Social Anxiety Support

polythene · 11-06-2009, 12:55 AM

I have been trying my best to cope with my anxiety sans medication, largely because they never really helped me to begin with (SSRIs, mostly). I think coping with it, though, has caused me to experience derealization almost constantly - I never feel like I'm 100% present in the world, and am 'foggy' every waking moment of my life.

It has gotten to a point where I think I'd rather deal with the anxiety than the derealization. I don't lose 'touch' with reality, but then again I don't really feel like I'm completely there. It is unbearable - I don't feel fully capable of enjoying or experiencing anything, which kills me. I know I used to be able to.

Do you guys think there's a med out there that can erase the fogginess? Or at least get it under control? I just want to feel clearheaded and capable of participating in the world again, instead of like I've retreated because it's too much to process.

The only thing I have tried so far that has 'helped' has been Adderall, but it's unlikely a doctor would prescribe that to me as I don't have an official AD(H)D diagnosis. Am I overlooking something? Has anyone been successfully treated after experiencing something similar?

Please reply if you have any input. I'm really at a loss here and can't get a doctor's input currently.

arth67 · 11-07-2009, 02:19 PM

an antidepressant, when and if it helps for your anxiety would probably reduce it, but before it cuts in would likely increase it

a benzo in a large enough dose would reduce it

deep slow breathing and relaxing the muscles also helps

MissMay1977 · 11-07-2009, 05:39 PM

I am diagnosed ADHD and take Adderall. I dissociate A LOT which is similiar to what you feel. Anti psychs can help but I have found practicing mindfulness helps more.

11-06-2009, 12:55 AM	#1 (permalink)
polythene Status: SAS Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 219	Meds that help with Derealization? I have been trying my best to cope with my anxiety sans medication, largely because they never really helped me to begin with (SSRIs, mostly). I think coping with it, though, has caused me to experience derealization almost constantly - I never feel like I'm 100% present in the world, and am 'foggy' every waking moment of my life. It has gotten to a point where I think I'd rather deal with the anxiety than the derealization. I don't lose 'touch' with reality, but then again I don't really feel like I'm completely there. It is unbearable - I don't feel fully capable of enjoying or experiencing anything, which kills me. I know I used to be able to. Do you guys think there's a med out there that can erase the fogginess? Or at least get it under control? I just want to feel clearheaded and capable of participating in the world again, instead of like I've retreated because it's too much to process. The only thing I have tried so far that has 'helped' has been Adderall, but it's unlikely a doctor would prescribe that to me as I don't have an official AD(H)D diagnosis. Am I overlooking something? Has anyone been successfully treated after experiencing something similar? Please reply if you have any input. I'm really at a loss here and can't get a doctor's input currently.

11-07-2009, 02:19 PM	#2 (permalink)
arth67 Status: SAS Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: austral;ia Gender: Male Posts: 217	an antidepressant, when and if it helps for your anxiety would probably reduce it, but before it cuts in would likely increase it a benzo in a large enough dose would reduce it deep slow breathing and relaxing the muscles also helps __________________ life is not a dress rehursal

11-07-2009, 05:39 PM	#3 (permalink)
MissMay1977 Status: Freakin Beautiful Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Indiana Gender: Female Age: 32 Posts: 1,087	I am diagnosed ADHD and take Adderall. I dissociate A LOT which is similiar to what you feel. Anti psychs can help but I have found practicing mindfulness helps more. __________________ <@_@> la la laaaaaaa