Hello

[Robert Tressell]

Hi I'm new on the forum;I am a 43 year old male who has suffered alone
with anxiety since childhood;I experience many difficult symtoms and am really struggling to come to terms with this the older i get.I work in sales and cover my feelings well,even from family and friends,all of whom think i'm a great guy but inside i feel like nothing.I have resisted medication and had less than sympathetic doctor consultations,maybe i hide it from them also!!
Hope to get some advice on how others cope.Take Care. :|

[Anxious Frank]

Hello Robert.

What sort of symptoms do you get?

People cope in heaps of different ways. Medication is one way. Relaxation and mindfulness are others.

Be sure to check out the "How are you coping with anxiety?" poll in the general discussion area for more strategies.

My advice is to try anything you can.

[Robert Tressell]

Hi thanks for your reply.
My symptoms are Flushing,sweating,uncertainty around people,racing heart,dry mouth,extreme fatigue etc etc.I worry constantly and have shedloads of self doubt that has crippled me;I know i am capable of so much more in my life but these feelings control me.I am very worried because my career is threatened by this and i am considering going to a GP for more help.
The worst part is the isolation and loneliness - Even my wife has no idea!
I feel ridiculous telling anyone.I am very scared.ANd tired!

[bigpappasnap]

I am very sorry to hear that you are having such a rough time with anxiety. What are some of the things that you are doing to try to do to control it?

[Robert Tressell]

I've tried St Johns Wort and Valerian which do have a slight effect;Relaxation is difficult,i have two young kids and a stressful Sales job!
I think i will just have to swallow hard and go see the Doc;When i have tried this in the past i got an unsympathetic hearing and offers of Cipralex but i'm frightened of Anti depressants period.
I really want to lose or control these feelings of inadequacy and fear.

[bigpappasnap]

Have you tried any self help programs as an alternitive to meds?