Anybody like me?

esp · Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 2:15 am Post subject:

I'm glad my thoughts helped you! I've certainly been through hell to reach this point, although I bet there are people even worse off than me. I think before you start exposure or at the same time you have to look at the thoughts you are having that are causing the anxiety. Boy this is hard, this is the first time I've really used a forum and I'm always worried if I said the right thing.

soarer · Newbie User Joined: Feb 28, 2005 Posts: 7 Location: Canada

Hi ESP,

It sounds like you are doing the right thing in getting behavioral therapy. I live in Canada so it if I was to get behavioral therapy I would have to pay for it (around $100.00-150.00 per session). Hopefully in a few months I will be in a better position to do this. I'm curious as to what medication you are on? I have been on 10mg of paxil for a number of years along with xanax and they definitely make it easier for me to go out. BTW do you have a email address?

jourjaune · Newbie User Joined: Mar 18, 2005 Posts: 44

esp, I am exactly like you! I had to drop out of highschool at the end of 10th grade and now I just sit home because I'm afraid to go outside. When I do, I annoy my family so bad because the whole time I think I'm being stared at and judged and I end up ruining their time so mostly I stay home. And I'm almost 17 and already I feel like my life is over. In school everyone called me silent one too. Also mouse girl, quiet girl, mute, and not a day went by when I heard "Why don't you ever taaaaalk?" I don't know how to make this any better for you, but at least you know your not alone Very Happy

esp · Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2005 7:40 am Post subject:

to jourjaune, wow I can't believe someone else was called the silent one! From year 10 to year 12 I was called that by these stupid guys on the bus to school and at school as well. And people would come up to me too and say why don't you have any friends? As if it wasn't hard enough having fights with your friends and ending up alone. I was already a shy person but all of that made me really afraid of people. Thanks for writing and I don't think your life is ending, I think its just beginning!

esp · Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2005 7:46 am Post subject:

to soarer - in answer to your question, I am on Lexapro, it is used for generalised anxiety and depression and helped me alot. I don't know if its used specifically for social phobia though. But I was having trouble sleeping, eating and just couldn't relax and it really helped. I was lucky to find something that helped me straight away. I was also lucky because I got referred by my doctor to community health so my psychologist is free. I don't know if you can do that in Canada.