Social panic attacks

[Twilightchain]

Hi, i'm new here, my name is Bekki. I've been suffering from panic attacks for about 5 years now, and I still haven't worked out what I can do to make them stop. They mainly happen when I have to speak in front of people, e.g. giving a presentation, reading something out in class, or merely just talking to someone. My throat closes up, my voice shakes, my whole body shakes, and I feel as if i'm going to collapse. I also start shaking alot when people are watching me, or when i'm in a situation I find difficult, such as meeting new people. I can't talk on the phone without having a panic attack, I can't invite people round to my house. I'm 17 years old, and I feel like the last few years of my life have been ruined because panic has taken over my life. I don't really know why i'm posting this, I suppose i'm looking for suggestions as to what to do. I've been to two different doctors, and neither of them really seemed to understand, and refused to put me on any sort of medication. I've been to a psychotherapist, who made me feel stupid and made the problem worse. I just don't know what to do! It's ruining my life!

[groovygranny]

Hi Bekki:welcome:to you!

I reckon most people could relate to how you feel when confronted with the things you mention.

I know I do! This site has helped me greatly with those sort of issues and I hope it will for you too.

As you seem to have not had much luck with your doctors, is there a Youth Advisory Service in your area? I know this organisation is geared toward young people and their concerns.

You're among friends here ok?

Pleased to meet you!

:flowers:

[Lindalou64]

Hi Bekki,sorry To Hear Your Docs Are Not Listening To You...have You Ever Been Yo A Phyciatrist.......its So Dif There Then It Is Here In The Usa......but Im Sure You Will Find Lots Of Support And Maybe Someone Can Help You Out On Seeing Someone There......i Wish Ya The Best.......linda Xx

[manmoor]

Hi Bekki,

A big warm welcome to you. xx

[Anna77]

Hi Bekki :)

Sadly, some doctors still seem to be fairly dismissive of mental health related problems, so difficult as it may be (and this is obviously just my opinion) i would suggest you try and see yet another doctor. There are some amazing doctors out there, it just can be a little hard seeking them out!

Throughout my teens and twenties, i tried on several occasions to get help for social anxiety disorder - it's only fairly recently (at 29!) that i've found a doctor who seems really keen to try to help me.

There's loads of useful info and supportive people on this site, so i hope it'll be of some help. Take care of yourself, and i hope everything works out for you:hugs:

Lorelai x

[nomorepanic]

Hi Bekki

Welcome aboard.

Perhaps you could look into a self-esteem course to gain some confidence back again - that may help.

Hope we can be of some help on here.

[Southern_Belle]

Hi Bekki,

Welcome to the site. I remember when I was in college I took a course in public speaking and actually got sick before class. Many here feel just like you do and will give you advice and much support.

Hugs,

Laura

[Twilightchain]

Thanks for the welcome everyone, and for all your advice. :) I might go to see another doctor, but then again I might just try and see someone a bit more specialised instead, since I already know what's wrong with me. I was thinking about going to see a psychologist or a psychitrist...I don't really know what the difference between them is though, and i'm not sure whether they'd actually be able to help me.

[Nibbles]

Hi Bekki and :welcome:

You'll get loads of advice and support here while making new friends along the way. Seeing another doctor sounds like a good idea. Perhaps you could also try some self help material. I recommend the books and tapes by Claire Weekes.

Take care,

Mike :)

[trac67]

Hi,

Welcome to the forum, you will get a lot of good advice here and make some new friends

Take care

Trac xxx

[SharonDerby]

Hi Bekki,
welcome to the site, i desperately hope you find some comfort here, at 17 you shouldn't have to worry the way you are, no age should have to worry but at 17 i'm sure you must feel like things won't get better, BUT they will.
Talk to as many people as you can, let people know how you feel, you will be suprised how many people say oh yes i get like that too, it will make you feel less isolated and maybe start you on the road to gaining some much needed confidence.
I'm sorry your doc seems to be no help but don't give up on him, go back tell him/her you need some more help, ask him to listen to you properly even tell him that by listening to you he may be more able to help others, i told my doctor that because he wan't helpful either, but now he says he is more aware of panic dissorder and is better prepared.
Good luck
Sharon :)

[CarpeDiem]

:) Hi Bekki :)

So glad you found the site - especially as you haven't been finding any of the other help available to you useful. Try not to be focused on wanting medication to sort this out for you - Obviously I don't know much about you but most of what is happening to you is usually caused by your thought processes, which you can conquer yourself. There are SO MANY things you can do to counter-act it; don't feel like your life is over already - You may even find you come out of this feeling more well adjusted & wiser than many of your peers who seem to be sailing through life.
Have a look at all the self help stuff on here & search for threads/post about specific issues you have. Good luck with it,
Take care, CarpeDiem
xxxxxx

[dlou84]

Ive found that most panic attacks come from people that lack self confidence. Mine stole mine!!! And now I have no confidence which is the oposite of how I was. Now Im a wreak! Dont even go out. Im 23, mine started when my gf left me to go on holiday we ended up braking up because of the PA. I think that instilling self confidence in someone is a great way to solve it. I am going to see an NLP specialist and something else he does. Basically try and reprogram my brain and replace the PA with something else...