New to anxiety

Hello, im a 19 year old male college student. Just this year i've started to get panic attacks during certain social settings. I have been experiencing a lot of stress and am going through depression but my attacks seem really odd. I've always had a week stomach when it comes to blood but its never really been a big problem untill lately. Most of the time it happens during a class. The teacher will start talking about something that triggers it. For example one of my teachers was talking about a case where a woman was stabbed to death and dozens of witnesses didnt do anything or even call the cops. He went sort of into detail and i started to sweat and get an increased heartbeat. I then felt like i was going to faint. Another time i was watching a movie "Watchmen" in theatures and numerous violent scenes triggered intense anxiety. This is really odd for me because I have always watched war movies and been fine, why would this happen all of a sudden? Also it only really happens when im around other people. I can think of the most bloody thing right now and be fine. I really dont like my status with anxiety. I constantly am stressing out about what to major in for college and where im going to be in five years. I cant get a job because im too timid to go through the process. I am worried for my future. I kind have been thinking about being  a state trooper. I can't have a job like that and have the chance of getting a panic attack when responding to a call. I've started to do  drinking on the weekends. Is it possible that something in my past has triggered anxiety or giving me trauma? Im just really confused, i mean seeing my dog get run over right infront of me couldnt possible be a factor?

heres a link to my other thread i made today about my depression if anyone wants more background information ..... https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=19&m=1436771

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Post Edited By Moderator (stkitt) : 4/5/2009 6:05:42 AM (GMT-6)

Hello Tamothi,

Well I can seriously relate. I used to be able to handle the "hard stuff" but now I can't even watch E.R. Which used to be my favorite show.
I do relate it to anxiety. I'm not sure what part of it but it all started when my anxiety kicked in full force about 12 years ago. I'm sorry I don't have a solution for you. I just stay away from scary, bloody, etc movies. I loved to watch them and read Stephen Kings books. Now I have hubby preread them for me to see if I can handle it or not.

This part of anxiety is not one that I can solve. I have faced fear in the face and it didn't work. I think its one of the major reasons I'm different then most people with anxiety. A lot of them run to the hospital or doctor everytime something comes up. I avoid those places as I can't handle what I might see there or deal with while I'm there.

A little deeper. My daughter was 6 and she was making a pb and J. She managed to cut her finger with the butter knief. To me it looked like she needed stitches. Took her to the doc. I had to stay out side the room. Hubby passed out..LOL Other daughter jammed her toe to the point the nail fell off. I stay in the bathroom just incase I passed out. Lucky for me my mom was there to take care of her.

Its rough. I wish you the best of luck over coming it. As it has crippled me on just normal events in life. Talk to your doctor and see what he/she can do for you.

Hi Tamothi,

I posted to you in your other thread in Depression, but wanted to drop by here and say 'welcome' and to tell you that you are not alone. There are many of us here who experience anxiety about the things you have described. I won't repeat myself too much here, but I do hope that you will consider some type of counseling. I've found it really helpful in my own life. I hope you continue to post.....we're here to support you!

Good idea on getting something for anxiety! There are great meds that you can take regularly or only as needed. It is very common for blood, scary movies, sad stories, etc., to affect us when we have an anxiety disorder. It affects us much more than the average person. Steer clear of those situations, stories and movies whenever possible.

I've heard of many college students who begin suffering from anxiety/panic attacks. The stress of classes and grades gets to be too much sometimes. Maybe a smaller load next semester is in order. You're young enough to take a little break.

Begin a relaxation technique, read up on anxiety, start a journal, no more caffeine and sugar. This forum has many suggestions of things that have helped others. Explore it and begin taking better care of yourself!