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Depp
09-06-2012, 10:12 AM
Hi everyone, not really sure if this is the right place for this sort of post but as it's my first, the introduction section seemed appropriate!

I'm male, from the UK and am 21 years of age. I'm not even 100% certain whether or not I have actual diagnosable anxiety, I have seen my GP about this but I didn't find that it helped me much, added to the fact that for some reason I'm embarrassed and find this to be an issue I am uncomfortable talking about face to face with anyone.

Rather than something specific that is the source of my anxiety, I find it to be a constant mild nervousness. I feel I have a constantly elevated heart rate and butterflies in my stomach (Can't come up with a better description). Some things do make it worse, like talking to a stranger, falling out with friends, public speaking etc... but once these more stressful times have passed I never return to a 'normal' state, just back to being mildly anxious. In fact, I can't remember what it feels like to not be nervous and to be honest, it's started to become extremely tiring (As well because it's started to affect my sleep). I can't pinpoint exactly when this started, probably 3 or 4 years ago and I don't really know what changed to make me feel like this.

Nobody would guess that I feel like this from first glance, I try not to let it affect my life too much but it's definitely starting to detract from how much I enjoy life. I don't know if this is common but I think it could be starting to affect my University work. I find it very difficult to concentrate on anything these days, I tend to drift through my lectures and don't absorb anything, often I'll get stuck in a day dream. This is in contrast to my memories of learning when I was younger, where I felt a very quick learner.


Anyway, that's pretty much my story, it just felt sort of nice to write it down. No doubt I'll lurk a little on these forums and read some other peoples experiences.

Thanks.

littlelightning
09-06-2012, 01:04 PM
Just wanted to reach out and say welcome!

Enduronman
09-06-2012, 01:11 PM
Welcome!

Yes, it appears to be "performance anxiety". You also mentioned being embarassed to speak to the Dr about it? Dont be, because this can grow larger, stronger, and essentially get so much worse to a point of no escape. Gotta address the issue, and now while you're still young too. Your case is mild at the moment, and the right med will help you to cope too and slow the heart, fears, anxiety as long as you deal with it while it is still very weak with limited control of you.

Enduronman.

jhunter89
09-06-2012, 02:13 PM
Hi depp. *waves*

alankay
09-06-2012, 02:49 PM
Depp, sounds like a mild/moderate case of Generalized Anxiety(GAD) and some Social Anxiety. Avoid all stimulants and see if some aerobic exercise helps. Trying to find the pyschic root of your anxiety will help but some(like me) are just high strung. PM me any time mate. Alankay

Depp
09-07-2012, 03:58 AM
Thanks for the kind words everyone, much appreciated :).



Welcome!
Yes, it appears to be "performance anxiety". You also mentioned being embarassed to speak to the Dr about it? Dont be, because this can grow larger, stronger, and essentially get so much worse to a point of no escape. Gotta address the issue, and now while you're still young too. Your case is mild at the moment, and the right med will help you to cope too and slow the heart, fears, anxiety as long as you deal with it while it is still very weak with limited control of you.

Enduronman.

I know I shouldn't be embarrassed about it but it's difficult. I know that rationally speaking I have almost literally nothing at all to worry about, I don't feel like I have any significant 'real' problems... I feel like I'm being stupid.



Depp, sounds like a mild/moderate case of Generalized Anxiety(GAD) and some Social Anxiety. Avoid all stimulants and see if some aerobic exercise helps. Trying to find the pyschic root of your anxiety will help but some(like me) are just high strung. PM me any time mate. Alankay

That's what my GP told me (GAD) and gave me a number of some kind of support group but I haven't used it. I also don't like to self diagnose, I get the feeling that doctors don't take that very seriously. I'd never like to suggest to the doctor that I have GAD.

With the exercise, I've just quit smoking and I'm due to move into a new city next month, so hopefully I can get myself a gym membership. The exercise is a great suggestion though, really hope it gives at least some relief!

Thanks again to everyone, much appreciated.