HELP.

[chloe_]

Im desperate. i need help, im 16..i left school last september and thought id get a job and take a year out. I still havent got a job, at first it was just confidence..but now and for around 2 months its been because im scared of feeling ill at work, and the fact that id not know anyone. Ive had the fear of illness for around2/3 years, it went for a while but came back and now its really bad.I really need a job. its stopping me going out alot too. does anyoen have any suggestions or advice? I've been gettign really upset because i feel so silly, Im never ill when i do panic and stuff..but yet i still feel scared. eek essay.

[mjewell]

Hi chloe -


you are still young enough to beat this thing and get on with your life. The first step is to see a doctor you trust and feel comfortable talking to. After that, your doctor might possibly refer you to a therapist, but hopefully in the meantime a dr. can prescribe you some anti-anxiety meds that can get you through this rough patch long enough to regain your confidence.


The more "scary" situations you get through, the more confidence you will build. Unfortunately it is much easier to just avoid situations, but that only makes your fears grow. I have a hard time facing my "scary" things like going out, going to work, etc without my meds, but thank God for them or I might be housebound!

[chloe_]

I've been to my doctor twice within this year..i started at this councelling place which was rubbish, so they reffered me to the local hospital councelling, it seems much better and stuff but i just dont ever see how it will work just by talking, what side effects do the meds have? also can you get hooked or anything. when you take them do you feel completely fine, i honestly feel like i dont know how it feels to feel "normal" no sicky sensations or anything if you get me. thanks for replying.

[crimgoddess]

Chloe- it does help to talk things over with someone who is understanding and is there to support you. In many cases, a competent psychologist/counsellor can give you a lot of support, and also point out some of the problems in your thinking patterns. Sometimes it takes a rational party to explain/point out thinking errors.


Also- there are meds, but I would highly recommend that you don't get mixed up in them because they can be addictive- and they can end up being a crutch. Most anti-emets AREN'T meant for this use- they are meant for people who are severely dehydrated due to things such as chemo. They become to an extent a false sense of security, because after awhile your body develops a tolerance and they really arent doing much for you.


I think find a counsellor who you are comfortable with- begin the process by talking with them, and working out your options.....you CAN beat this, without drugs.


*amber*

[chloe_]

yeah, my counceller i have now seems ok. hes really nice and i sorta look forward to going there. I'll stick to him, i just find it really hard to understand how talking will help. I tried hypnotism once, went for a few sessions but i was too scared for him to actually hypnotise me lol, not sure if it would have worked or not. but yeah, ill stick to my current counceller, and hopefully things should get better *fingers crossed*[img]smileys/smilies_01.gif[/img]thanksx

[mjewell]

I wasn't talking about anti-emetics when I mentioned meds, I was talking about anti-anxiety meds, such as anti-depressants and benzos. I take Lexapro which is an antidepressant. I take it every day and it keeps me level. When I really get into a panic I take Xanax, which is a benzodiazepine. it relaxes you in about 20 minutes. Both types of meds have their pros and cons. Anti-depressants can have a lot of initial side effects and can be difficult to come off of when you do decide to come off, but they are generally considered safe and they do help you maintain a "normal" feeling throughout the day.


Benzos in my opinion, like Xanax, are really the best for anxiety, as they calm you down so fast and you only have to take them when you need them. They are also considered safe and have almost no side effects except drowsiness. However, they CAN be addicitve but generally if you take a very small dose and take them oinly when you absolutely must, the risk of addiciton is minimal.

[mjewell]

p.s. - I believe emetophobia is a symtpom of anxiety disorders and meds can be very helpful in getting through your counseling and building confidence, therfore I disagree with crimgoddess there. They aren't always for everyone and it is definitely better if you can beat it without meds, but sometimes that is almost impossible, and it is nice to know there is something out there you can take to calm your anxiety.

[chloe_]

yeah thanks . ps: i knew what you meant. lol

[mjewell]

Well good luck and keep us posted. Just remember that there are rough patches but things always get better. It just doesn't stay this bad forever

[hollyjean]

Hi. Iv taken many anxiety and depression meds too and they do mess you about a bit, especially at first when trying to find one which suits you. Many can be quite addictive and extremely hard to come off. I had to go through withdrawal recently and it really was horrible and took ages.Maybe you can look into trying a herbal remedy for anxiety? St Johns Wart helps with anxiety. At the moment i have this thing called rescue remedy. Its a herbal remedy for anxiety and stress. You just spray two squirts on your tongue and it instantly relaxes you. you can buy it over the counter in the uk, i got mine from holland and barrats and it really helps. I would recommend you talk to your doctor about it and possibly try herbal remedys, you are so young you dont want to take proper meds unless you really have to.

[redapple]

chloe,

i've been on both paxil and prozac and had no bad side effects from
either one. when i was weening myself off the paxil, i would feel
a little dizzy from time to time. prozac--no bad effects
whatsoever. i recommend trying whatever your new doctor suggests,
just let him know you're worried about the side effects and surely
he'll talk them over with you. it's really great that you've
taken the step of finding a therapist, and i'm so happy you're getting
along well with yours.



all the best

[chloe_]

ahh i actually do have rescue remedy! does it work then? i havent really tried it and forgot about it. yeahh i think ill go to my doctor again soon, but ill talk to my counceller about what he thinks first probably.