What kind of anxiety is this?

[Realitea]

I've just been told I had GAD. Not much of a surprise really. Some days I'm myself again and I think 'glad that's over'! then it's back the next day.
I find it's directly linked to how tired I am.
Here's what I'm really struggling with:
Talking to people one on one. Eye contact. This problem comes and goes, the last time I had this was years ago. I tense up, get panicky, have to look away and feel like running away. It's so odd because I'm actually really chatty and happy.
The other stuff is an increasing heart beat throughout the day, leading to 'mini' panic attacks. I feel tired and dizzy a lot of the time and my neck feels tight. I just feel like this big cloud is over me. Not of misery but more tension.
I'm having an ECG this week as it's become a lot more regular lately.
Someone tell me what's going on with me!

[Realitea]

anyone?

[Boozena]

I didn't want to read and run and could relate to some of what you're saying. Hopefully the ECG will rule stuff out or provide answers re your racing heart, I think beta blockers can be prescribed for this?
Sometimes I find I struggle to look people in the eye, even my friends. It just feels a but intense. But it got to the point where it was awkward and I felt stupid after.
For me it was a confidence thing- I noticed it was with people who 'intimidate' me. Not in a scary way but maybe on a professional/academic level or even people that are especially good looking! I have pretty much resolved it by taking a bit better care of myself (increasing confidence) and just forcing myself to look at people! The more you do it the easier it gets!

[Realitea]

thanks boozena! I'm wondering if beta blockers would be a good idea and will ask my gp when i see him.
It's funny with the eye contact thing, I dont get it for ages then it comes back, i suppose its worse when you're more aware of it.

[Barbie1]

My 5 year old dd has been diagnosed with this too. I'm actually not too surprised and she is so like me
I'm about to visit the doctor and see if it's something I'm suffering with. I have all kinds of anxiety, made worse since dc3 came along...

[Boozena]

A friend of mine had what I think was social anxiety- would get panicky, I'll and stressed when big events came up- parties, wedding etc. The doc prescribed beta blockers for them to take as and when they felt they needed it. Perhaps if you can pinpoint when you need it you could use them in the short term til you can figure out what's triggering or learn some coping strategies.
I know exactly what you mean with the eye contact. I've been quite good mostly but noticed when I visited a friend last week I couldn't look her in the eye. As soon as I realised what I was doing I forced myself to do it and was fine after. Still takes a fair bit of effort with strangers though!

[Realitea]

Toots, do they give you any side effects? I'm thinking they might be a good idea for me.