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?

Does Cymbalta also treats social anxiety and panic attacks like effexor?
are they Similar?

I’m looking for natural remedies for anxiety/panic attacks. Its for a friend, drugs are NOT an option. I stopped by the health food store today, but there were so many options. I want to recommend something effective. I have heard good things about Rescue Remedy, and so bought some of that. Has anyone had good results with this or anything else? She has panic attacks related to severe social anxiety. Also, if anyone knows of a good book or website where I could learn more about panic remedies, that would be much appreciated. Thanks! -Neb

I have severe panic disorder and social anxiety and I was prescribed trileptol and celexa. I’ve been taking them for almost a year now, and I haven’t noticed any change physically or mentally. Is there a different medication I should be taking?

I have social anxiety and have just started having some panic attacks in social situations which is making my anxiety even worse which I’m scared is going to make me panic more. My parents don’t want me to go to a professional counselor or get on any meds. I’m 18, but I’m still living at home with no car of my own so if they won’t take me to get professional help I can’t get any on my own. So I’m wondering what are some things that can help me deal with my anxiety and panic attacks without going to a professional for help?

I have been struggling with social anxiety and panic disorder since I was 16. I am almost 21 now and have been to many job interviews, but have not been able to make it through a single one without having a panic attack!!! I take medications daily, but with no luck!! Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!

I’m taking a psychology course, and for a project I am to take a survey.
For it I chose Social Anxiety. I’d like to ask people with this disorder what type of occasion or childhood experience brought it on?
Thanks a bunch!

Have you always had these symptoms or the like and it was called something else? I have been labeled and have labeled myself so many things trying to figure out what my deal is, among them, ADD, LD, Social Anxiety, Depression and plain old Anxiety. Anxiety does seem to run in my family a bit on my mothers side and my mother herself is a bit OCD and of a Hypochondriac, no more then a bit. I don’t know if I’ve learned this disorder or if it is a biological thing. I’ve also recently found out that my biological father thinks he’s bi-polar, see why I feel crazy.

I’m just sharing my story and feelings, I guess so that you will share yours, it helps to not feel so alone, I know I’m not but it feels that way at times, this is one of those times, lol.