how wonderful 2 have discoverd this site!

[sha490]

im crying as i write this as its so wonderful 2 have the opportunity 2 talk 2 people in the same boat as me! iv had a particularly bad day 2day with regards 2 my increasing anxiety. I really needed 2 make an important phonecall 2day(well actualy iv needed 2 make it 4 quite sum time! my anxiety causes me massive nervousness and so i had a drink 2 try and calm myself b4 i attempted the call! i ended up crying and hateing myself as i just could not make that call. im frightend of everything. my anxiety is takeing over and im scared. does anyone understand the phone thing?

[lynn57]

Really sorry to hear about your anxiety.  Welcome to the forum.  We all have a problem so feel free to discuss anything that is bothering you.  Sending lotsa positive energy your way!

[mammo]

Great advice from Vianca.  Drinking can turn into self-medicating with alcohol and that opens up a whole new can of worms!  She also makes a good point regarding the "fear" of doing something is often much worse that doing what you're so afraid to do! Thus the old saying..."we have nothing to fear, but fear itself."  Good luck and keep us posted!

[Vianca55]

Hey, I had the phone call phobia for a while too. But let me tell you drinking makes it much worst, on meds or not. Before I was able to make my call, my husband had taken me to the Dr. and they had put me on meds. I had to have a session with a therapist about this phone call. I tried for 2 days to make the call and failed. The Dr. had given me xanax to calm me when i got anxiety attacks. So, my husband suggested for me to take one and then make the call. So, I took one and sat in the restroom by myself looking at the phone for god knows how long. Once the call was over it was so much better!!
Get some help, and take your time, and DON'T DRINK!! it makes anxiety so much worst. Good luck! I hope it gets easier

[mammo]

Hi, and welcome to the forum.  You are among those of us who truly understand what you're dealing it, so know you're not alone.  Don't be so hard on yourself, anxiety can get the best of us making it difficult to do things. Beating yourself up won't help, you need to try and stay positive.  You couldn't make the call today...okay, try again tomorrow.  A lot of anxiety sufferers have phobias about different things and yours is the phone.  You really need to address your anxiety with a psychiatrist and go from there.  Sharing with us is a big step towards getting better, now you just have to take the next step and seek help. We're always here for you, to talk or just vent.  With help you can overcome this. Keep us posted on how you're doing. Wishing you all the best!

[RubyWitch]

While I can understand the "phone thing," I understand even better what's behind it. Your anxiety is increasing.............."taking over" as you said. You're scared, which all of us can relate to. Anxiety is NOT fatal, you are NOT going to die. But if you want your life back, then YOU have to get pro-active about your physical and mental health. We can offer support and advice til the cows come home, and we will, but until you do something to help yourself, you'll just keep sinking.
The first thing I'd recommend you do is see your doctor for a really complete physical and that includes a total blood panel. While you're talking to your doctor, discuss the possibility of getting on an antianxiety medication to help you immediately and then ask for a refferal to a therapist to help you get to the root cause of your anxiety. Medication is a short term solution for your symptoms.........therapy is the solution to your anxiety.
Do or not do, there is no try.
Peace
Greenlydia