Hello everyone I am very new at this, this is actually the first time I tell anyone how I really feel. It is funny how email/internet is the only way I can communicate recently; you see this is a big deal for me because I am a Sales guy. For the past 3-4 years I have pretended nothing is wrong, fighting myself everyday, thinking of what to say every second of my life and when I finally decide to speak, I get all choked up! It has gotten worse the last year now I cannot even talk to my own family without feeling anxious, I choke up/stutter when I speak to my own wife(she has told me "what's wrong with you just talk right") I am at the office I fear the phone ringing because I cannot get my self to talk. When I know I have a meeting or a convention I feel my heart will pop out of my chest, sometimes I get by these meetings, conventions, parties only when I have had a few drinks...alcohol boosts my confidence I become, super confident, great sales person, Actually now that I think of it this problem has been with me since I was 15......I was afraid to talk to people, they thought I was a jerk... I have been fighting all this time....I love to talk and sell I just do not know what is wrong, can medication rid my anxiety level?? I am tired of feeling this way!! Any similar experiences or opinions on medications are greatly appreciated: [email protected]