Just joined..

[missouri2325]

Thank you for having this forum. I just joined a few moments ago. I am really looking forward to reading the personal stories of others and finding ways to deal with my anxiety.

I started having issues with anxiety when I was in 5th grade...my teachers would seat me beside the door so I could leave if I needed to escape. It was very embarrassing to be the odd girl. I eventually homeschooled after 7th grade because I couldn't handle the pressure of being stuck in a classroom for an hour or more. Not all of my teachers were so understanding. I couldn't handle car rides with friends or even family without having to stop for a break more than 3-4 times an hour.

I really thought I had outgrown it - but now that I am 23, it has come back in the last 7 months. I can't even ride across town with my boyfriend in the car or go shopping with my mother. It's gotten progressively worse and I don't know what to do.

Is the first place to go my primary physician? Or do I need to go to someone who specializes in this? Most of my family suffers from the same problem, and I refuse to let it dictate my activities anymore. It has been the most humiliating thing in my life, and I'm scared that it's going to just get worse.

[missouri2325]

I would also like to add the typical feelings that I think are an anxiety disorder:
-Sweaty palms
-Short of breath
-Feel the need to go to the restroom
-Three times I have passed out since I was very young when I couldn't get out of a situation.

My boyfriend is the only person I've been able to tell....the rest I blame on carsickness or try not to explain and hope there are no questions.

[sixpack]

Hi missouri

welcome to the group.

Anxiety can wax and wane.  You know be really bad for a while, then get better.  Sometimes there is an obvious stressor/s that cause it rear its ugly head.  Other times it may be more subtle--reasons you just can't put your finger on.

If you haven't had a check-up in a while, you may want to get a physical to make sure all things are okay.  Obviously you can mention your anxieties.  However a GP will almost certainly just pull out the prescription pad for an anti-anxiety med.  If that is what you want, that's fine, of course.  However I think you may be better off finding a therapist.  He/She can better evaluate your situation.  He/She may prescribe a med or perhaps just have counseling.  If you see a psychologist, he or she may suggest a med.  He/She would then ask the GP to prescribe or ask a psychiatrist to do so.

[alwaysafraid]

Welcome to the forum.  Hope you find the help and support you need here.