Avatar Posted by shinsplints 222 days ago (Question)
I get facial ticks when I talk to people, or am in public. My face tightens adn it looks like i am in pain or going to cry. I also get anxiety when this happens (chest tightening, laboured breathing, shaky voice, speedy heart). I feels like I am coming off an Amphedimine, but I haven't touched any in 10 years.

It has been slowly building for about 6 years now, and it has got progressively worse. I saw my doctor and he said it's anxiety and prescribed me Effexor, but after 2 years on it there was no change.

Now I just try and avoind uncomfortable situations, but since it happens all the time these situations are everywhere. It goes away when I drink, but I don't want to become dependant on booze.

If anybody has any thoughts on the cause or ilnees that I have please share it with me. I am at a loss.


Answers

Written by bellacutie 222 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

Hi,

it wouldn't be wise to get any diagnosis over the internet. I think you should first get checked by your doctor to rule out anything physical and then go from there. It does sound like anxiety and you could be having panic attacks. I know it's annoying but try when it's happening not to get upset by them - if you do then it will get worse. Instead practice slow deep breathing and reaasure yourself that it's not going to hurt you. Some with panic attacks actually fear they're going to die.

Try not to give in and avoid situations just because of these feelings - you're more aware of them and others probably don't notice. The best thing to do is let your doctor handle this. Best of luck.

Written by Edahn 221 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

I think you should treat this like you would treat a normal panic attack. In normal panic attacks, the APPREHENSION of having a panic attack causes panic. Maybe the fear of getting your tick-attack is causing you to actually get worried and have them, rather than there being anything you're actually physically afraid of.

There're lots of ways to treat panic attacks. Medication is one. You can buy a book on panic attacks and do some work on your own, or consult a regular therapist.

I'm going to give you a good idea, though, and try and cut through a lot of reading time. Trying making your fear into something funny. Have something that you find funny about your ticks. An image or a memory of something, and then don't stress out so much if it happens, just laugh if you think it's funny, until the next time it happens.

Try it!

Edahn

Written by Clyde 212 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

It does sound like a panic attack, but I would definitely check this out with my MD, and if I had one a therapist.

Best,

Clyde


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