Social phobia/panic attacks treatment? Exposure?
ByWhenever I’m having a conversation with someone, sometime during it I start to feel anxiety. As soon as the conversation is finished, and I’m out of dodge, I get a panic attack. I’ve tried counting down from 100 by 3s, the drug Buspirone, deep-breathing and muscle relaxation. Any suggestions? Also, will exposure, as in subjecting myself to regular social interaction make it worse or better?
I have the same issue, i get very nervous about 2seconds into a conversation, i have to keep reminding myself that everything is alright and think positively.
I think it depends on the exposure, you definitely want to start small like a area with a small crowd, if you jump into a situation with lots of people and freak out it could cause a panic attack and make things worse.
Also i heard good things about cognitive behavioral therapy(CBT), you might want to look into that
Wish you the best
Goodluck
5 Comments
July 31st, 2010 at 5:17 am
I have the same issue, i get very nervous about 2seconds into a conversation, i have to keep reminding myself that everything is alright and think positively.
I think it depends on the exposure, you definitely want to start small like a area with a small crowd, if you jump into a situation with lots of people and freak out it could cause a panic attack and make things worse.
Also i heard good things about cognitive behavioral therapy(CBT), you might want to look into that
Wish you the best
Goodluck
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July 31st, 2010 at 5:22 am
Rescue remedy is a natural product that you can buy from your local pharmacists.Anytime you start feeling anxious you put 6 drops under your tongue and it relaxes you, you can take it as many times as necessary and relaxes you, there is also a nighttime one if you have trouble sleeping. Slow exposure would be the go, as not socializing will only make you more anxious when the time came to meeting people. As they say slow and steady win’s the race. Hope this helps and good luck.
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July 31st, 2010 at 5:50 am
You should definitely find a therapist to help you. I had some panic disorders with public speaking a few years ago, and after about 6 sessions with a psychologist, I was completely cured and still haven’t had a panic attack since. I would seriously recommend getting help for this very common disorder - a professional will be able to help you in the quickest and most efficient way.
I wouldn’t take any meds for it though, as they can cause side effects.
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July 31st, 2010 at 6:22 am
I think gradual exposure is the best way to approach this, I found that I used to panic alot on the phone, aswell as face to face. I took times where I felt at ease and used them as a motivation to broaden my social skills.
For example, when I’m drinking with my friends, alcohol seems to raise your confidence level abit and relax you slightly. I try to take as many risks as I can in developing my social skills and trying to carry them over into "outside world" situations.
And if all else fails, there’s a few types of performance anxiety medication worth looking into. I’ve been on Propanolol for a while and it really helps with keeping the heart rate down, allowing me to speak without starting to panic.
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July 31st, 2010 at 6:44 am
try out again to converse with the same person after the panic attack goes after a while and see if it again re-occurs or will not?? may be it occurs only once when u meet someone for first time check the pattern and take appropiate steps.Once you know that if it occurs only wen u meet for first time then you can be prepared to face it with proved methods of mind deviation and calm approach.
Actually panic attacks are mental problems, which arise due to extreme pressure on the mind resulting from tense situations. The blood flow increases giving even the feeling of a heart attack with difficulty in breathing, and psychological block occurs making it really hard for you to even think normally. The situation can deteriorate without facing the panic in a prepared manner. check here http://bit.ly/panic23
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