Stress Center Peer Support

Ive been dealing with anxiety and panic attacks for a little over a month now and it seems like I have lost interest in hanging out with my friends. I know this is probably common, but 2 months ago my friends were so important to me... now I would just rather sit at home and watch a movie, read, or go on the computer. Tonight my boyfriends sister is coming over for drinks and to catch up, but I really dont even feel like being around for that. I am not a big drinker anyways, but I shouldnt drink while im on the medication ive been on. I feel like id be missing out on the fun while they laugh and have their beers. My boyfriend seems rather annoyed at this, and I cant help him understand it because I dont really understand it myself. I just want to feel like myself again and have a good time, but I dont know how? Anyone else going through something like this? any advice?

Oh yes i can totally relate!! I went through a period actually a couple weeks ago where i didn't want to see any of my friends becuz i didn't want to feel nervous around them. Whenever they would want to hang out with me, I'd always say no becuz i didn't feel like dealing with all the anxiety that comes with having to hang out with them. After a week of totally avoiding my friends, I realized that I really did miss them, and decided that no matter what i was going to hang out with them, even if i felt ABSOLUTELY terrible. So I went over to my friends house and i felt pretty nervous for the first 10 minutes, then after that i started laughing and having fun, i actually felt NORMAL. I'd advise you to "force" yourself into hanging out with your friends once in a while, even if its extremely uncomfortable. You might surprise yourself and feel good for periods of time. If you keep hanging out with them, eventually your going to be desensitized to getting nervous around them, and you'll feel alot better. I know right now it seems like you don't wanna see ANYONE, but just think about how happy they'll be to see you, and how great it would be to feel calm around them.

Thank you liz,
you are completely right, im just a little scared to crawl out of this hole ive dug myself. the main thing im worried about is my friends asking where ive been, and having to answer them honestly.

Hi guys,
I just wanted to say that I too have the same issue about hanging out with my friends. I just finished college and honestly I really don't have any friends to show of it. I stayed completely to myself basically until the last couple of years I started meeting people but it was still hard because of the anxiety I would get when meeting new people. The friends I did meet I really didn't want to hang out with them other than school and maybe lunch here and there. I would always make up some kind of excuse to not go over. It's like within the last few years I've noticed that the only person I really care to hang out with is my boyfriend and he's actually the one who told me about this. He know's that this isn't the girl he first met. Anyway I'm afraid that I have already pushed them too far away that they could care less to even hear from me anymore.

Precious Blossom,

I feel much the same way. I used to have many caring, dear friends, and just don't feel like I want to be around anyone. My friends still care about me, call to check up, but often I don't answer the phone because I don't feel like talking. I know this isolation contributes to my depression, but I just don't have the energy to do anything about it. I just started the program this week and am hoping to start feeling better soon.

-Renon