Anxiety

[myrianekes]

Hi, im 24 Male and physically fit, not having a busy life, had stopped alcohol and smoking for 3months now, my question is, why when I am outside my house specially when there are too many people I want to breathe in so hard and I am losing my focus and feel scared that something will happen to me, and feels like I will collapse and die, I feel this also when I am waiting so long in line like a line to pay for a grocery or on a drug store, my question is how can i overcome this without taking any medication to change moods, or a medication that has calming effect?

[Northcoast]

Several members of my family have the same issue as you.  They get anxious around big groups of people, at church, at restaurants.  Each handled it a different way.  Medication mostly, but I understand your desire to avoid that route.   I've been listening to tapes from the Midwest Center on anxiety and one thing they recommend is just throwing yourself into the situation that scares you.  When you realize nothing bad will actually happen, that you won't "collapse and die", that you'll be anxious but essentially fine, your fears go away.  Once you don't fear the sensations you won't get them. At least that's what these tapes say.  I too recommend you talk to a professional.  Don't let this go on for long.  Nip it in the bud.  You've identified the problem, now take action to solve it.  A psychologist can help you in the process of facing this fear and conquering it!   Good luck to you.  Everything is going to be fine!

[Rich99]

It sounds like you're suffering from panic attacks and/or agoraphobia.     Do all you can to avoid taking medication for this since you have been clean for 3 months from alchohol and smoking.      A benoz will could cause a relapse into alchohol and smoking again.    Your long term health will be better without any of them.      How to stop the fear?    Get into talk therapy with a qualified professional.