I have a near-pathological fear of talking to strangers on the phone. My expanded job duties will soon include calling clients. How do I get past this fear? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Dec 17, 2009 - 27 answers

This is so shameful. I haven't seen a dentist since 2005. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Nov 6, 2009 - 44 answers

How can I handle my feelings for my parents during this holiday season? [more inside]
posted by bananaskin on Nov 1, 2009 - 32 answers

What is this story about someone literally scared to death? [more inside]
posted by ladypants on Aug 12, 2009 - 2 answers

Robbed on the street in daylight - didn't get hurt, didn't lose much, but I'm worried about the anxiety and stress of the aftermath. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Apr 13, 2009 - 19 answers

How can I help my 32-year-old sister conquer her intense fear of interacting with people? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Apr 3, 2009 - 9 answers

Almost two weeks ago I suddenly started having strange feelings of lightheadedness, abnormal difficultly concentrating, a lack of coordination (feeling as though I might fall over or run in to things), and visual issues (difficulty focusing on distant objects, seemingly less aware of my periphery - though there are no noticable gaps in my visual field). I've had these, albeit with decreasing frequency and severity, since that time. I'm often very fearful during these episodes (which can last 4-5 hours at a time, the dizziness/lightheadedness sometimes all day), fearing permanent brain damage and having extreme feelings of derealization. I've come to the conclusion that at least some of these symptoms are due to panic attacks. Does that explain it all though? [more inside]
posted by elektrotechnicus on Feb 23, 2009 - 25 answers

I'm having the same problem as the poster below me "Help me deal with high stakes situations.." (BTW I read all those responses too). Like her it happens with meetings, people with authority, friends and dating. But, I'm a guy, and the only part I really care about is how it effects friends and dating. The rest I can live with.. [more inside]
posted by 0217174 on Jan 11, 2009 - 12 answers

I'm generally a pretty nervous person. Lately (over the last two months), it's become worse. I jump whenever someone enters the room. I'm quite stressed about everyday things (a disagreement, a social event, my future), and nearly every day my stomach or chest or shoulders ache from these worries. I recognise that my response to this is overblown and irrational, and that maybe I need to seek medical attention. But that's the problem. Can you help me gather the courage to see a doctor? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Dec 15, 2008 - 15 answers

I'm flying in a few weeks. I'm scared to death, and I want to try some of those anti-anxiety meds that people say you can get from your doctor. But how do I talk to my doctor about it? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Dec 11, 2008 - 34 answers

Every member of my family, save one, has died young from a heart attack. Am I doomed? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Oct 2, 2008 - 24 answers

Anxieties about my own safety and that of my loved ones are making it hard for me to sleep at night. The onset of dusk makes my stomach knot. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jul 12, 2008 - 29 answers

Basically, I want to talk to someone without feeling judged. Both now and in general. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on May 23, 2008 - 16 answers

Has my overactive imagination turned into anxiety? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Apr 2, 2008 - 8 answers

Okay, this is kind of embarrassing, but how do I not be a whimp? [more inside]
posted by hadjiboy on Feb 8, 2008 - 25 answers

How do I stop worrying in the beginning of a relationship? (example provided) [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Aug 1, 2007 - 14 answers

So I'm afraid to fly. Are there therapists or professionals that will actually help with this? There's more [more inside]
posted by Octoparrot on May 4, 2007 - 24 answers

How do you get over some of the disturbing things you read in the news? [more inside]
posted by hollygoheavy on Mar 22, 2007 - 28 answers

I'm twenty five, divorced, done with school, and finally able to get out and see the world. There's just one problem: logistics. [more inside]
posted by damnthesehumanhands on Jun 25, 2006 - 24 answers

Help me allay my specific dental fear: sedation. [more inside]
posted by ITheCosmos on Apr 27, 2006 - 26 answers

I was heavily bitten by bedbugs over the summer of 2005, and although they're gone, I've grown very anxious about the thought of ever becoming reinfested. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Mar 25, 2006 - 9 answers

How do I learn how to stop worrying, and being anxious, and get on with life? One of my biggest flaws is worrying about a negative outcome in most aspects of my life. Even though I know that in general my life is ok, and indeed I am lucky in many ways, I worry daily about it all going wrong, and this is having a negative effect on my quality of life. How do I learn to live and enjoy life without unnecessary worry? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jan 10, 2006 - 32 answers

FearOfFlyingFilter: Do you fly Lufthansa? Do you listen to their "Relaxation Program" on the in-flight radio? Do you have any idea who does the guided imagery on it? Or, have any other great suggestions for calming things I could listen to at 30,000 feet? [more inside]
posted by Your Time Machine Sucks on Nov 17, 2005 - 9 answers

I'd like to get one of those nice Nikon d50s when they come out. The problem is, I'm completely freaked out at the notion of carrying around a thousand dollars around my neck for fear of getting mugged, or stolen. I'll be moving to Miami in a month and living in an urban area too. And the camera isn't worth it if I leave it at home. Are these fears justified? Am I just freaking out? Any tips on how to make myself less of a target? I'd like to have the camera with me on a fairly occasional basis. [more inside]
posted by Stan Chin on May 27, 2005 - 25 answers

Does anybody know of alternative ways to get over an extremely irrational fear of public speaking/presenting?
[more inside]. [more inside]
posted by repoman on Jan 3, 2004 - 21 answers

I'll be flying 8+ hours to London two weeks from today. I have a paralyzing fear of flying, any advice?

Also, what should I do once I make it there? [more inside]
posted by esch on Dec 12, 2003 - 30 answers