Trying new things causes fear, which leads me to feel like throwing up

[Dawitek]

Hi there guys, I'm excited to have finally found a support system where we can share how we feel and where we dont seem crazy to one another. I've had anxiety for most of my life (18 years old) but when I was younger it wasn't as bad as it is now. When I was about 5 years old I was one of the most outgoing kids people knew. I loved life, was very intrested in trying new things, could talk to anyone and had that confidence that I wish I still had. Fast forward till the age of 12, I then start to notice how I wasn't the same. I started to deal with thoughts of suicide even though I didn't want to end my life, I started to feel less confident, became less outgoing and less intrested in trying new things. Anxiety started to control my life I would get extremely nervous to do something i once loved. From the age of 16 till 18 I would get so anxious I would feel sick to my stomach. Even going out to the mall would get me so anxious I felt like throwing up. I would chew gum, bring a water bottle with me, eat an hour before going to the mall but would still feel really anxious where I felt like I couldn't control my self. Going to an airport, hockey game, eating in public, public speaking, meeting new people would make me extremely nauseous, my throat would dry up like the desert, I would sweat extremely easy, i would gag and felt always defeated. I once was in love with trying new things, eating my favourite foods in public, hanging out with friends but since these feelings, I'm not the same. Theres good anxiety where a little amount csn help you perform in sports then theres anxiety that controls your life which isnt the good kind. I'm currently in counseling for my anxiety and troubled childhood. Tbh it really hasn't helped. This way of living is extremely difficult since it restricts how I am and how I live. It has held me back which isnt what I want and dreaming of being my old adventurous self is what I ask God for every day.

[Amz1987]

Hi!

I’ve always been a nervous person, I used to throw up the 1st day of each new school term my whole primary school years from being nervous. Staying at a friends house, would throw up etc as I got older it would just be nausea until a few years ago it went opposite and I’d have to rush to the toilet when I was nervous. When we fly I’m so ill in my stomach until we reach where ever we are going. It’s so awful!!! I’ve had some health issues lately which has caused health anxiety and just today my dr prescribed lexpro I think it’s called for the anxiety. I’m 32 years old with 4 kids so I’m hoping this will help! Have you thought about meds?

[Dawitek in reply to Amz1987]

I've thought about medication but at the same time I'm scard to try it out because of the side effects. I'm also trying counseling right now, but it hasn't done much for me. Could you give me an update on how the medication you were prescribed work?

[Amz1987 in reply to Dawitek]

I’m not wanting to take meds either but willing to trial them and see if I get any changes, Dr said it can’t take a couple of weeks and the one she prescribed is the “standard” 1st choice and has the lower amount of side effects. I’m very sensitive to medication though so I’m a little worried how my body will react. I’ll let you know how I find them.

[LilyAnnepuppy]

I too now realize (with the help of my counselor) that I was anxious and fearful my entire life. Also depressed and sad. I used alcohol and drugs to self medicate. It was very painful trying to “keep the plates spinning” and to try to “cover all bases” lest my world would crash. When I treated my alcoholism I got much much better. I learned tools which moderated those symptoms and even allowed that balance to enable using those defects to my advantage. My OCD (fear of not covering bases) worked well. I could multitask and be detail- oriented. Did well at work and in my personal life. Then those abilities stopped being productive and took over into full fledged anxiety. The depression stopped me from being too manic but that turned on me too. I went for help and am addressing the root causes. Also on meds to deal with chemical causes. It’s a terrible thing when a lifetime of tools become inadequate and new coping techniques need to be learned. But I believe there is hope for all of us. I’m sending you positive energy.