evi
1
I just joined an wanted to indroduce myself. I am 51 years old and have suffered from social anxiety since I was 19 and a sophmore in college. At the time I didn't know what was happening to me (I don't think there was even a name for it) and I thought I was going crazy! I never had any problems making friends or being in social situations, but I was starting to have panic attacks and get very paranoid when people would look at me while I was doing something with my hands (like signing my name). I could never get up and make a presentation in front of a class. In fact I faked a sickness just to get out of a speech that I was supposed to give in one of my classes. I was embarrassed, scared, freaked out and I did NOT TELL A SOUL. I managed to graduate (incredibly with honors) and go on to be an accountant, all the while trying to avoid situations that would trigger an attack. Still, I kept it all to myself. "AVOIDANCE WAS THE ANSWER". It would somehow go away (WRONG)! In the over 30 years that I have had this desease, I have gotten married but have had no children. My husband is very supportive but he has his own problems as well. I started taking Xanax prescribed by a physician when I was in my 30's. In my 40's I started seeing a psychiatrist. He also prescribes Xanax. I have tried other medications - Zoloft, Lexipro (the gamut). They do not work for me. In the last year, I have gotten worse but my will is so strong, that I cannot give up. I fear that one day it won't be enough. Is there someone out there that can help?
