I am just wondering if anyone is dealing with any sort of anxiety or even more specifically... social anxiety? I have been reading a lot about natural suppliments, medications, and relaxation techniques which can help relieve anxiety, but I would really like to hear from other women who have actually tried some of this stuff and can give me their opinions about it. I am really leary of medications as my family and friends have all had bad experiences with them. Does anyone have any advice?

Could you tell me what meds you take and if you like them? I tried Effexor one time and it wiped me out for 24 hours!!! I am thinking about Paxil, but the whole thought of meds freaks me out because I don't like what they could potentially do in the long run.

I had also heard that sun helps. Particularly vitamin D from the sun. I used to tan all the time, but can't anymore because I am getting the laser hair removal (your skin has to be free of tan for that). Haven't been out in the sun much either with the winter weather. Thank goodness it's spring!

I have done a lot of research the last few days on Paxil and it's side effects. I found about 80% of the posts on message boards about Paxil were that they had horrible experiences. It seemed that most people do well when they are put on it, but when they try to get off it later in life they experience horrible side effects. They described something like electrical shock sensations in your brain, sever anxiety and anger (much worse then it was before they took Paxil), and vertigo with sweating. They also said that Paxil makes people depressed and often suicidal! It totally freaked me out!! Ugh!

Well, I went to the store and bought some vitamin E and D suppliments to add to my current arsinal of suppliments. Haha. I hope it will help! I went to the doctor yesterday and had a hormone panel taken. I go back to the doctor again next Monday to get my test results. I honestly am praying that I have a hormone imbalance because I would much rather take hormones then anti-depressants.

Thanks for the advice!

Hi there,
Yes Paxil is a very nasty drug, I have been through (and still going) with it and wouldn't recommend it to my worst enemy.
Try relaxation techniques, yoga, meditation and Qi Gong can all be beneficial. You need something that helps to focus on your breathing and how to gain control back once you have an anxiety attack. I have heard that CBT therapy can be good for social anxiety as well as depression.
Hope you find something that works.

Thank you all so much. I am still trying to cope naturally and find myself panicking from time to time still. I was at a local music show the other night and noticed that if I am not with friends, I feel really flighty. Like I need to get out of there immediately. It's so annoying some times.

I know exactly where you've been. I tried many different anxiety medications including Paxil. Coming off the Paxil was awful, I was sick for days. The one thing that I have found that helps so much is Vitamin B-12. I get a kind that is a complex that also has Valerian Root in it which is a natural calmer. I feel so much better. I've also added yoga and pilates to my routine which teaches you deep breathing which helps when you get in that moment and panic. Hope this helps! Hang in there, I've been there!

Yep, kiddo, been there and still go there once in a while. I'm so sorry you are experiencing this.
Several recommendations: Walk, walk, walk - even in little 10 minute sessions - walk with a purpose and deep breathe.
There is a self-help program called Attacking Anxiety by Lucinda Bassett. It's fairly expensive, but cheaper than out of pocket counseling that may or may not help - this from a psych nurse. I've found that cognitive therapy for anxiety tends to be most effective and the tools are with you all the time. Look up online and see what you think. Of course is a very individual choice.
The next to last suggestion is the one that has worked for me - I haven't used the Attacking Anxiety program - but have seen it help others - is a med called Propranolol. It's a blood pressure med - not commonly used for that, though, as it's more helpful to PTSD - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder clients. You might want to research it and talk to your doctor about it.
The last is most helpful to me - my faith. It helps to know that I am not the center of the universe - and I'm not in charge of everything or everyone. I know - it sounds simple and for me it really is that simple. Trust. It's key - and has taken me decades to learn that simple truth.
I wish you well - and hope I have helped -or at least given you food for thought...............
Blessings ,
deidrasue

A simple magnesium supplement worked WONDERS!!! for me. I have had the type of social anxiety you speak of for over 20 years and when I began taking a magnesium supplement, due to a diet I had started, my anxiety, fear, irritability, fatigue and mild depression all vanished!!! See the other post I have under Dealing with Anxiety! Good Luck. I hope this works for you like it did me!!!