[frankthetank]

I have had it my whole life, its annoying and i have never sought treatment for it. Only time i've every felt free in my life is when i'm drunk

Do any other drugs work? (legal or otherwise--Paxil?)

My wife wants me to seek treatment and i'm hesitating...I've gotten this far (almost 30).

[Ferretlover]

Couldn't hurt... What if it is something simple like something is a little out of whack chemically? Or, you are deficient in a vitamin?

[jupiters_release]

Join a team sport or any group activity involving physical exercise.

[frankthetank]

I think its genetic. My mom probably has it and i think my grandma had it (never had a drivers license, and my grandpa had to do all the shopping, even had to buy her underwear!) Although i'm not that bad. Just wondering if anything has worked for anyone else on here. Can't really go around dropping shots of Captain Morgan all day.

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('', 'S')ocial anxiety is an experience of fear, apprehension or worry regarding social situations and being evaluated by others. People vary in how often they experience anxiety in this way or in which kinds of situations. Anxiety about public speaking, performance, or interviews is common. Social anxiety can be related to shyness. The experience is commonly described as having physiological components (e.g. sweating, blushing), cognitive/perceptual components (e.g. belief that one may be judged negatively; looking for signs of disapproval) and behavioral components (e.g. avoiding a situation). Not all cases deal with fear of being judged negatively, as some cases have social anxiety without any specific reason.

[jupiters_release]

I'm sure it can't have anything to do with the environment you grew up in. Nothing a little genetic engineering can't fix.

[PenultimateManStanding]

hang in there, frank the tank. I'm deaf and that ain't easy. Count your blessings.

[Zardoz]

Looks like you could get some far better advice from these folks than from us doofuses:

Social Anxiety Support

Their forum is very busy:

This is apparently a fairly common problem

This forum also looks pretty good:

Social Phobia World

Seems like real help is readily available. Good luck.

[frankthetank]

Not sure, i remember even as a young kid (grade school) having fears. I was almost killed by a drunk driver when i was 5 (broke my leg, went THROUGH a windshield, some sort of plastic surgery), so maybe that could be something?

It wouldn't be easy to be deaf. Although it may have its perks! Do you wear a hearing aid?

I'll probably look into seeing someone to find out my options. It can't hurt, but i'd hate to be stuck on some medication for the rest of my life. I doubt therapy would work on me, although i do listen well.

Wiki says 13% of the population is affected some way.

[frankthetank]

Zardoz-

I know, i just like the people on this board better then most of the other ones i visit, so i thought i'd ask. Someone here must have it?

Ricky Williams (NFL dude) not good!

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('', 'T')reatment(s) Received:
Williams has talked openly about being treated with therapy as well as Paxil CR. In fact, for a time, he was a spokesperson for GlaxoSmithKline. Williams spoke of his treatment experiences positively in several interviews. However, within a year or so, Williams turned to marijuana to self-medicate. In an interview with ESPN, Williams stated, "Marijuana is 10 times better for me than Paxil." It is unclear whether or not he is still in therapy.

[Last_Laff]

Me too, I'm deaf. What do I have got to lose.
Would you rather to enjoy the show that been going on? It's not your fault Frankie tank.

I've got some popcorn, cheer up and join, as PMS and et all can as well!

[frankthetank]

Zardoz-

Thanks for the middle link. WOW. I've got some reading too do.

[Tyler_JC]

Treatments for SAD according to the Mayo Clinic

If it is overwhelming your daily routine, I suggest talking to your doctor about it.

There's no point of living your life alone and unhappy if treatment is readily available.

If pharmaceuticals aren't your style, might I suggest St. John's Wort? I've heard that it can help improve mood and reduce anxiety.

I wish you the best of luck, buddy.

[frankthetank]

Just a quick thought after reading a bunch of posts....

THESE F******* are DRUG ADDICTS...!!! That can't be good going into post PO.

[Narz]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('', 'n') an interview with ESPN, Williams stated, "Marijuana is 10 times better for me than Paxil."

[frankthetank]

After spending the last however long reading posts, its looks like mary jane is a no go and Paxil is worthless, along with Ritalin. I think i would need something like Klinopin. Alcohol works for me, but the side effects are horrible (headaches, sick stomach feeling) and thats after casual consumption. A year ago i thought i was done for i was so gone. I ended up lying in the driveway with a tshirt on staring at a couple of cops who weren't sure what the deal was! The temps was about 15F or so. I ended up passing out on the bathroom floor. Not a good way to medicate.

