social anxiety?; what is HAPPENING to me!?

[Israfil]

Shackers, I need your help / support. I’ve been dysthymic / depressed for many months now, but it finally came to a head last Friday after the culmination of some unfortunate personal events. I couldn’t make it through the day at work, as I was unable to focus and running to the restroom to cry. The usual depressive symptoms followed (not eating, unable to function, get out of bed, etc.).

 

Anyway, after almost of week of really working through the mess that is my head, I thought I was doing better, and my friends thought I should get out. We went to this swanky restaurant opening with all the who’s who of the twenty / thirty somethings in my city. The music was loud, and everyone was of course beautiful, with their Versace and Donna Karen, etc. It was a totally pretentious crowd (think Sex and the City).

 

I have always been a social person and at ease in social situations. But tonight I couldn’t handle it. The music was so loud; my head began to spin, I felt like I couldn’t breath. I HAD to get out. I told my friends I had to leave and was going to take a taxi home. As I approached to exit, I started crying.

 

What is WRONG with me?? What is happening to me? This is NOT me – this is not who I am!

 

Anybody have similar experiences? How do I overcome this??

 

h.e.l.p.!

[moimeme]

This isn't social anxiety. You were tired, not enjoying the surroundings, and just got overwhelmed. There are some days I can't stand the idea of shopping because of all the colour and noise and smells. They're rare, but they'll happen when I'm worn out from other stuff. I wouldn't panic about this. If all this other stuff just happened to you a week ago, you're still suffering from the after-effects. Go home, get yourself some treats, and watch comedies or something. Your system probably needs some rest.

[brashgal]

Sounds like depression to me. I had similar experience last year, cried at least once every day for a couple weeks - knew I had it bad when I started crying when I was out walking for exercise. Started on meds the next day which come to think of it was about a year ago. But then I've suffered from depression for years, with me it's chemical/hormonal and now that I'm premenopausal I can't seem to handle it without meds.

 

You, on the other hand, may want to get some counselling - it can help to talk to someone objective about the unfortunate personal events you've experienced recently. Take care of yourself, don't be hard on yourself. If it continues for a few more weeks and talk therapy doesn't help you might consider medication.

[Israfil]

Originally posted by moimeme

This isn't social anxiety. You were tired, not enjoying the surroundings, and just got overwhelmed. There are some days I can't stand the idea of shopping because of all the colour and noise and smells. They're rare, but they'll happen when I'm worn out from other stuff. I wouldn't panic about this. If all this other stuff just happened to you a week ago, you're still suffering from the after-effects. Go home, get yourself some treats, and watch comedies or something. Your system probably needs some rest.

 

Thanks Moi. I hope you are right. (Stuff has been happening since last May, major events in Sept/Oct, and end Jan.)

 

Originally posted by brashgal

Sounds like depression to me. I had similar experience last year, cried at least once every day for a couple weeks - knew I had it bad when I started crying when I was out walking for exercise. Started on meds the next day which come to think of it was about a year ago. But then I've suffered from depression for years, with me it's chemical/hormonal and now that I'm premenopausal I can't seem to handle it without meds.

 

You, on the other hand, may want to get some counselling - it can help to talk to someone objective about the unfortunate personal events you've experienced recently. Take care of yourself, don't be hard on yourself. If it continues for a few more weeks and talk therapy doesn't help you might consider medication.

 

Thanks brashgal. Yeah, I start crying when I'm driving, watching a movie etc. (I think its kinda pathetic - but its like I can't help it). I am getting counselling. I've seen him three times this week i since my breakdown last Friday. Medication has been strongly suggested, but I am really wary of it. Everyone that I know that has taken them has not been able to get off. Although I have seen huge benefits its people who are on meds, I'm scared of the pharmacological route.