anticipatory anxiety

[Geodog]

hi, I have dealt with anxiety my entire life. My PCP Doc is very good, and has helped me by giving me Sertraline. I has a Psychiatrist that prescribed Gaba, but my PCP saw little added value. Recently I have been investigating anticipatory anxiety as a reason that I don’t leave my house, and when I do, it’s to a well known place, along the same route. Anticipation of a trip or event causes so much anxiety, I prefer to just stay home. I have been told: just do it, and get over it. I can see how a lifetime of this anxiety has caused me to avoid lots and lots.

Any suggestions?Thx.

[M_anon]

Geodog,

I find that I struggle from this too. I've found that walking into the door of another establishment besides my own home is dreadful.

The planning of an event or activity will convince me to stay home sometimes. So the "Just do it" way of thinking helps me. I do, then I think about what I wish I would have done...

[Geodog in reply to M_anon]

thanks for the info. I am going to try to take baby steps, doing uncomfortable things. I used to drink alcohol to get me through social events, but I have been sober for 3 1/2 years and don’t want to go back

[M_anon in reply to Geodog]

Yes, Baby steps for sure. . .

I still drink for social events. Without doing so I'm totally uncomfortable and I'm leaving as soon as I get there LOL

Congratulations on sobriety! and for 3/5 years? Thats hella good!

😃👍

[LilyAnnepuppy in reply to Geodog]

congratulations on your sobriety. There’s a community on HU called Drink Free. We’d love to have you join.

[Starrlight]

Hi Geodog I have social anxiety among other diagnoses. I recently increased y Paxil and it’s doing wonders for me.

[Geodog in reply to Starrlight]

thanks

[NaseerPDWazir]

Stick to Sertraline please. You have panic disorder. Sertraline will liberate you. Believe me I was literally crippled and confined to bed but no more after now thanks to Sertraline. But it doesn't work immediately. You'll start feeling better in 2 weeks.

[Geodog in reply to NaseerPDWazir]

thanks, I am on 150 mg a day

[Obsessor]

Your doc knows you best and likely has a good reason to not support the Gaba. But my psychiatrist added Gaba to supplement my antidepressant and ive found that it helps. For me, its not as strong of an effect as a benzo but it does add some relief for my anxiety and is arguably safer.

Best wishes on your journey.

[Geodog in reply to Obsessor]

thanks, I will discuss Gabapentin with my Doc again

[Agora1]

Hi Geodog, regarding medication as an answer, it's really only a bandaid until we find

the answers within ourselves. I've been there with Agoraphobia. The anticipation in

just going out or being invited somewhere kicked off my anxiety to high levels without

even going out. Anticipatory Anxiety is just as stressful if not more than actually going

somewhere. It's because we get stuck in that mindset of "what if's"..

So called "taking the bull by the horns" is an approach we can use. What will be, will be.

If we don't, days, months and even years can go by, lost to this entity called "Fear"

The first time after 5 years of being home bound, I chose a place that I had loved going to,

"The Dollar Tree" lol I grabbed a basket, had my bottle of water and cell phone with me

and entered the store (only planning to stay a few minutes.

Well, all the old familiar treasures in the store made me forget my fears. As I strolled through

out the store, picking up things I needed beside my treasures, time went by.

An hour and a half later, I walked out of the store with bags, never having to use my phone

or time to drink my water. One small step for myself but tons of "Atta Girl" xx

[Geodog in reply to Agora1]

wow, atta girl. I hope to get back to doing things soon

[Agora1 in reply to Geodog]

lol xx We're here to help xx

[designguy]

Hello Geodog, I had social anxiety for years. You may find the DARE Anxiety book and youtube videos helpful for learning how to constructively deal with anxiety/panic. Also the youtubes of Sebastiaan at Social Anxiety Solutions could be helpful for you. If it's possible you might find a therapist that specializes in treating social anxiety they typically use group and exposure therapy as part of the process along with new healthy ways of thinking and perceiving yourself and others.

[Geodog in reply to designguy]

thank you. I will check out the suggested videos and book. I have not had much luck with therapists. The last one I had told me he didn’t care if I had another panic attack. I will search for someone with specialize in social anxiety.

[designguy in reply to Geodog]

You're welcome, I found most therapists were not helpful with how to really deal and heal anxiety, thats why the DARE book was so helpful and the book "At last a life and beyond by Paul David. I didn't have a therapist that specialized in treating social anxiety near me so I used an online program from the social anxiety institute, it helped some but I would have preferred an inperson therapist for it.

[Greenpapaya]

Hi, I would recommend you read John Kabat Zinn author. His books helped me to support myself whilst recovering from a second break down. I also found mindfulness and cognitive behaviour therapy useful. Alongside the use of graded exposure therapy working with the psychologist. I have a history of anxiety, depression and agoraphobia. With treatment and psychological support I am able to live a fulfilled life. It really not an easy journey, However it can be done. Regarding anxiety I found reminding myself that these symptoms will pass, helped , when having increased anxiety episodes. There were other techniques I picked up and applied from reading about mindfulness and learning about CBT too. We are all different and building your own repertoire of things that help and support you will make a difference. Definitely a step at a time is a good way forward, each achievement is an achievement. Keep at it, every day, build on the next so you reduce over time the fear symptoms you are experiencing. It will take time, gently, over time you will recognise your triggers, understand yourself like never before in relation to how your trigger’s work and become very in tune with your body’s reaction to stress and thus anxiety. Wishing you every happiness and success.