[Ludi]

frankthetank, I have social anxiety, part of anxiety disorder. I take Cymbalta, an antidepressant, which helps but I still need to put effort into being social. I don't think there is a magic bullet, but any medication which effectively treats anxiety disorder should help with social anxiety. You just need to try them until you get one which works. It takes 4 - 6 weeks to see if the med is working, so this can be a long process. Most important, you need to find a physician you trust who will help you with this. Not a psychologist - but a general practitioner or a psychiatrist. (MD, not phD).


That's in my experience and opinion.

[Ludi]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('golem', 'I') have social anxiety, part of anxiety disorder. I take myrrh-ijuana and avoid people ...

[PenultimateManStanding]

I had that for a while in my late teens. I didn't want to go out or face anyone. As a permanent condition it's pretty frightening. My prayers go out to you Frank. Just remember those hot Brazilian chics, if your wife isn't hot enough. I imagine she probably is, so quit whining. Learn to enjoy what you have.

[catbox]

Yup, find a good psyche nurse practitioner, I had to after I stopped drinking. I never knew what was underneath my drinking self until I stopped. But anxiety was the major thing that came along with my withdrawal syndrome. I have a feeling it was there all along. Also, I have some bi-polar attributes....not full blown, but some there. I am only in my first 15 months of sobriety (no AA for me) so my brain and nervous system are just starting to heal up. I do know that social anxiety for me has gone down in the last year. I can actually stand in line at a store without feeling like running out or passing out. Still hard to speak with people 1:1 at times.
I think being around people has helped a bunch too. When the anxiety was at it's worst, I was craving being around people because I thought I was going nuts (withdrawal syndrome kicked in and I had no idea what was up!). I think, somehow, making that step to be around people helped me in an odd way....I do know drinking was beginning to shut me off from the world and my family, but also made it so I could go out..see music in a crowd, etc....

So, a few things I still use when I am heading into crowded situations or other social deals where I am still a bit fearful (fear is the culprit!) I take Theanine.....the stuff found in green tea that calms you. Also I pop a few Calms Forte. Natural calmers! They have been good for me! Stop by any vitamin store to check this stuff out...ask questions too and be open about what's up. As far as "meds" go...they effect everyone differently. I have tried all the ad's when I was loaded, didn't work...., and I've tried some while sober...only making my feel wired and more anxiety ridden....thus....not really working for me and my possible BP stuff. So far I have decided to go the natural route and up my omega 3 intake....I believe it's helping!

Overall, what has helped get me to feeling pretty good is the bicycle, A good healthy diet. Vitamins and minerals, and a sleep routine that I stick to every day. Therapy has been good too. I have also really had good luck with acupuncture! As of late, I've tossed in massage....the cranial stuff is amazing!....also realized I have TMJ going on and this helps that and the anxiety.

I know I've gone overboard here...but I know anxiety due to it being there in a big way the last 15 months....maybe life long?
Seek some help! You'll be glad you did.

catbox

[threadbear]

Hey Frank, You're communicating with a bunch of people who spend more time in a virtual community than a real one. They're also among the first to see problems looming on the horizon. i would hazard a guess that at least 50% are in the same boat.

Unfortunately for those so "gifted" anxiety has survival value. I love the expression "survival of the fittest", implying resiliency and strength, the dominant lion on the savannah type. In fact, the people most likely to survive a cataclysm are the shy, anxious, gazelles, literally afraid of their own shadows.

Unfortunately, these people seem to cluster, or marry one another, so their children get the full genetic burden/gift. An adaptive state,can become maladaptive, in that case. It sounds like your grandmother could have been the result of a union like this.

I'm not terribly socially anxious, but have had anxieties and phobias, most of my life and was socially anxious in my teens. I think the most important thing for those who are socially anxious is to take mild medication, if necessary, but also be involved with others in situations that encourage self transcendence. If you have a hobby you love and you are engaging with others who have the same passion, self recedes into the woodwork, letting your soul and spirit enjoy the event, uninhibited and unimpeded.

Thanks for sharing yourself with us. More light should be shed on the personality traits attendant with anxiety that stalk peak oil forums.