Topic : Fears, Phobias and Anxiety Disorders

Okay, there it is. As the title states, I am 26 years old. I have trouble even typing the "L" word, because I conjure these images; don't even try to get me to look at pictures.  I have a terrible fear of all things lizardlike. I have NO idea why either. I was never tortured or anything with them as a child. I grew up with them very prevalent around the house, and from time to time they would get inside. I cannot pinpoint a time when this fear started; I seem to have always been afraid.  I don't get it, but it's very bad. I scream, cry, panic, and want to leave the room if one gets inside. Ugh, just thinking about it gives me chills. I don't know what to do about it. Did I mention my apartment is surrounded by geckos and several have gotten inside. Ugh. chills again. I am fully aware that they are harmless, but my fear is real, and I need help with it.

I believe that I suffer from mild panic attacks. I have this sensation that comes over me that I can only describe as big-head syndrome. My head feels as though it were 3 feet tall- like a totem pole. It passes after a while, but it is really strange. Does anyone know this sensation?

Hi. I have suffered in the past with an anxiety disorder. I've worked through it for 20 years and got past panic attacks and agraphobia. I was eventually given an antidpressant which gave me my life back. Now 10 years down the track I dont need the tablet anymore and my life is opening up to the next level. I am trying new things like sailing, bike riding, and kayaking. But I do have trouble controlling my negative thoughts when I am doing these things. I'm constantly thinking 'what if.....I get sea sick......I fall off.......I go in the water." So eventhough I am really enjoying the experience I am torturing myself and making myself seasick.  I just want to live and enjoy the experience like everone else. I even feel scared riding a pushbike because it's new and I'm not very good at it. I know, I know it will get easier with experience. But how can I just get past the first stage? Can anyone coach me?

yes that sounds like panic.... do you have any other symptoms? How do you handle it when you feel like that? I force myself to take slow, deep breaths when I feel panic coming on and I find that it alleviates the immediate intensity.

This is an area I stuggle with too, although in different ways.. my mother is always telling me that I need to change my self-talk, but after struggling with anxiety for years I logically understand what I need to do and it is EASIER SAID THAN DONE! Sometimes I let myself have those thoughts and ponder the worst scenario. So what if you get sea sick? Sucks, but it's not the end of the world right? If you go in the water you'll get wet and get back out! I personally find that it's tough to force myself to NOT think about certain things so I let my mind wander...and then once I get it out of my system, I force myself to be in those great moments... focus on how the wind feels against your face....the scenery that you're looking at. Those are things that help me... hopefully they'll help you a little too :)

That's good advise to get it out of my system.  By trying to fight against it, it keeps magnetising you back.  It's like saying dont think of an apple...you cant. So allow yourself to do the 'what ifs?' and then follow with the 'so whats!'  and then live in the moment.  I think it's hard then to slow your mind and stop the self chatter....it keeps interupting my peace.  My mind wants to be on alert so I try to fill it with looking around at interesting things but as soon as I start to relax in comes the wrong thoughts again fast and persistant.  As you say easier said than done. I must try self hypnosis before I go next time too. I actually wouldnt mind having a pill I could take when I need it just to get over the worst of it. Thanks for your thoughts I will do that next time.

 If I knew what the problems are I'd do my best to help. Please let me help to the best of my ability. People do care. We are just waiting to know in what way we can be there for you.

 What is causing your anger? We all have trouble with our tempers sometimes. My mother used to tell me that going in a room by yourself and just beating the tar out of a pillow helped her. I'm more of the put the pillow over my face and screaming type. Maybe one of those will help at least temporarily. Good luck, and if you come up with something better, let me know. Blessings to you.

I read ur post, and I have exactly the same thing as you. whenever someone mentioned the word sleepover, i couldn't breathe, became sweaty, and heard my heart in my ears. I was embarrassed, and lied to my friends when they invited me to sleepovers, always saying I was busy. Schol trips were exactly the same, I was always making up excuses. I have not always been like this, it only started about 2 years ago. But i think it is agoraphobia, and im 1 step closer to solving my niggly little problem which has been ruining everything.

 

Megan (14)

   when I wake up, I wish I hadn't. There isn't anything to blame that on, it's just a feeling of lethargy. I have a good husband, a good son, and a beautiful granddaughter. Shouldn't that be enough for anyone to at least feel something? All I feel is a lack of interest in general. I used to read. I used to talk and laugh. Then there were 3 deaths in my family. It's been 7 years and I am afraid that others will find out that I am not getting over it like they appear to be. How can I start to feel alive unstead of feeling like I'm watching me going through the motions of living?Right now I am hoping that I don't sound like someone who needs to be in a rubber room. Any ideas? I need help and antidepressants don't help.