anxiety disorders

[alexis]

HI guys, this is a little off topic but i just realized after reading a newspaper article that i might suffer from Social Anxiety Disorder...i did a little research and now i'm pretty convinced that the problems i've been having are symptoms of SAD and maybe General Anxiety disorder...i've had the hot flushes and chills, sweating, avioding eye contact with people aorund me, shutting off my friends, heart palpitations, incessant worries and quite a few others...what do you guys think? I'd really love an opinion before i go to my GP telling her i think i've gone loony...and is there any other ways of getting rid of these?

[duckie1978]

I would suggest going to a doctor about the symptoms you have been having. Bring the article with you, tell your GP that you read this article and did some follow up research on SAD and thought that you might be exhibiting some SAD or general anxiety disorder symptoms. If you don't go, and you do have SAD it could get worse. An old roommate of mine had SAD and she never wanted to go out or talk to people, had frightening panic attacks even thinking about having to deal with people. Her doctor prescribed some meds and therapy and she did great. She got off the meds and uses herbal relaxers like chamomile. I think it is a chemical imbalance? Plus talking to someone about your life and things is a great way to relax, at least I think so. It doesn't have to be a therapist (well unless you do have SAD, then you'd want a pro to deal with).

I mean, I am no expert, but if you don't have an anxiety disorder, there might be something else wrong. My mother went to the walk-in clinic because she thought she had a cold or the flu and couldn't shake it. Turns out she had a heart arythmia (irregular heartbeat) and diabetes. They ruled out a thyroid conditon and menopause (she's only 50) thankfully. Since then, I never feel stupid for visiting the doctors when I am under the weather.

[EricP]

Alexis,

My suggestion to you is to talk to a doctor. They may not know much about a vegan diet, but they may be able to offer you suggestions on ways you can identify and cope with any problems that you may be having.

At your age, you may be going through something very common for many people, and I'm sure many teenagers would agree with me.

Your friends are always on the VegFamily board :D ;)

Regards,

EricP

[molly]

I'm sorry I missed responding to this one earlier.... Alexis, I completely understand how you're feeling, & I hope you've gotten some help by now. You're describing me, at least the me that existed before my mid-20's. I had anxiety problems & a number of panic attacks. You should definitely talk to your GP if not a specialist. (I didn't, & I lost a few years of my life that I could have enjoyed!) Don't worry, they're not going to lock you up for it. They'll most likely give you some treatment options, medication &/or therapy, & even if the dr. leans one way or another you can choose whichever you're more comfortable with & see how it works. Feel free to email me if you want to talk privately about any of it. But yes, you should see a doctor just to determine what it really is as Duckie said, in case there is a medical problem that requires urgent attention. Whatever it is, you're certainly not alone & there is help out there.

[alexis]

has anyone ever heard of this thing hyperalgesia? Or needle phobia for that bit? And does anyone have any facts or information about both of them? I'd appreciate anything about these problems... :)

[EricP]

Here is something small... I hope it helps a bit:

http://www.medfriendly.com/hyperalgesia.html

Regards,

EricP

[alexis]

Eric thanks a million...i guess i can e-mail them with some questions...my GP is STILL not taking me seriously on this one...my Hep B test is coming up and he's convinced i'm just one big seventeen year old baby who''s afraid of an 'ant bite' prick...well he doesn't know what it feels like for me...

[EricP]

Well if it feels as bad as it sounds, I really feel sorry for you.

Let us know what happens ;)

EricP

[duckie1978]

Don't feel bad about not liking needles or shots!!! I am terrified of needles and getting shots (even though I have three tattoos and piercings-I know it's weird). Everyone has phobias or things that they are uncomfortable about. It sounds like you need to talk to your doctor about this-he isn't listening to you and your concerns. Personally, I never get any shots unless I have to, even then I cause a fuss at the doctors b/c I did like them. Getting blood from me is even worse :0) The nurses just _love_ when I come in.

[alexis]

well i don't know about you and tattoos and piercings, but i fainted watching my friends get their blood drawn at school...one minute i was thinking about the feeling when the needle pierces the flesh then the feeling as the blood gets drawn then next thing i know i fainted...sad huh?:rolleyes:

[duckie1978]

I always pass out when I have blood drawn--I don't even have to look at the needle or think about it. Everything goes black and I pass out. I found that out when I had knee surgery and had to have all these vials of blood taken (I've never had blood drawn before that I can remember), I was talking to the nurse and next thing I knew everything went black and I slumped right over. Now the nurses know (it's even in my charts) so they let me lie down and use a butterfly needle-it's super tiny and I couldn't even feel it (they drew three vials of blood).

Yea the nurses and doctors tease me a bit b/c I have my tongue, both sides of my lower lip pierced, along with the tattoos. But to get those piercings I really had to conquer my fears since the piercer is right in your face and you see everything. My twin is the same about needles and stuff and was tripping out when she was waiting to get her tongue pierced. My friend and I actually helped the piercer guy when he did my twin by holding some of the supplies so he could do it as quickly as possible. I had a blast, I am totally fine when other people are bleeding (not shots though) just not me.