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Thread: crowd anxiety help

  1. #1
    Featured Member Veronika's Avatar
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    Default crowd anxiety help

    Every now and then, I find myself verging on panic about going to work. It is just stage fright and I get over it once I get into the groove of things but, still...

    So tonight is the first big night of Street Vibrations (big Biker Harley thing) and my poor little heart is already palpitating at the thought of my club being packed to capacity with people - even though I am looking forward to the $$$$!

    Does anyone have any words of advice, calming tricks they use, tea recipes, wisdom in general for these little rough spots? I get this with DJing and performing in my band too (as I think all performers do). Some kind words would just be helpful now as I am experiencing this more often of late. My meditaions I've used for years just aren't as helpful as they used to be!

    Thanks... V
    Currently dancing at the Men's Club of Reno, NV
    under the name of Veronica! I am a 2007 calendar girl for MCR, so message me if you want a calendar!

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    Default Re: crowd anxiety help

    Have you ever tried motherwort? It's an herb that I find to have a really great calming effect; my doctor calls it "herbal valium." It won't make you loopy, though. I buy the tincture in a little bottle and take a dropperfull, either in some hot water or just shoot it under my tongue. Highly recommended for anxiety.

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    Featured Member Veronika's Avatar
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    Default Re: crowd anxiety help

    Oh cool. Luckily I live right by a health food stor eso I'll go dodge some motorcycles and walk over there!

    Thank You Thank You!
    Currently dancing at the Men's Club of Reno, NV
    under the name of Veronica! I am a 2007 calendar girl for MCR, so message me if you want a calendar!

  4. #4
    Pamela
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    Default Re: crowd anxiety help

    Veronika if you are on meds. for anxiety be careful before mixing anything related, drug or herb without asking your doctor first.

    Also some people are on Xanax or Alprazolam (generic for Xanax) will experience a tolerance to these meds over time. A higher dosage sounds great, but these are highly addictive. At this point, most people don't mind as long as they can function. Taken for many many years these types of drugs (benzodiazepines) have proved safe by themselves.

    But at times a change to another benzo. Say Klonopin will make you start feeling better, calmer again. Also klonopin or Clonazepam is longer lasting in the body than Xanax. Menaing you take less, and perhaps a smaller mg as well.

    I would speak with a doctor, the best are Psychiatrists, they know how to prescribe these drugs.

    And a Pharmacist knows how the drugs work in the body, and what not to mix them with.

    Alot of actors will take one beta blocker (different class of drugs, heart.) to calm the heart before acting, i myself think this is dangerous since they seem to keep them on the set without a doctors orders.

    Good luck,
    Pamela

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    Default Re: crowd anxiety help

    I would caution against the benzos as they can be extremely habit-forming; also, I think they make a person kind of loopy, even on the recommended dosage. Nothing like a stripper on Xanax . . .

    I was first given motherwort in my doctor's office, and I also take antidepressants - she didn't think there would be any interactions, for what it's worth. I hope you went in to work tonight and did great!

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    God/dess Lena's Avatar
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    Default Re: crowd anxiety help


    Rescue Remedy is similar to motherwort - an herbal anti-anxiety with no "dullness" or sleepiness. One will work better for some people, while the other will work better for other people.

    Lena



  7. #7
    Pamela
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    Default Re: crowd anxiety help

    Colettecall with the right doctor and proper dosage these drugs will not make one appear drunk. Again, this is not true for everyone. There is a phase of body adjustment. Motherswort is good for mild anxiety. And does not help if you are already having a panic attack, i hear from my pharmacist.

    Also Veronika if you are on an MAO inhibitor, these types of antidepressants can cause very dangerous high blood pressure when taken with over the counter herbs, as well as certain foods etc. I would ask my doc. and pharmacist about mixing any prescribed drug with an over the counter remedy just to be safe.

    Again all this is second hand info. and does not hold true for everyone. But watch the MAO antidepressants with alot ingested.

    Good luck, Have a ball!!!!
    Pamela

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    Default Re: crowd anxiety help

    Pamela,

    How about WellButrin?

  9. #9
    Featured Member Veronika's Avatar
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    Default Re: crowd anxiety help

    Well, luckily I don't take anything for the anxiety on a regular basis (nothing prescribed, at least) I try not to be on meds of any kind on a regular basis. My Psych major friend wants me to see someone in her program about it but, well, we'll see.

    Thank you for the herbal suggestions! That was what I was hoping for. I appreciate the time everyone took to help me and how you were looking out for my well-being.

    I ended up not being able to hit the health food store for the suggested remedies because they closed early today (ironically because of the bike fest). I'll hit it tomorrow since Friday and Saturday are going to be over the top (it was already packed tonight). I left early tonight and gave myself plenty of mental space before I went in to prepare. I prophylactically took some "Calms" (homeopathic) which sometimes helps and sometimes doesn't. What I really don't want to get in the habit of is drinking to calm myself!

