why do i freak out?

[Jennitalia]

i guess this is related to my depression, but why do i freak out any time i have to meet with people, whether they're family or friends? ive never had this problem up until a couple of years ago. i just cant handle the thought of being with people, especially if im in a down mood. i start to panic, my heart races, my breathing increases and my mind races where i dont think rationally at all, it's just so overwhelming. then i keep going back and forth on whether i should go or not. i almost always end up backing out and not go. then i feel guilty and sad knowing i let people down.

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This message was edited by Jennitalia on 2-2-02 @ 5:23 PM

[legroommusic]

do you need a hug?

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Rich done this here pic. thanx
HOSP IS MY HERO! DON'T MESS WITH THE HOSP OR ELSE YOU'LL HAVE TO ANSWER TO ME.

[sourkitty]

i saw this on tv....it is a social anxioty disorder. U should try those pills they advertise...it is supposed to make u wanna talk to people or something...i dunnno

~*~sara~*~

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[impactplayer2k1]

do worry, jenni! i wont hold it against you if you freak out when i say hi.

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[GvacNoMore]

Jenni, I know exactly what you're experiencing, and the most frustrating thing about it is the fact that I know it's completely irrational, and yet I still can't do anything about it.

My anxiety isn't related to meeting people so much as it is the telephone, for some odd reason. I almost never answer it anymore, and I rarely return the messages once I listen to the answering machine. It's something that's coincided with the onset of my depression problems also, so they must be related.

Getting friends to understand this has been most difficult, partly because it is so irrational, and many of them feel as if I've been "blowing them off"; nothing could be further from the truth. I don't know why I do it - I know it's wrong, I know I'm hurting the feelings of those I care about, and yet I can't change. It's enough to make me crazy, if I'm not already.


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Come and get your love

[Jennitalia]

im the same way with phones, gvac. i usually let the answering machine pick up. i've never really been a phone person.
and once im with my friends or family, most of the time i come out of it and have fun and stuff. it's just beforehand where i really freak out. and when i convince myself that im being ridiculous and things will be ok, 5 minutes later i freak out again

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[DreamWeaver]

Jenni..I think you, me and Tazz are the same people. Alcohol always helps

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[legroommusic]

You know, it's okay to want to be alone sometimes. If you want to be alone, that's your purrogative. When you want to join the rest of the world, we'll still be here.

<img src=http://members.aol.com/npalomares/myhomepage/legroom.jpg?mtbrand=AOL_US>
Rich done this here pic. thanx
HOSP IS MY HERO! DON'T MESS WITH THE HOSP OR ELSE YOU'LL HAVE TO ANSWER TO ME.

[42nd-delay]

The phone thing is funny. For some reason my ability to engage in conversation is adversely effected when I'm speaking on the phone. I definitely prefer talking face to face, or else on IM. It's strange but true. I always seem to say something dumb through the phone.

------------------------------
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[Sheeplovr]

Doesnt eveybody?

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[HordeKing1]

JENNITALIA - The symptoms you describe seem much more likely to be "social anxiety" rather than depression.

The anxiety can be litteraly paralyzing, preventing you from associating with people to avoid experiencing anxiety and related discomfort.

Many people suffer from some form of social anxiety and it is succesfully treated with therapy. Drugs are sometimes used (either regularly or for "rescue" when the symptoms hit), but they are not necessary in most cases.

Since the problem did not begin until a few years ago, I suspect that something may have occured around then that triggered the anxiety reactions.

You may want to consider that the social anxiety is a maladaptive coping mechanism you developed for dealing with feelings of inferiority or lack of self worth. With social anxiety preventing you from getting together with people you entirely avoid situations where you may feel that in some way you don't measure up.

It's particularly noteworthy that when you don't go out, you feel guilty and sad that you "let people down." You do not state that you feel sad that you weren't able to go out and have a good time.

Having a good time, enjoying yourself and life, and knowing that you are a worthwhile and unique person is something you should strive for.

I believe you once told me you are seeing a therapist. Hopefully, you'll address these issues in a clinical setting.



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[Sheeplovr]

That Sucks ass

number 333 its the way to be
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