Makena95GT Posted March 25, 2015 Share Posted March 25, 2015 Not sure if anyone else has my same issues but I've struggled with severe social anxiety for a long time and its worked its way to being just general anxiety about things now. At the moment I have no insurance but even after seeing countless doctors of every variety all they ever give me is Prozac for mild depression and send me on my way. If you saw the incident that happened to me at work with the dude and the knife, you'd probably understand why my anxiety has been through the roof. I haven't left the house without my brother or my Tank (see signature pic) since then and cant even hang out with friends. Im flaking on people i nornally would love to hang out with. They ask to chill and I just get nauseous and my hand and face will go numb and i cant stop moving my leg to try to help calm myself. Its getting ridiculous. (This is also helping explain why i tend to fall off the face of the earth and dont go to as many meetings and am really quiet and reserved) Gah, i don't know. I guess I'm just asking for help on figuring out how to battle this without medication. I was doing pretty good up until that incident, it really knocked all my hard work backwards quite a bit. Im doing my best to think about other things and work on planning my new tank or work on my car but at work or on free time.. I just cant distract myself enough. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FarmerTy Posted March 25, 2015 Share Posted March 25, 2015 One of my best friends has moderate anxiety. I think for your sake, it's beneficial to see if there are any free programs for counseling after a tramautic event such as yours Makena. I'd be happy to lend an ear anyday, just know that I'm no Dr. Phil. I feel though that focusing on things you enjoy, such as your saltwater tank, would be very beneficial... and with time, perhaps you slowly transition back to enjoying your hobby with fellow reef nerds and talking tank again. I wish you well in your journey and I have faith that you can feel more yourself as time goes on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jestep Posted March 25, 2015 Share Posted March 25, 2015 Temporary fix, get a doctor to prescribe some propranolol. I don't know many people with situational anxiety that it doesn't work for. Doesn't make you feel loopy or messed up or anything like anti depressants or alcohol or benzos. I know you don't want to medicate, and I don't consider this a long term solution, but you have to be able to get back to some form of normality to move forward IMO. You could also try some passion flower of kava if you're into herbal remedies. Both work for some people but effects definitely vary. Passion flower typically makes me more anxious, which is the opposite of most people. If you do kava, get crushed root and make kava drinks with coconut milk, there's plenty of instructions online. Warning, stuff tastes horrible and IMO it never gets any better. I have some occasionally to relax after work. You'll see some warnings about liver damage, and these are a result of some horrible companies using the whole plant and not just the root. Long term, counseling and therapeutic approach. There's some simple breathing exercises that can significantly reduce anxiety. Just in observation with several close friends, some with major PTSD from military service, an exercise routine and yoga can do a lot when it comes to reducing long term depression and anxiety. If you don't have much income, you can probably get very subsidized insurance through ACA if that's an option. I think there's also low cost counseling and medical services from several organizations in the area. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wardlaw Posted March 25, 2015 Share Posted March 25, 2015 If my memory serves me correctly you work at one of the major name pet supply stores in the nation. Although some companies can make you feel like just a number, one of the benefits most employers of any substantial scale offer would be counseling. I know my company offers free counseling of all types and can even help our uninsured staff out when seeking help. You may want to confide in a manager or co-worker that you trust. Many members of my family battle similar issues. Some can do it without medication while others absolutely can not. Just my .02 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Makena95GT Posted April 15, 2015 Author Share Posted April 15, 2015 Just wanted to update to say I'm doing a lot better. Getting out more and trying to be less reserved. Also working with training my dog more and putting more effort into my neglected tanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FarmerTy Posted April 15, 2015 Share Posted April 15, 2015 That's great to hear Makena! Surround yourself with good people! Good friends are everything! Even salty friends count! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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