    For years I meditated and was able to chill right quick but it is getting to be a bit debilitating (like sometimes I psyche myself so bad I don't go to work or have to leave - yes "panic"!). I'm cutting way back on caffeine and any other obvious stimulants because I am extremely sensitive and feared that might be contributing! I just can't deal with crowds sometimes - and it is all performing including my non-stripping gigs. It is a new thing as I've been on stage in one way or another since I was 10!

    Again thank you! I'll let you know how the motherwort and/or rescue remedy works since this will be a super stressful weekend!



    Currently dancing at the Men's Club of Reno, NV
    under the name of Veronica! I am a 2007 calendar girl for MCR, so message me if you want a calendar!

  10. #10
    Pamela
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    Default Re: crowd anxiety help

    Good luck Veronika! Your condition is progressing you say. Stop it in it's tracks now! With whatever you think will work for you!
    I knew of some people who eventually could not get in their car. I know all too well about anxiety myself. The "what if's" seem to hang around.

    Luck, feel better.
    Pamela

  11. #11
    Pamela
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    Default Re: crowd anxiety help

    Madgrad Wellbutrin or Buprpoion is an antidepressant, not related in chemical to the others. I hear it's a good one, but needed to be watched closely by the patient and Doc. It "was" know about 4 years back or so for high incidences of seizures.

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    Veteran Member xmarx52's Avatar
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    Default Re: crowd anxiety help

    Hi Veronika,

    I am a musician and have been for over thirty years. I have done countless gigs and have played in front of crowds as big as 3000 people etc. And then about 10 years ago i started having trouble with anxiety, not only at gigs but also just in places like Wal Mart or whatever. So I kind of know what you are experiencing I think.

    Anyway, I attended weekly group sessions for quite a while that helped me a lot. One of the things they had us do seems silly but you might try it and maybe it will help you like it did me.

    Think about the last time you felt the anxiety. What were your fears? What made you so nervous, what did you think might happen? Now think again and ask yourself this question. "What happened the last time I felt this way?" For me the answer was "Nothing". Then I wrote down the question and the answer on a scrap of paper and put it in my wallet. Just the knowledge that it is there somehow gave me comfort when those overwhelmihng feelings would come back.

    Like I said, it sounds silly but it helped me, no kidding.

    Hang in there and if you ever need to talk about it I am only a PM away.

    Xmarx52
    Anyone with a memory should be very humble.

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    Default Re: crowd anxiety help

    Did you ever examine the reasons for your anxiety? What is it, fear of rejection? You should look at it as an opportunity to impress people . You should be saying this is who I am and I want others to see it.
    Did you want to be known? Do you want to know your fans? Is there something you are afraid of in them?
    For me , the bigger the crowd the better. But I'm just a friggin' exhibitionist.

  14. #14
    Featured Member Corey's Avatar
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    Default Re: crowd anxiety help

    Hey Collette and Pamela,

    I was just reading and procrastinating when I found this really good advice. I am not on meds however, I do get mild anxiety and as I voiced before, I have been an insomniac for over two years. I will definitely look into these herbal remedies.

    Fortunately, I have found the problem. I was using valium to sleep and somewhat recreationally. When I first moved to LA, I was really nervous about working clubs down here, so I used it at work.

    I have been off for almost two months and my husband bought a new mattress and I have been able to sleep with no assistance and sometimes even feel rested!! I also started therapy last week.

    I still get mild anxiety but nothing compared to when I first moved here.

    Xanax!! Damn :o I tried one on the lowest dosage and I could barely get up from my chair!! Not for me.

    Oh, this is off topic but, I booked a Miller Genuine Draft commercial that I am shooting Tuesday. I will be a bartender in a Latin bar. I am really exited

    Cheers,

    Corey
    (Formerly known as 'Korina')

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    Featured Member Veronika's Avatar
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    Default Re: crowd anxiety help

    Xmarx, that is not silly at all, it actually makes a lot of sense!

    My mom is absolutely paralyzed by these sorts of anxieties and I fear becoming like that. Wow, especially since I've been so extroverted my whole life! She is a total agoraphobic now.

    It is also a little weird for me since I am in the newspaper a lot, quoted here and there, dj live and on the radio, promote bands, am in a band and otherwise basically can't leave the house without someone feeling like it is ok to say 'hello" to me since I have a high local profile with a lot of kids and club people! And this is my "Real Life" persona! So I have to constantly be "On". It is above and beyond the stripping persona but affecting all areas. Wow...

    Thank you all... So Much! I really appreciate knowing I'm not alone in feeling this.

    [wave]
    Currently dancing at the Men's Club of Reno, NV
    under the name of Veronica! I am a 2007 calendar girl for MCR, so message me if you want a calendar!

  16. #16
    Pamela
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    Default Re: crowd anxiety help

    Agoraphobia means "fear of the market place" or wide open spaces. This disease is very serious. It usually starts with feeling uneasy in public, usually strikes more women than men, and hits in our 20's normally. But caught early with medication (yes we all hate them) and desensitation therapy can help relieve symptoms. Usually, racing heart, sweaty palms, feeling of having to get out of the situation, can't breath, chest pains etc. Sooo many people come to the ER with these symptoms thinking they are having a heart attack. After calming down, and feeling safe blood pressure drops and they feel fine.

