Hello, I’m a 21 year old female, and I get frequent anxiety attacks when I’m in public places. I notice that I get them when I’m in a super market, the mall, restaurants, or anywhere that is overly crowded. When I do get them, my chest begins to tighten, and I feel that the people around me are judging me. The questions that around flying in my head are: ‘ why are these people looking at me?’ ‘what do they think about me?’. I’m a college student, and I use to be able to give oral presentations as if it was nothing, and now its difficult and painful emotionally. I dropped an English class because I wasn’t able to concentrate and the class was based on speech techniques. Now I’m worried if I will be able to graduate with my degree in performing arts, or just filed for a new major. I really love music and hope to become a music instructor but this social anxiety is killing me. What do I do? I don’t wish to be taking any medication because last year, I was treated for my depression/anxiety with Prozac, and the drug was doing damage to my stomach. Any recommendations?

I am writing a reserch paper for my psychology class. I am having a bit of trouble finding information. I need to find as many sources as I can for this topic. I am on medication myself for depression, anxiety and panic attacks. But my paper cant be about me or my personal experiences. So please help me. And PLEASE cite your sources. I need to know where your information or articles came from. Thank you so much.

I have been on Lexapro for about a year and a half, and I have gone from 10 mg to 20 mg, for various reasons including not sleeping, depression, anxiety, and panic attacks, and so far I have had no problems, and my doctor is really good about upping my dose if needed. I have had no problems at all, and overall I have been very satisfied with the difference it has made in my life, but now that I have moved to a new city for school, I am living by myself, and I have noticed a few monsters creeping their ugly heads out again. I have been having massive panic attacks without warning or being caused by anything, being really "low" and depressed for no reason, having more thoughts about hurting myself and acting on those thoughts (after about a year of being SIV free). I have also had a few issues concentrating, staying focused and finishing things. I want a few ideas of different drugs I could suggest to my doctor, and I’d like to know what the medicines do and how they effect you (pros and cons, please).

How to treat social anxiety attacks?
My symptoms when in public discussions with people or sitting through a public lecture or conference meeting. I lose concentration and become light headed. I feel very uncomfortable. This feeling usually will last through out the whole meeting and even about 30 min after. I have a hard time eating soon after as well because I have trouble swallowing. Can someone help me out? I have been to the doctor and she prescribed me a anti depression, anxiety medication. I don’t really want to take this because of the side effects. Please help

I have been living with extreme depression for years. In 2007 I experienced my first bout of panic attacks and anxiety developed as well as hypochondria. I won’t take western medication unless I absolutely have to. So instead I look more towards natural methods of healing. What are some ways to help control and prevent depression, anxiety, panic attacks and especially hypochondria? Advice, personal experience and links are welcome! Thanks!

Two Weeks ago, I was Prescribed Anti- Depressant med. Celexa.
To treat depression, anxiety and panic attacks.
But I seem to be breaking out with Adult acne now. Which I have not had in YEARS!
And…recently I have been feeling more irritable and moody, than usual, and more anxious…So Im not sure if this is rite for me after all.
Iv heard some positive results but im not seeing them.
Iv heard about Natural Supplement, alternatives that are better to treat these disorders..like Valerian Root, and 5-HTP???
Im thinking I may want to stop my medication and GO OH NATURAL, with natural supplements?

ANSWERS ANYONE?

My symptoms when in public discussions with people or sitting through a public lecture or conference meeting. I lose concentration and become light headed. I feel very uncomfortable. This feeling usually will last through out the whole meeting and even about 30 min after. I have a hard time eating soon after as well because I have trouble swallowing. Can someone help me out? I have been to the doctor and she prescribed me a anti depression, anxiety medication. I don’t really want to take this because of the side effects. Please help