Social Anxiety Forums

Bigness · Anonymous

Hi...I won't go into detail but i have EXTREME depression and social anxiety. It has bothered me since i was about 6 ( I am a 17 yr. old male)....I was scared of going to Hell when i was about 6-12 years old and i was too afraid to do anything. I have no friends and never have had many at all.......................I try to overcome my social anxiety by forcing myself into social situations but that just makes it WORSE...I tried starting a conversation and i just cannot function socially with other human beings. I stutter, but i don't have a stuttering problem. It just keeps getting WORSE................as for the depression, it's just as bad. When i'm around people I get physically dizzy, disoriented, and scared because of my anxiety.......................... there any medications for what i have? I would appreciate any advise.

Katherine · Anonymous

Yes -- you should try medications! I'm sorry I don;t know specifics, but my brother has been on meds for depression and social anxiety for years. It makes a big difference for him. Talk to your doctor asap.

As far as other stuff -- whatever you feel comfortable with -- keep doing it. Online socializing is great. There are plenty of careers that you can do without dealing with people very much, so at your age you should be thinking about that. Would you want to be a research scientist or a writer? Not that many people stay friends with the people they are friends with when they are in high school, so no worries there either.

Jayne · Anonymous

Counseling and medication together are both necessary. I have major depression also, as well as just about all the differenty types of anxiety there are. It's a terrible combination, as you well know.

Seriously - medication and counseling both.

Malraene · Anonymous

There are medications that will help with some of this, they have a period of adjustment in your system, and side effects that you need to be aware of. You sound like you would also benefit more from some kind of counseling, since you are 17 could a school counselor be an option? It sounds like you have had this long enough and each time you feel it coming on it is worse, it could be triggering panic attacks, You should see a doctor also. They can recommend others who will help you work through this. I would also read the book "The Power of Positive Thinking" It can get better quite quickly with help. I hope you feel better soon.

Kristeena · Anonymous

i take dramamine for the dizziness, it works great but does make me a little sleepy. antidepressants and benzodiazapines help a lot with the anxiety. benzodiazapines are sedatives. thats what i take because i cant handle anti deprressants. i take clonazepam but there is also xanax and a few others. there are also seritonan uptake inhibitors which are supposed to stop them before they start. i havent tried that yet.

Sean · Anonymous

Yes there are many meds that can help you.But you will need to see and get diagnosed by a doctor.
Acouple i know of are Zoloft,Prozac,Paxil.These are just a few,but there are many out there.
Just so you know ,there are lots of people out there like yourself.And you may not want to get on meds,or are scared.But it dramatically change your social anxiety,and depression.
It can take alittle while for it level off in your blood,but you will notice,and feel a change.But once again you need a doctor to monitor your level.
Remember getting past that first hurdle of seeing a doctor is the hardest.
Hope this helps friend,and good luck

Foxie · Anonymous

Ok....antipressants can be dangerous for young ppl under the age of 17 to take. As for medications that can help with anxiety and depression...I have had success with Effexor XR and Trazodone. Both are used to treat both symptoms you mentioned. I have been diagnosed with Clinical Depression and SAD (Social anxiety disorder). The Effexor and Trazodone have allowed me to function again. I am in sales so having anxiety about being in social situations really wasn't working out real well. It sounds to me like you need to speak to a professional about the issues you are having. Be sure to do a lot of research and get educated about the different medications available on the market right now. Cymbalta is supposed to be good for treating both the emotional & physical symptoms of depression. Also be active in your treatment and don't be afraid to seek help. You can get help and live a normal life. I am!