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CrazeeTrain · Posted: Wed Mar 16, 2005 8:32 pm Post subject: blah

I have recently been diagnosed with Social Anxiety, and I am curious as to how others have fared after receiving treatment.

I have had SA since middle school, and was undiagnosed until 3 weeks ago (I am 32 now). I always thought I would become less anxious as I got older, but the opposite seemed to happen. I get shakey when trying to talk to anyone to the point that I no longer wish to talk to anyone. It is too painful of an experience. It has gotten to the point that when my cat jumps on my lap I start to freak out. 2 weeks ago I took 3 bottles of pills trying to end it all. Obviously I failed, as I do with most other things in my life, but I am trying to make a better life for myself now.

To that end, I started seeing a psychiatrist who has prescribed Zoloft and Geodon, and has referred me to a psychologist who wants to begin behavioral therapy. The psychologist also wants me to read 'Dying of Embarrassment'. Has anyone read this book, and if so, was it helpful? Also, has anyone been through behavioral therapy, and if so, was it helpful? Finally, has anyone been on these meds, and if so, were they helpful?

Thank you to any and all that reply. Your words are much appreciated!

Chilling__Echo · Posted: Wed Mar 16, 2005 10:40 pm Post subject:

mmm, i've not had the guts to go to therapy yet, i'd just rather get drugs than to talk about it Smile

i've tried zoloft, propranolol, and buspar with no luck, i did take paxil with good results but i didn't like the side affects and i feel like i'm at a point where i don't need it right now for the price that it is. the only thing about zoloft is that it made me VERY sleepy in class. good luck! the book sounds interesting

MadCat · Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 1:09 am Post subject:

Hi Crazy. I haven't gone through any treatment yet but I have read alot of good things about CBT (Cognitive behavioral Therapy). It is the treatment that I will most likely get.

I don't think the medications alone will solve or help you cope long-term with your SA. It is possible to go through a combination of CBT and Medical treatment (such as anti-depressants).

I have no experience in any of this so I'm just repeating what I have read.

CBT seems to be even more powerful if you have a strong willpower and prefer to stay away from meds.

Alot of people tend to believe that medications will fix their social anxiety forever. Talk to your psychologist about the behavioral therapy and also mention the drugs you are taking. If you do a search on google you'll find many articles on CBT and Social Anxiety/Phobia.
l

_________________
"Unreality can be as real as reality itself"

esp · Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 1:47 am Post subject:

hi there, I'm 29 and probably much the same, my social anxiety got worse when I started high school, but I thought it was just shyness and I'd grow out of it, but no luck there! I avoided medication but it recently got to the point where my nerves were so bad I said give it to me now! And its really helped, its called Lexapro, I don't have any knowledge of other ones though. I have that book Dying of Embarassment, when I was trying to do self-help, it has a lot of good points, but I've realised that you really do just need that someone there to push you to do whatever it is you're afraid of, you really can't do it alone. Behavioural therapy is helping me for sure, but its slow and steady, don't do it all at once. Anyway, I hope this helps!

MadCat · Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 1:50 am Post subject:

There's some good advice Crazee Smile

I agree completely and understand where Esp is coming from when he/she says about not being able to do it alone. I've got the the point where I have noticed that I can no longer help myself get out of this mess.

_________________
"Unreality can be as real as reality itself"

CrazeeTrain · Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 1:57 am Post subject:

Hola Chilling, thank you for the reply!

My next appointment with the psychologist is not for another month, but I will post more about my experience after having attended a few sessions in order to let you know how it is.

As far as meds go, about 3 years ago, I was on Propanolol, Lorazepam, Paxil, and Xanax (not all concurrently!) when a coworker took me to the hospital after I feinted from trying to talk to 3 people at once. I did not stay on the meds for very long at all, and I stopped going to the doctor (a general practitioner) after about 4 visits. As a result, I cannot comment on these meds.

I have an appointment with my psychiatrist tomorrow, and I will post what happens tomorrow night...

Thanks again for the reply, and take care!

CrazeeTrain · Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 2:00 am Post subject:

Hiya Mad, thank you for the reply!

Do you have the means to see a doctor to try and get help? If so, I highly recommend you do so!

CrazeeTrain · Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 2:04 am Post subject:

Thank you for the reply esp.

Your words are encouraging in regards to therapy. I will stick with it for awhile - I hope you do as well!

MadCat · Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 2:08 am Post subject:

I've been seen by a psychiatrist to assess my..uh..mental health

I said I didn't want medications so he then got a community psychiatric nurse involved. I have seen the psychiatric nurse twice but he is going to try and start exposure therapy with me. It's not for me, I simply am not ready, so I've decided not to see him again.

So that's where I currently am. Not sure what the next step is at the moment.

_________________
"Unreality can be as real as reality itself"

AlmostDead · Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 5:40 am Post subject: