What you described is exactly how my panic attacks are. I would guess that what you are having is definetely anxiety. It is a horrible feeling. I have had to leave work many time when it got bad. And I always assumed my panic attacks were not panic attacks because I never get them when I am anxious, I only get them when I am relaxing or not anxious at all.
What has helped me immensley is to get out and walk the second I start to have a panic attack. If it gets really bad I will take 1/2 of a .25 xanax to calm me. My Dr. taught me to put it under my tongue and let it dissolve there and I get relief within minutes. I only take it as a last resort though.
If you need someone to talk to, PM me.
Be careful if you are going to take Kava Kava. See this page
http://www.kavakava.org.uk/. It is known to cause Liver Damage.
I stumbled upon this when I was looking for it in the UK. There is an alternative though as stated in the web page.
Just thought I'd warn you all.
Well, I thought I was the only one. I agree with the Holistic medicine as I do self hypnosis a lot. It seems to help. The trick is, when you get these feelings at an early stage it is possible to stop anxiety in it's tracks. You must keep going in to public places no matter how you are feeling as if you run away it adds fuel to the fire so to speak. I unfortunately, did run away and I have had this condition since 2004. It is very debilitating and I am still afraid of socialising or going out for a meal. I had to resign from my job which made me loose my home by way of a bankruptcy. Now I am back home and because my industry is computers it is very difficult to catch up and I still live in fear of explaining my condition to any potential employer should something go wrong. I am currently trying to run my own business as I am in control of the things I do.
Hi, I am 21 years old and I have been suffering from anxiety/depression and their symptoms for about 2 years now. I have tried medications, and although they surpress the symptoms, they also left me feeling like I was in a cloud. I didn't feel like myself, so I turned to holistic medicine. I do acupunture atleast once a week and it really helps. After two visits to my acupuncturist I felt insanely great. Normal energy, no head ache/tingles, very positive and just rejuvinated. My insurance covers it 100% so I don't even have a copayment. Those with anxiety and depression should definately consider holistic medicine as well as working out and yoga. It's good to get to the root of the problem other than to cover it up with medication, unless medication if working for you.
Thanks for the replys. I have had the un easy feeling in public for some time now. I have not been under any stress or have anything to really worry about in general but do worry all the time about my parents dying especially my dad. Its weird because I have the same dream almost every night. I will give the kava kava a try and do some exercising as I have put on some weight in the last couple years.
Thanks very much for the info, as it is sure good to have people I can talk too.
Brian
It also sound to me as if you are having some anxiety, first i want to know how long you have had trouble in public places, is this something new, have you been under unusual stress or worry about anything? What i suggest first before you go on any type of medication, is to try some kava kava (health food store), low dose, like 45mg, and see how you feel on that. That may calm you down and make you feel at ease and is not a proscription, but you cannot stay on it forever. Also try excercising or meditation. Let me know how you are doing.
crumy
Sure sounds like anxiety to me. The fight or flight feeling, adrenaline or jitters definately remind me of panic attacks. The worst part is that you keep worrying about when the next attack will come and it causes more anxiety. I would see your Dr. and explain the feelings you are having. There are many meds that will help.
Your question - Is this Anxiety?
My answer - probably yes.