I have hard time maintaining eye contact with people and I don't know why?

Hi Minnesota I think a lot of what you're experiencing has more to do with self esteem than anything. Already you are on "high alert" from your anxiety, looking for every trigger, reading into things etc. Those are all parts of the disorder but the truth is (99% of the time anyways) that noone is judging you BUT YOU. To combat this you need to have confidence in yourself and to believe in yourself. Look at all the amazing work your doing right now on yourself. That alone should make you hold your head up and be proud. I think too you will find when you do look someone in their eyes you will see a lot of yourself reflected back... In human interaction that's what happens. Once in a while you'll come across a real jerk but most of the time it's someone just like you... Start noting what makes you special as I'm sure there are many things and think of those the next time you have to look someone in the eye..They'll see what you want them too.. Walk tall...even if they are baby steps..eventually they make one giant one :)

symptoms????

Oh...the symptoms.. I must say I was glad to see a lot of my symptoms are shared by you all. Not glad that you have them but that I'm not alone in them..lol.. I too experience tingling in my face..nose..etc. I always thought that was a bit odd but it always happens. I also get: *tingling in my hands etc. *sweaty palms and feet (ewww)lol *feeling like I can't swallow *not being able to take a deep breath *and my tummy and bladder get funny... every time... maybe too much info..lol. I don't find the physical nearly as bad as the mental personally. I get: *a feeling of depersonalization *racing thoughts *fears of going crazy, doing something erratic *fear of dying Often my thoughts trigger the anxiety attack... Thank you all for sharing ... Sometimes it's hard to put it out there for fear of being judged but in this open forum it's really nice to just be able to speak freely. I appreciate all your ears and feedback! :)

Med reduction

Wow.. I'm so impressed with you all being able to wean off your meds. Good for you. I personally don't think I will ever be off of mine and I'm ok with that...most of the time. My "levels" have just never been balanced and I have struggled for years without meds just to prove a point.. that I didn't need them and unfortunately that is not the case for me. I just don't have enough seratonin so the synthetic will have to do.. I've tried to wean off of them before and it always creeps back..that's why I'm currently in a "setback"...and frustrated BUT I have just never been able to "push" through it long enough to get off of them. I personally stop "functioning" ... It might be that having babies just keeps my levels hopping.. I don't know. Michael though, I have had that fuzzy head feeling and it does go away.. I've gotten it both going up and down on my dose..and so far it has always disappeared. Keep pushing through and you will be successful.. You've already done the hardest part... You can do this... Great job to you all who are able to wean and be successful!! That is truly a triumph. :p

bus trips

That's terrific Georgie!! You should feel good....

Obsessively Afraid

Miki I'm glad to hear things are looking up :) It's nice to read the good stuff too.

Intrusive / obsessive thoughts.. OCD like??

Hi Georgie..(and everyone else too!) Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Sometimes I find there is just no rhyme or reason as to why it starts up.. but you're right it's worse when I'm tired, "run down" or that time of month (sorry if that's too much info..lol). I like you just have to give in and do what needs to be done. For me it's cleaning.. or having things in order. I don't do things repetatively.. and I have obsessive thoughts to contend with.. but it's all the same just different actions to ease it.. Thankfully there is somewhere like this to share stories and learn from one another.

dizzy spell...help

Hi Mya I get dizzy spells..and they can be very offsetting... I even get ones that feel as though the bottom just dropped out of my world.. lol.. like on a ride... and my equilibrium is all wacky... But they are very short lived and once I regain my "footing" it's gone... Theres nothing wrong with me and I think people experience dizzy spells all the time for one reason or another. Blood pressure changes, moving to quickly..etc. Most times dizzy spells are harmless and nothing to be concerned about. If they are worrisome though ask your Doc..but I've definately experienced what your describing. We're ok... :)

dizzy spell...help

Hi Mya Medication has been a positive choice for me and definately the right choice for my family..lol. I had exhausted all other options (alternative, excercise, homeopathics, yoga.. you name it, I tried it.) and I came to the realization that this was bigger than me and I needed help. The medication does NOT cure this, but for me it stopped my mind from racing and enables me to live a full and active life 98% of the time. I have had a few setbacks even with the medication but they have been hormonally related (having babies) or when I was trying to "wean" myself. Currently I am upping my dose as I found stopping nursing really through me into a loop. On the brighter note though, I began having panic attacks when I was 19 (although I was always anxious / ocd thinker) and I am now 34. I'm happily married, I have 2 beautiful babies.. I've had great jobs..and am now in school again. I live a very full and active life... so I am thankful and grateful the medication is available. I'm not sure what you're fears are..but I had a really hard time taking the medication..for fear of side effects etc. so I encourage you NOT to read them or research them... Use your partner / or safe person and doctor to work with you and watch for them. My doctor had me coming in weekly and I was able to call her if anything was "weird".. the pharmacist was great too... and that was a godsend for me... The pills do not work immediately (or at least Paxil like I take did not) and it was about 4 weeks until I was "out of my cloud"... I had battled anxiety / ocd for years and had no idea life could be this much better.. I know there are a lot of naysayers and negative stigma attached to the medication but for most they are a temporary helping hand and for some they are a life long NEEDED lift...just like insulin. I would much rather be happy and enjoy my days than NOT taking anything in fear of being judged. You need to do what is right for you Mya and there is no shame in admitting you need some help... That makes you brave courageous!! and kudos to you for knowing when to ask .... If you do feel you have the strength and will to do it without I think that's always the best choice but it is not always possible. I'm one of those :) I have babbled long enough... Hope this helps you a bit Mya...

dizzy spell...help

Hi Mya I too take paxil so I hope that it gives you the same results. I do want to tell you though that your body will take some time to adjust and at first I felt quite anxious and a bit sick to my stomach. My doctor explained that it was my body trying to rebalance and find a "level"..so don't be discouraged if you feel a bit "unsettled" the first few weeks.. It takes a bit... and the results are worth it! Way to go Mya!! It's a huge step. PS... lol.. The research just makes me laugh.. I think all of us do that.

dizzy spell...help

Hi Mya.. Hi Dina... Mya the side effects were definately liveable and definately not worse than what you're already going through. I totally get what Dina is talking about..something immediate and I know that they can prescribe something to take with your Paxil at the beginning to ease the symptoms (if they are unbearable) until it kicks in. I think Xanax would be in a situation where you're anxiety is sporadic and not continual kinda like Ativan. The fact that you have not worked in 6 years seems to me as though your anxiety is quite debilitating :(.. and when I was at my worst I was willing to try just about anything. :) The fact that you are also doing therapy makes your chances of success even greater. I myself am going to go back for 1 session a month to learn more about the OCD side of my anxiety. The good thing is that both Dina and I have found success with medications and so will you. You'll just need to find the one right for your situation. If you have anymore questions be sure to ask :)