Suffocating in anxiety

[Icky2]

This is my first time to post on the internet asking for help so this is kind of strange for me. I've had anxiety since I can remember in kindergarten and it's only gotten worse with the years. I'm 21 years old now, currently taking summer classes and my anxiety is at it's max now. Everyday I go to class and my brain just seems to run in a million places. I can't think straight, I get extremely sweaty and my stomach gets upset. I'm so nervous about being called on and giving presentations. I've had to give presentations in the past where I would literally run out of the door, cry, or force myself through it with an extremely unbearable god awful shaky voice. It's embarrassing. Can you give me any pointers how to go about having a clear, calm mind in a nerve racking situation? I've tried all the breathing techniques, I need something more heavy duty.

[Amangi06]

I too have had anxiety and panic attacks since I was a little kid. I am currently 33 and going through a medication switch, but at 21 I was at the point that I had lost my life to the anxiety. I couldn't leave the house and was too afraid to tell anyone what was going on. I finally decided to go to a doctor who put me on Paxil. It was a life saver. The doctor also gave me Xanax to help immediately and lessen the initial side effects of starting the Paxil. I was too scared to take the Xanax, but in hindsight wish I would have. It is very rough starting any antidepressant cause it intensifies your condition, but after the first week things got a little better and after the second week I actually felt ok and then by the full 4 weeks of dosing I felt l"normal" again. I got 12 years from the Paxil and now have to switch cause it stopped working, which seems to be common after extended use. The first step is always tough. I think I had the Paxil almost a month before I decided i would take it. My advise would be to ask your doctor about an antidepressant and benzodiazepine for the initial start up and take time off and do whatever you can ahead of time to be prepared and take the meds. And don't stop them until you give it the full 4-6 weeks to actual get in your system. The first month will be tough but I got 12 years of panic free life in return. I didn't feel like I was on anything just normal from the medication. After your 4-6 week start up you can taper of the benzodiazepines and will probably feel a lot better. I am not a medical professional, so definitely talk with your doctor, but this has been my personal experiences that might offer you some help. Good luck and I really hope you find something to help cause I know what you are going through and it's not something I would wish on my worst enemy.

[db0704]

Try talking to your family doctor.  It sounds like this is controlling your life to a certain degree and you shouldn't have to live this way.  There are medications that help tremendously and aren't zombie like drugs you may be thinking of.  Another thing is yoga. I've know some people that had pretty severe anxiety and it is controlled with yoga.  I was not a believer until I saw the results.  Meditation and yoga.  You can even go on youtube and find sites that help and show you techniques.  You have to do it every day and as often as possible for it to work well.  Studies have shown that over time, it actually changes brain patterns in people with depression and anxiety.  It's pretty interesting, for sure!  Good luck and don't give up!  Get help!

[Paxiled]

I'd try therapy, either the kind that will help you understand why you've been afraid or CBT.  Meditation is a lot more effective than breathing exercises, but it takes longer.  It's more enjoyable as well.