[BPro99]

Hello all,

After trying to push through my recent symptoms of SAD (I think), I have decided to join a forum in hopes for a bit of insight. First off, a little about me. I am a 22 year old male with a history of OCD. However, due to CBT and prozac (although I have been off it for 1.5 years), my OCD is non existent and has almost no impact on my life anymore. However, recently I have been having symptoms that I have never experienced before in my life. It all started from a presentation I had to give in a senior seminar college class back in April. I was up there at the podium, when all of a sudden I had a fight or flight reaction. At the time, I had no clue what was happening to me, so I informed the teacher that I felt like I was going to "pass out" and sat back down. After a bit of research I realized what it was, hoping that it was just a one time freak thing. However, I've noticed that since then, any situation where I am the center of attention, even in groups of 3, I get an intense anxiety reaction. In my head I am not nervous or anxious in social situations for the most part, it is almost an uncontrolled release of adrenaline stemming from something in my unconscious. For example, today in an informal meeting I was asked to introduce myself, and out of nowhere, an intense rush of anxiety came over me; rapid heartbeat, breathing, strong urge to leave the room, etc. Most of the time I am able to talk myself down and control it, but it is definitely becoming a big nuisance. The thing I get most self conscious about is my shaky voice/ hands. I guess my reason for joining this forum is to seek some insight on what should be the next step. In all other areas of my life I am almost entirely anxiety free, it just seems very odd to me that this is a very recent thing that has started happening. I've read great things about this forum and hoping for some responses.

Thanks!

[CloudyDay99]

Welcome to PC BPro99!

I'm glad you joined us. I find this site to be very supportive. I've been dealing with a serious case of generalized anxiety disorder the last few years. Some suggestions:

1. Let your doctor know what is going on if you haven't already.
2. Be careful of over-analyzing the reason why it is happening. Over-analyzing made my anxiety worse. Instead I work on accepting my feelings of discomfort , try some deep breathing exercises, and step away if I need to. I will often use the 4 R method used a lot with OCD treatment to help me change my focus.

I'm sure other people have more suggestions.

Cloudy

[BPro99]

Originally Posted by CloudyDay99

Welcome to PC BPro99!

I'm glad you joined us. I find this site to be very supportive. I've been dealing with a serious case of generalized anxiety disorder the last few years. Some suggestions:

1. Let your doctor know what is going on if you haven't already.
2. Be careful of over-analyzing the reason why it is happening. Over-analyzing made my anxiety worse. Instead I work on accepting my feelings of discomfort , try some deep breathing exercises, and step away if I need to. I will often use the 4 R method used a lot with OCD treatment to help me change my focus.

I'm sure other people have more suggestions.

Cloudy

Thanks, I really appreciate the response. I am guilty of over-analyzing situations. The weirdest thing for me is that I am not actually overly anxious going into a situation like public speaking; however, when I get up there, my fight or flight kicks in randomly and I'm afraid of passing out/losing control/ having people notice my extreme trembling voice/ hands. I am looking into a herbal supplement called passionflower for days where I am going to be prone to be in these situations. Anyone have any experience with this?

[leonard99]

Great job overcoming OCD! That is huge in and of itself.

It sounds like you are describing anxiety or panic. Deep diaphragmatic breathing can really help!

Originally Posted by BPro99

Thanks, I really appreciate the response. I am guilty of over-analyzing situations. The weirdest thing for me is that I am not actually overly anxious going into a situation like public speaking; however, when I get up there, my fight or flight kicks in randomly and I'm afraid of passing out/losing control/ having people notice my extreme trembling voice/ hands. I am looking into a herbal supplement called passionflower for days where I am going to be prone to be in these situations. Anyone have any experience with this?