[Sprout6]

I've always been an anxious person and by the time I hit junior high school, it became one of my biggest mental problems and I began to have panic attacks. I'm in college now and my panic attacks are fewer and far between(though I'm still learning to cope), but my friends have begun to describe me as "twitchy." They say I look constantly afraid, jumpy, and anxious over everything. I've been feeling more anxious, but have had few panic attacks. Is this a sign that it is getting worse or is there something that happens to a person after they've delt with the anxiety and panic for so long?

[Paige008]

I don't have the exact answer for you, I'm sorry.

I am in a similar situation though. I am very fidgety and anxious, always tapping my feet and wringing my hands. I haven't had the severe panic attacks in a few years. It seems that more of my 'less obvious' issues have surfaced. Noises bother me extremely bad, going out to places makes me nervous, I avoid talking or looking at people because I'm too anxious. It's almost as if when one symptom goes away or calms down, they others come out to play. I mean, anxiety is anxiety, and it has to show itself in one way or another.

[Sprout6]

I just wish I could quit being so easily frightened all the time. It's very tiring. I guess I should just be grateful that my panic attacks have disappeared for the meantime.

[AliceRain]

I used to be afraid of everything, too. I wouldn't talk to anyone, I was afraid of calling people on the phone, I couldn't take a test or quiz without feeling like I was going to pass out, etc. However, I never had panic attacks.

The one thing I've learned is that you shouldn't settle for anything less than exactly what you want. I'm still dealing with some anxiety problems, but I learned to work through some of my other issues. I tried the "fake it 'till you make it" thing, and that actually worked really well. When I had to talk to someone, I'd pretend I was a popular, smart person that this person realy wanted to talk to. And eventually, this became easier. Also, before I took (well, take) tests, I sit down for a moment, close my eyes, and just concentrate on my breathing - a sort of meditation, I guess.

If you're fidgety, try and just and take a moment to breathe. Sit in complete stillness for a moment, and then try to maintain that calm throughout the day. I highly suggest pretending to be, well not someone else, but a different version of you. Pretend to be the kind of you that is confident and comfortable. After awhile, it should come naturally.

[dennybugs]

Originally Posted by Sprout6

I've always been an anxious person and by the time I hit junior high school, it became one of my biggest mental problems and I began to have panic attacks. I'm in college now and my panic attacks are fewer and far between(though I'm still learning to cope), but my friends have begun to describe me as "twitchy." They say I look constantly afraid, jumpy, and anxious over everything. I've been feeling more anxious, but have had few panic attacks. Is this a sign that it is getting worse or is there something that happens to a person after they've delt with the anxiety and panic for so long?

Do you beleive in God? You may be experiencing a spiritial warfare. That happened to me and I had some folks pray over me. It really helped and I stopped having panic attacks.