Getting over anxiety

[jamoro]

Does anyone here suffer from, or ever suffered from anxiety?

My story is, I grew up a very shy child and as such was a introvert as an adult. I would always get bad anxiety when i would go into social situations where I did not know the person I was going to meet, such as going on dates or meeting new people to try and make friends.

But that all changed in the last week of July. I had been working at a call center for 9 months, which pretty much made me face my fear everyday I worked! I would have to call people and sometimes stand up for myself and argue with difficult customers.

I also applied for a new job where I would be getting much better hours and making more per hour then i ever had in my life! I feel like my life is coming together and I think that really helped. I also just passed my class 5 road test the first time! I needed it for the new job that I applied for.

I think that with what was going on in my life I just gained self confidence and the anxiety just went away. its hard to explain just one day I woke up and it was gone! I wasn't even taking any medication for it

I will never forget where I came from though and will always have empathy for others who were like me.

Does anyone else have any story to share about dealing with or overcoming anxiety?

[chemgear]

No story here to contribute, but just wanted to say - Awesome!

[MelBridgeman]

When things suck - anxiety
when things are good - no anxiety

strive to make the things you can control good - no anxiety
try not to let the things you can't control bother you

or
drown yourself in lots of booze and than die - problem solved!

edit:hookers and blow

[flamesfever]

Congrats on overcoming your anxiety. They say you should find the one thing you are most uncomfortable doing and do it...as you have found out.

I used to be terrified of public speaking. When I got up to speak, it felt like my heart was going to jump out of my chest, and I found it hard to remember what I was going to say. I think I recall reading it's the #1 fear for men.

In my case, it was solved chemically, as I had high blood pressure, and had to go on beta blockers, which prevented the adrenalin rush. Now I just have sweaty palms when I get up to speak.

I do believe though that by doing what you are least inclined to do, the tendency to anxiety gradually wears off, as you gain confidence. As for public speaking, the Toastmaster Organization is a great way to start.

In fact it was eight years ago when I got up enough nerve to make my first post on CP. Someone answered it with "Huh". When I read it after, it was absolutely unintelligible. I do remember some of the posters being very understanding though, and helped me gain the confidence to continue.

[getbak]

I drink.

[jamoro]

Originally Posted by flamesfever

They say you should find the one thing you are most uncomfortable doing and do it...as you have found out.

Yeah I see how that makes sense. the first phone call I made while i was working there went so bad lol. My face flushed red and I was shaking so bad you could hear it in my voice. However after that first phone call it just got easier

congrats on your triumph as well

[flamesfever]

I recall the one poster that used to give me anxiety was Lanny MacDonald. I had the hardest time trying to control my anger, and end up posting something I would regret.

[dissentowner]

This thread is giving me an anxiety attack.

[jamoro]

Not funny Dissentowner and not cool

[Da_Chief]

i know a co-worker who has anxiety almost all the time...she pops a pill once in a while...cant really help her tho

[jamoro]

Originally Posted by Da_Chief

i know a co-worker who has anxiety almost all the time...she pops a pill once in a while...cant really help her tho

You should try being nice to her and maybe try talking. I know from my experience when people were nice (but not overly nice) and just talked to me, I always felt better

[Da_Chief]

tried that, she kinda just shuts down and wants to be left alone....as just a co-worker i dont wana push the limit and just have her snap at me lol...

[jamoro]

Originally Posted by Da_Chief

tried that, she kinda just shuts down and wants to be left alone....as just a co-worker i dont wana push the limit and just have her snap at me lol...

I understand, the disorder can really handicap you.

[Table 5]

I wouldn't get too comfortable yet. You still haven't found an apartment!

[GreatWhiteEbola]

I suffer from anxiety. I had an anxiety attack about 6 months ago, I Googled the symptoms, thought I was having a heart attack...made it even worse. I was in the midst of a nervous breakdown, just starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Mel, no matter how much I indulge in hookers and blow it doesn't seem to help.

[jamoro]

Originally Posted by Table 5

I wouldn't get too comfortable yet. You still haven't found an apartment!

real classy

[Rerun]

My wife and her father both suffer from panic attacks.... him much more so than her.
And something such as a dream can bring it on. They will wake up in the middle of the night in the midst of a panic attack.

Meds can control this though. My f-in-law take medication for his anxiety problems.

[jamoro]

Originally Posted by Rerun

My wife and her father both suffer from panic attacks.... him much more so than her.
And something such as a dream can bring it on. They will wake up in the middle of the night in the midst of a panic attack.

Meds can control this though. My f-in-law take medication for his anxiety problems.

I'm sorry to hear about them suffering. I know some people benefit from taking meds to control it. I hope things get better!

[puckluck2]

I've had mild anxiety attacks. It only lasts like 5 minutes and I get them rarely. I don't even know what triggers it, and I've never been to a doctor about it.

[MelBridgeman]

Originally Posted by GreatWhiteEbola

Mel, no matter how much I indulge in hookers and blow it doesn't seem to help.

your doing it wrong!