Newbie Here

That friend sounds like a real meanie! Glad you are able to decide to move him along!

It sounds like you must have to spend a lot of time and energy dealing with and recovering from all of the triggers and reactions. I am glad your pain is getting better, and hope for lots more good changes!

Do you think a lot of your reactions are to sounds? I am very curious about that subject...

lassieluv, Welcome to The A & P forum.

I am glad your friend is gone and now you can feel some relief.  It has been documented that People with anxiety usually are very bright and very sensitive – they pick up everything. In fact they pick up so much that they’re easily overwhelmed. They’re the people who find lights too bright and sounds too loud when everyone else around them barely notices.

Before I would let this friend stay with you again, I would have a serious conversation explaining to him he is not helping with his idea of having fun by startling you............it triggers you anxiety.

I feel you may be getting into the area of anticipatory anxiety. You posted I'm afraid that if I do something major is going to happen (I haven't a clue as to what)

Common Anticipatory Anxiety Reactions include :

Feelings: anxious, fearful, angry, confused, hopeless, losing control, numb, sad, moody, irritable, guilty.

Behaviors: withdrawal from others or activities, disrupted routines, startle reactions, easily crying

Cognitions: preoccupation with possibility of trauma, concentration difficulties, self-doubt, worry, indecisiveness, memory difficulties

Physical complaints: muscle tension, headaches, gastric distress, sleep and appetite changes, fatigue

Talking usually helps. Share your feelings with friends, family, on here are all good ways to work through the anxiety.

Relaxation techniques: Try deep breathing, muscle relaxation, visualization (imagining peaceful scenes), and/or listening to soothing music.

Realistic self-talk: While we can't always control what happens to us, we can always control what we say to ourselves. It's important to keep things in perspective. Talk to yourself in reasonable ways. Ask yourself "how likely is my fear?" Remind yourself that you have coped before during other challenging times. Don't just dwell on the negative but consciously look for things you can appreciate every day.

Your medication combo looks good if it is working for you.  I am on the Cymbalta and Trazadone.

Keep posting and know we care.

Gentle Hugs to you
Kitt

My nerves are shot but I did somethng on my own today. For about the past 6mos. I have been confined to a wheelchair and had to depend on others for even the least of my needs. I can walk short distances & drive now which I thought would be great! Today I was forced to get out of the house alone. I was petrified! I needed some Rxs filled and all I had to do was go through the drive in window but I was so afraid someone would see me and I wouldn't know what to say. I had planned to do this yesterday but came up with enough excuses to wait till today. I didn't know how I would make it out of my "comfort zone".

In college I had a pretty good personality, good sense of humor, but I have never liked crowds or being the center of attention. After retiring from the Navy and finishing college I avoided people I knew at all cost. I would do my shopping at night, hide down another aisle if someone were coming, refused invitations, ie class reunions. Even the thought of interacting with people I knew would bring on excessive anxiety to the point of getting sick to my stomach.

I have done a pretty good job of avoiding confrontational situations but today my excuses ran out and I was forced into the real world. I am so shakey right now I don't know when I'll do that again. I have plenty of people food & cat food so I'm set for the time being. I'm sure I will get over this in due tome but right now I am going to take a klonopin, sit back & relax.

Kitt, I may very well have Anticipatory Anxiety but most of the self help you mentioned has been tried with minimal positive results.

And itsokay, I do have an over-sensitivity to sounds however, thunder does not bother me. I think I am too preoccupied with calming my cat.

Thanks to you all for listening.

Welcome lassieluv'

Glad you popped over here I posted to you many times in CP.........

I DO hope you will stick around and get the support you do need ......

Email me if you care to talk

Luvs
LYN

Peg Leg - that's a good idea! I never looked at the "sample givers" as needing to talk to people - I can do that knowing I am doing something for someone else. Thanks!

Thanks for thinking I was strong for getting out - I haven't been out since. Ha! I am trying to get the flowers on my front porch and flower garden watered but I don't want anyone to see me. Silly, huh?

Thanks you too for your love & prayers - I lways need them.

Luv Ya!