Leo
11-20-2007, 06:12 AM
Hi all,
I'm new to this forum. I've been diagnosed with depression recently and realised that I have been suffering from it all my life. I used to think that I was a really shy person but am actually suffering from social anxiety disorder. I avoid parties and gatherings and clam up when there is a big group around me, especially with strangers for fear that I will stutter, which has happened a few times. This is slowly killing me and my family.
Most people do not know what I am actually going through. I can fake being jovial and friendly but that is very draining and sometimes it backfires and I get hyper instead. When I was younger, I resorted to alcohol to cope with social functions and now that I don't drink anymore, I avoid all social events if I can.
I've been to the therapist a few times and frankly I do not think he can help me. Everything he tells me is common sense and things I can find on the web. Why should I pay him to hear all that?
What I would like to know is if medication helps. My doctor has suggested Effexor which is an SSRI. I was really against drugs in the beginning but am now contemplating it as I really do want a normal life and not be so "uptight" and scared all the time and to be a normal wife and mother.
I worry about my kids all the time, afraid that my disorder will affect them and mess up their lives.
Hope to hear from someone. Thanks
I'm new to this forum. I've been diagnosed with depression recently and realised that I have been suffering from it all my life. I used to think that I was a really shy person but am actually suffering from social anxiety disorder. I avoid parties and gatherings and clam up when there is a big group around me, especially with strangers for fear that I will stutter, which has happened a few times. This is slowly killing me and my family.
Most people do not know what I am actually going through. I can fake being jovial and friendly but that is very draining and sometimes it backfires and I get hyper instead. When I was younger, I resorted to alcohol to cope with social functions and now that I don't drink anymore, I avoid all social events if I can.
I've been to the therapist a few times and frankly I do not think he can help me. Everything he tells me is common sense and things I can find on the web. Why should I pay him to hear all that?
What I would like to know is if medication helps. My doctor has suggested Effexor which is an SSRI. I was really against drugs in the beginning but am now contemplating it as I really do want a normal life and not be so "uptight" and scared all the time and to be a normal wife and mother.
I worry about my kids all the time, afraid that my disorder will affect them and mess up their lives.
Hope to hear from someone. Thanks