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goodfella21 · Feb 7, 2009, 03:42 PM

Hey everyone

I have a problem. I'm not sure what it is. I think I have some anxiety disorder. I don't even know if there's a cure for this. Basically, something happens to my facial muscles when I'm being watched or around new people. I mean like the muscles around my mouth twitches then I always clear my throat. This is most common in the bus. I am quiet too and always have to repeat everything twice to people who can't hear me. It is so annoying. I don't even participate in class because, no one could hear me and when I try to speak loud, my voice sounds so unpleasant. By the way, I'm 21 years old. Does anyone know about this?

mishelly3 · Feb 8, 2009, 02:09 AM

Do you think that this maybe related to STRESS. I wonder if you have a few frinds you hang with. If not go inroll in a gym or a bball team something where you have to communicate with others in a relaxing atmosphere. Join a group any kind it will help you so much. You don't have a disorder, you just have a slight social problem just tell yourself I am tired of living like this I am ready to change me life.

I have faith you, You will be some much happier with yourself and will far less stress in your life.

Best of luck to you.
If you want to talk again my emai addy is; [email protected]

My prayers are with you,

goodfella21 · Feb 8, 2009, 09:24 AM

I do have friends.. its when I'm alone.. I get nervous... im going to add you to my msn.. thankx

0rphan · Feb 8, 2009, 02:16 PM

Hi goodfella21... I think you are just self conscious and not a very confident person right now.

You say it's usually around new people, which is a classic symptom of lacking confidence.

You also say that you do have friends, which you are quite self assured about , so this twitching of the face etc. does not happen, perhaps it's because you have known one another for some time, which helps you to feel at ease in their companies.

I am wondering about the being alone, I think that is just simply... being on your own and feeling nervous about it... I'm exactly the same, some of us don't mind, others like you and me do.

I usually make sure that there is always some kind of noise in the house... radio shows are a big help as they also have phone ins about various topics, which means at least you can hear another voice or even participate in the discussion yourself if you wish.

You sound like a very quiet person most of the time, who occasionally would like to be able to join in events, of what ever nature, but feel that you are lacking the confidence to do so.

I think if you have suffered with this for some time and it is preventing you from enjoying your life etc etc.. . then I do think you should go and have a chat to your GP.

IF you feel that you will not be able to convey how you feel to your GP, then put the whole story on paper, hand it to him at your appiontment.

This will not seem strange to him and he will understand, having come across this before so do not worry... I've done this myself and it's much less stressful.

I think you have to take baby steps at first to biuld up your confidence, gently progressing onwards and upwards.

Perhaps there are things you dislike about your appearrance, well, that can easily be changed .

Next step.. make an appointment with your GP, he may referr you, to take part in a few day coarses, that will biuld your confidence or he might even suggest a very mild medication to help you relax, just temporarily

Please see your GP for a correct diagnoses

Takecare

roxypox · Feb 8, 2009, 02:50 PM

This does sound like a self confidence issue, but it could be that you suffer from social anxiety to some degree. Have you thought about talking to your doctor about this?

And like orpan said; it really is all about baby steps, both in losing the self consciousness and building confidence!

Have you had problems with any kind of anxiety in the past?

goodfella21 · Feb 8, 2009, 04:57 PM

Hi Orphan... thanks for replying. When I said I get nervous when I'm alone, I meant it like in a bus, subway, or even walking alone in the streets. When someone just looks at me, I just get nervous, my eyes waters up, the twitching of the face happens, and often I breathe hard. You are right, I am self conscious and always have been. To be more clear, I am dark skinned, I don't smile, my expression doesn't change for some reason, like when I'm happy... ppl can't seem to tell the difference. So when people on the bus look at me, they see this sad, nervous looking person. They look at me more because they r wondering what could be wrong and I get more and more nervous because they keep looking.

Hey roxypox.. thanks for replying. Yes I have suffered anxiety since I was 11... but it is more worse rite now... I broke down like 6 months ago. Had suicidal thoughts.. but those thoughts are dormant for now... I don't know.. like Darwin said, only the strong will survive.. and looking at my past and my personality... I don't think I'll survive... I don't know I want to experience so much and basically this thing I'm experiencing is inhibiting me.

roxypox · Feb 8, 2009, 05:20 PM

I have suffered from anxiety since I was a kid, and I know how bad it is to deal with social anxiety, the low self confidence, the self consciousness, but 2 years ago I was able to work though it and get over it. And now I have no problems moving around in the wold as a confident woman!

Have you given some thoughts to therapy?

goodfella21 · Feb 8, 2009, 07:49 PM

Like hypnotherapy?? No I haven't because, its kind of expensive

roxypox · Feb 8, 2009, 09:07 PM

Well I was thinking more like... a psychologist...

goodfella21 · Feb 9, 2009, 06:45 PM

Hmmm... I live in canada so am I covered ?

roxypox · Feb 9, 2009, 09:29 PM

You might be, I don't know how your system works, but I'm betting that you guys have some kind of mental healthcare in your health care system. Is there anyone you can ask about how it works or how the rules are where you live?