TheSituation
07-02-2010, 11:06 AM
Hi Guys,
I figured this would be a good time to start taking a proactive approach towards my mental health since I will be transitioning to a new job in a couple weeks. Since I will have about 2 weeks in-between companes, I want to take care of some house cleaning, errands I have been putting off, and of course, looking into something that has been bugging me for literally years.
According to Wikipedia, General Anxiety Disorder is, "characterized by excessive, uncontrollable and often irrational worry about everyday things that is disproportionate to the actual source of worry." I would say that sums me up fairly accurately. The most consistent source of worry for the past 10 years has been relationships with women, my career, and my appearance.
My anxiety episodes are more characterized by extreme nausea, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, and irritability. I would not say that I get that "heart beating out of my chest" feeling, but during such episodes, my hands get very cold and sweaty. Unfortunately, about 10 years ago I took to smoking to curb these feelings. I have found that the only thing that calms me down is going outside, finding a quiet place to sit down at, and smoking 1-2 cigarettes and just telling myself there is nothing wrong. It does affect my productivity at work because during these episodes, I am unable to think clearly and do any research, emails, or call anyone. I have also had a nail-biting problem since childhood, and remember being very nervous in social situations up until college.
I would say the most prevalent source of anxiety comes from my girlfriend (and past girlfriends as well). I have absolutely NO reason to be untrustworthy - but lets say I send her a text and she doesn't reply right away - I start to go crazy (although fortunately I have the self control to not send crazy messages asking where she is - but believe me, the temptation is there). Just typing this right now is making me want to throw up...
I would say I am very outgoing and confident, but I do need help. I am not looking for a pill, but know I need something - there is something wrong with my brain. I want to know if anyone else has felt like this - this isn't just an isolated instance, this has been something that has affected my school work, professional career to some degree, and my romantic relationships.
For some background, I am 28 years old, and do not have any substance abuse problems (aside from the smoking). My mother is taking Atenolol for what she calls "Panic Attacks" - which could help the etiology of my condition.
I am really looking for support first and foremost - and any suggestions. I know the first thing people say is to avoid coffee - but I only have 1 cup a day with breakfast and do not drink soda. I have also been thinking of ordering a Nicorette Inhaler to help me with my smoking (which, I should add, is only during episodes - I smoke maybe 6 cigarettes tops a day).
I am looking forward to being a long-term member of this forum - I hope you are all having a great day!
Andy
I figured this would be a good time to start taking a proactive approach towards my mental health since I will be transitioning to a new job in a couple weeks. Since I will have about 2 weeks in-between companes, I want to take care of some house cleaning, errands I have been putting off, and of course, looking into something that has been bugging me for literally years.
According to Wikipedia, General Anxiety Disorder is, "characterized by excessive, uncontrollable and often irrational worry about everyday things that is disproportionate to the actual source of worry." I would say that sums me up fairly accurately. The most consistent source of worry for the past 10 years has been relationships with women, my career, and my appearance.
My anxiety episodes are more characterized by extreme nausea, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, and irritability. I would not say that I get that "heart beating out of my chest" feeling, but during such episodes, my hands get very cold and sweaty. Unfortunately, about 10 years ago I took to smoking to curb these feelings. I have found that the only thing that calms me down is going outside, finding a quiet place to sit down at, and smoking 1-2 cigarettes and just telling myself there is nothing wrong. It does affect my productivity at work because during these episodes, I am unable to think clearly and do any research, emails, or call anyone. I have also had a nail-biting problem since childhood, and remember being very nervous in social situations up until college.
I would say the most prevalent source of anxiety comes from my girlfriend (and past girlfriends as well). I have absolutely NO reason to be untrustworthy - but lets say I send her a text and she doesn't reply right away - I start to go crazy (although fortunately I have the self control to not send crazy messages asking where she is - but believe me, the temptation is there). Just typing this right now is making me want to throw up...
I would say I am very outgoing and confident, but I do need help. I am not looking for a pill, but know I need something - there is something wrong with my brain. I want to know if anyone else has felt like this - this isn't just an isolated instance, this has been something that has affected my school work, professional career to some degree, and my romantic relationships.
For some background, I am 28 years old, and do not have any substance abuse problems (aside from the smoking). My mother is taking Atenolol for what she calls "Panic Attacks" - which could help the etiology of my condition.
I am really looking for support first and foremost - and any suggestions. I know the first thing people say is to avoid coffee - but I only have 1 cup a day with breakfast and do not drink soda. I have also been thinking of ordering a Nicorette Inhaler to help me with my smoking (which, I should add, is only during episodes - I smoke maybe 6 cigarettes tops a day).
I am looking forward to being a long-term member of this forum - I hope you are all having a great day!
Andy