Possible Anxiety disorder (Should I see a doctor?)

Hello everyone,

This is kind of delicate for me but I thought I should find out whether I really have a problem or am I just depressed/low confidence.

There's a big history behide it all so I'll just list out some symptoms and causes as I see them. Usually I feel tired, I don't like going out, I have low self esteem and don't talk to my friends anymore (although I just got back into the country so they have no reason to talk to me, they don't even know, I'm wondering whether it's an excuse that I save some cash and wait for a proper welcome back with a drink or just go see them...) although I'm not overly nervous chatting to complete strangers, as long as there is a reason anyway. I tend to avoid eye contact though and I fidget if I feel myself getting uncomfortably overly anxious.

When I used to be with my ex and was supposed to meet her sister's foster parent's, I was terrified of the meeting every time it was suggested or I went to meet them and the same with her sister. When I did meet them I couldn't hold proper conversion, my mind just went blank and further the encounter went along the worse it got and the more I thought about it, the pressure rose and was always on my mind, it was highly stressing and I was very anxious. Sometimes I though of small things to say but I just couldn't do it, and I was mentally willing myself to say it but I just couldn't. This happened every time, this even used to happen with my family sometimes but not so seriously.

You see I question this because when I was a teenager I was a lot more active and chatty and a lot more confident, I never had these kind of problem's before. Towards the late end of my teens the problem's really started.

Also sometimes (not sure whether this is related) I get metal flash backs to regrettable moments in my past, nothing really that regrettable mostly (I think normal people wouldn't see them that regrettable) but yet still I feel it, usually I come out of them with a jerk of moment of some kind, tightening of the muscles, jumping up from the coach to go do something, fidgeting of legs, arms or hands. It really disturbs me, I don't see it as normal, it had been getting worse of late, it seem to have calmed down a little now.

So what the hell is wrong with me... do I have anxiety/social disorder or some other form of condition?

When you mention low self esteem and not going out anymore, almost like you are isolating it almost sounds like it's depression.

Everyone get's anxiety, but if it's too the point where it is over-whelming, where you are avoiding, and unable to control any of the symptoms then seeking help would likely do you good.

I know if I didn't seek treatment and get diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder I don't know how I'd have managed on my own....

If you feel it is an issue then go and talk to your doctor, it couldn't hurt.

Butterfly Faerie wrote:When you mention low self esteem and not going out anymore, almost like you are isolating it almost sounds like it's depression.

Everyone get's anxiety, but if it's too the point where it is over-whelming, where you are avoiding, and unable to control any of the symptoms then seeking help would likely do you good.

I know if I didn't seek treatment and get diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder I don't know how I'd have managed on my own....

If you feel it is an issue then go and talk to your doctor, it couldn't hurt.

Thanks for your reply, I do think it's interfering with my social interaction on a daily basis. I think I should check it out with my doctor at least, thanks for the advise with helping me decide somewhat.

You are welcome...