| My Medication Is Giving Me Social Anxiety | Feelings | My Medication Is Giving Me Social Anxiety | <div class="ExternalClass36E6B9C64B114FCF9509B2D67E9ACD6F"><p><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:tahoma, sans-serif;">Never really had
social anxiety up until I started taking my stimulant medication but now I just feel
nervous around my family in general and peers. It’s really bad even when making eye
contact with others. </span><br></p></div> | <div class="ExternalClass6E73C7DBEE304EEBBB110A6C82701A85"><p>Thanks so much for emailing in. That anxiety can just be debilitating, and if it is interfering with your ability to connect with and feel comfortable around others, definitely find out what you can do to manage it. Based on what you shared, it sounds like you feel your medication could be directly related to the increase of these feelings.<br></p><p>We do not know if a primary physician is prescribing your medication or if you are working with a psychiatrist, but talk to them about your feelings and observations. Your doctor is trying to help you find a good balance with your emotions. You do not want to feel tired or flat, but you also do not want to feel on edge or panicky either. A psychiatrist whose specialty is medication should be able to help you find the right medication and dosage to get this balance. Be transparent and let them know how you have been feeling.<br></p><p>The great news is that there are things you can do on your own too in order to feel better. In fact, you never want to feel like a medication or another person is in control. You want that power over yourself, so be sure to exert it. If you have not already, take a look at some of our current articles on anxiety. Of course, you have to choose some coping strategies that you think would work best for you and then you have to work hard at practicing them for a least a full month to see if they are helpful.<br></p><p><a href="/Pages/Guided-Imagery.aspx?Topic=Anxiety">http://www.yourlifeyourvoice.org/Pages/Guided-Imagery.aspx?Topic=Anxiety</a><br></p><p><a href="/Pages/tip-worrying.aspx?Topic=Anxiety">http://www.yourlifeyourvoice.org/Pages/tip-worrying.aspx?Topic=Anxiety</a><br></p><p><a href="/Pages/10-Ways-to-Stay-Grounded.aspx?Topic=Anxiety">http://www.yourlifeyourvoice.org/Pages/10-Ways-to-Stay-Grounded.aspx?Topic=Anxiety</a><br></p><p>Even with that eye contact you can practice in front of the mirror or choose your closest friend or family member and practice with them. It might help to even watch other people do it. You will find that those who give good eye contact, and nod, and smile, and acknowledge what the people around them are saying really connect, because others want to be around someone who is a good listener and seems interested in what you have to say. <br></p><p>You can do this and if you need additional support along the way, email, call, chat, or text in and a crisis counselor will be happy to talk to you.<br></p><p>Laura, Crisis Counselor<br></p></div> | 19 | | |
