point in your life. that reaction - the fast heart rate, rapid breathing, eyes dilate, and the feeling that you can take on the world. All due to adrenaline from the adrenal gland.

Q: What are the symptoms of anxiety disorder?
I think I have general anxiety disorder. if I do, what should I do about it?

A: Twerd, I think you should start with a doctor who specializes in anxiety disorders. Professional help may assist you, but realize it is you who is in control. If at all possible stay away from drugs, okay? I would like for you to e-mail me. There is a good chance I can help you on your way.

Q: How much will quitting smoking help my anxiety disorder?
I read that smoking leads you to be 4x more likely to have an anxiety problem. If you quit how much will it help out your anxiety disorder?

A: It will help tremendously. I have anxiety so any type of stimulant makes it much worse. I used to smoke for 10 years, I quit this past January and it's cut down on my anxiety attacks by A LOT!! I dont drink a lot of caffeine and I take a multivitamin for the vitamin B which helps with anxiety. I also cut down on the alcohol because that will make you feel crappier more then anything!

Q: What are good exercises for Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
I'm 15 years old and have Generalized Anxiety Disorder. What exercises can I do to feel relaxed and good? Now that school is over in a few days, I plan on exercising every day. What is a good website that show exercises for this king of problem? Also what are good breathing exercises?

A: one thing that really has helped me is yoga. enroll in a class if you can afford it--there are probably many summer sessions just starting up right now. i've learned simple breathing techniques that help me fall asleep without hours of lying awake and that i do in the car on my way to basically any social situation. nothing clears my head and helps me feel in control like it!! good luck!

Q: How to be happy with an anxiety disorder?
I have GAD (generalized anxiety disorder) and I'm restarting therapy soon. I'm a teenager, and I can feel happy for a little while, but it always goes back to the same anxious place. I'm kind of afraid to be happy because I'm afraid it will be all worth nothing, even though I KNOW that its not. I also want to rest my life in the hands of the Lord but can't seem to do it. Is there anything I can do before therapy?

A: That's good that you are taking therapy. Everyone deserves to be happy even with problems. Try Meditating. It's hard at first to be focused on only one thing- your breath-but it is very calming and healthy! Count your breath inhaling one thousand one, one thousand two... then exhaling one thousand one, one thousand two one thousand three, one thousand four, then repeat until your body starts to tingle. Your body will feel like this because it isn't used to so much blood passing through the veins at one time, but don't worry, this is a good thing. Many cultures see meditation as a key for their health. Exercise. exercise appeals to you better consider trying yoga, Tai Chi, or Tae Bo! These increase both your physical and mental well being, and they are a lot of fun. Breathing exercises are also worth considering as they can greatly help reduce anxiety symptoms. Good luck!

Q: How can I help someone with social anxiety disorder?
I think my best friend has social anxiety disorder, she hasn't been diagnosed with it, but I've been looking it up, because she acts so strange around other people, and the symptoms seem to match what she does. Please can someone help me.. I don't know what I should do, or how I can help her to be normal In front of others. Please help, she means the world to me...

A: Recognize that she can only be helped if she wants to be helped. She may not recognize that there is a problem. First, I would suggest that you be willing to accept her as she is and not try to change her. If there really is a problem, then you may want to sit down and have a quiet chat with her about it. You would want to gently open the subject by mentioning that you notice this specific behavior and that it is not getting the results that she wants. Find out what results she wants and then see if you can figure out what behavior will get that for her. Remember not to be accusatory but rather be supportive when you speak to her.

Q: What am i supposed to do when i suffer from social anxiety disorder?
I've been avoiding my friends for awhile because i get socially anxious around them. I told one of my closest friend that i think i suffer from this (social anxiety disorder) and she has been nothing more than understanding, but i can't stop but feel bad that i am driving her away from our friendship. every single time i see her i feel anxious and because of that i've been avoiding her. What should i do? I can't keep avoiding her.

A: I suggest you email/text her talking how you feel. Then you can talk to your school guidance counselor to help you. If you ask for support from your parents, then I sure they could give some good advice on how to not be nervous. best of luck! :) ps. if you need something else feel free to email me. :D

Q: How can we be sensitive towards people with anxiety disorder?
Anxiety Disorder: How can the rest of us be sensitive to those who have it?

A: I think being understanding is the key, but also motivating/supportive. Encourage an anxious person to take gradual steps to overcoming the things that they're anxious about. Offering to be with them is a great help and can break down the fear of a situation, if someone you trust and get along with does it with you a few times. I think people shouldn't just agree with the person with anxiety's negative thoughts to try and protect them or through fear of being rude. Deep down the person probably knows that their fears are irrational, so if you agree with them when you really don't they're likely to feel patronised and not trust you. Instead people without anxiety should share their positive coping skills, to enable the person with anxiety to see how emotionally healthy people function and take tips from them. If the anxiety is around social situations...I try to make myself go to social events that appeal to me but I find it hard when people attempt to try to make me talk in front of big groups. So I'd say that in group situations its better to talk to an anxious person 1-1 first. Once they're relaxed around one person they're likely to be relaxed around the rest of the group too and feel more confident. If people push too hard too soon it makes me personally freeze and close up most of the time. People have a tendancy to dismiss social anxious/shy people as being dull and assume they're not outgoing because they have nothing to say. I think people can be senstive by giving anxious people time to come out of their shell. By doing so you'll get to know them properly and also increase their confidence around social interaction as they may have negative thoughts that people won't like them and this will be proved wrong.

Q: What is the best book that addresses social anxiety disorder?
Painfully shy by Markway, is it good? Any other book about cognitive behavioral therapy that addresses social anxiety disorder, a sort of self-help books.

A: barnes and noble teen section has some good ones just ask someone there

Q: Who do you go to first for social anxiety disorder? How much does it cost or is it covered?
Where do you go to get help for social anxiety disorder? Do you go to the doctor or go to a psychologist or something like that? How much does it cost or is it covered by insurance ( the visit + medication) I'm 17 and i doubt my mom would want to pay for it.

A: It all depends on your insurance. I had to go to the doctor first and get a referral to go to a therapist. My insurance paid for a certain amount of visit a year, but each insurance policy is different. Also, you're assuming that your mom wouldn't want to pay. Talk to her, let her know what the problem is, let her know why you want to get help, you're assumption could be wrong. I started out telling my mom by making a list of "symptoms". I then, not telling my mom what this was about, asked her to answer yes or no about if the the things on the list describe me.