    Simply put they had a panic attack. Some say our brains are firing off chemicals at the wrong time when attacks come out of the blue. Others bring them on themselves with the "what if's."

    They can make a persons life a living hell. Can't get treatment because they can't leave the home.

    Agoraphobia is something a person battles all there life. Sure periods of time get easier, then they are hard again.

    I am all for getting help fast, this at times gives a much higher success rate. I don't take this disease lightly at all. Alot of people have agoraphobia and drink heavily just to go out doors.

    I have read, and own a few good books on anxiety disorders. Social anxiety is not agoraphobia, But most definitely can lead to being house bound. Agoraphobia.

    Best course of treatment is an antidepressant combined with a bezodiazapine along with talk therapy. Thats just the way it is.

    If you are a diabetic, you need your meds. It's a disease. Why treat anxiety disorders any other way. Talk therapy alone is a band aid. As most find out.

    Pamela

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    Veteran Member Naomi_Tx's Avatar
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    Default Re: crowd anxiety help

    Veronika, I too have social anxiety disorder; but being in SC's is different for me. Like an alternate universe where I don't feel anxious when I'm stared at by strangers. I'd say more; but it's a sensitive issue for me and I can't stand when people respond with loads of advice that they know nothing about.

    Here's a good site:

    http://www.socialphobia.org/social.html


  18. #18
    Pamela
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    Default Re: crowd anxiety help

    Naomi again you tell me i don't know what i am talking about. (yes the post was meant for me.) You don't know me, or how i live, and what i deal with either. AGAIN, you you tell me i give advice about something i know nothing about. I am tired of the moodiness you throw around on this board for no reason. Especially ME AGAIN.

    Enough is friggin enough already.

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    Veteran Member Naomi_Tx's Avatar
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    Default Re: crowd anxiety help

    Naomi again you tell me i don't know what i am talking about. (yes the post was meant for me.) You don't know me, or how i live, and what i deal with either. AGAIN, you you tell me i give advice about something i know nothing about. I am tired of the moodiness you throw around on this board for no reason. Especially ME AGAIN.

    Enough is friggin enough already.
    Actually Pam, it really wasn't directed towards you. But now that you mention it...

  20. #20
    Pamela
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    Default Re: crowd anxiety help

    Lay off Naomi, no one has time for your shit....ok. And OH yes it was. Right after my posting, and giving all my "advice"

    Try going back alot of posts, you will see what i wrote regarding this subject. No one else gave lots of advice but me here, and everyone else you never hammered before who wrote. Dreamer just asked a few questions. You responded after that. You repeated your actions again towards me..... Ya know this shit does not belong on the board. Just leave me the HELL ALONE.

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    Member callguy's Avatar
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    Default Re: crowd anxiety help

    I've been reading the posts on this thread and this is one of the better topics than most. Lots of good advice given. And Naomi... anybody who isn't brain dead can tell the dig was aimed at Pamela. Not subtle at all. You seem like an OK person but your attitude really sucks. I've watched Pamela perform live many times and she gives a great performance. I've also seen some of her friends having to drive her home on occasion. One of her friends told me she had a panic disorder and every once in a while it got so bad she couldn't drive. So I think she knows a little about the subject. I consider that a personal matter and never asked her about it but I saw the effects. I hope it never happens to me.

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    Default Re: crowd anxiety help

    Veronica, if you are a subject of this disease Pam talks about then it may turn out stripping may not be the job for you.
    Stripping is for us exhibitionists. Good luck dealing with it.
    Pamela, Naomi I'm beginning to catch on to what and how all these bickerings come about. I think it's a little strong to say to anyone ,"You don't know what you're talking about." I admit , I'm guilty of it. I said the people who authored the survey on strip clubs didn't know what they were talking about. At that time I was considering certain aspects of the report like the part that said men gang together in abusing some poor stripper. Well unless the group came in together, men never associate , let alone plan things with other strange men. They all fanasize that they're alone with the woman.
    Yet from this people deducted that I denied everything that happened in the report.
    People know what they know. It may be something that they alone experience but that thing is real to them. I think from now on we should confirm what others are feeling and at the same time relate our own perceptions to the phenomena." I acknowledge your feelings about X but........" So not to say I deny what you are feeling but my perceptions tell me otherwise.
    I see all you guys as being good people so can we try a little harder to be more civil in the matter?

  23. #23
    Featured Member Veronika's Avatar
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    Default Re: crowd anxiety help

    Dreamer, I generally look kindly on your posts and opinions, but...

    Veronica, if you are a subject of this disease Pam talks about then it may turn out stripping may not be the job for you.
    Stripping is for us exhibitionists. Good luck dealing with it.
    See this is the kind of comment that kept me from posting something like this a long time ago!

    I know musicians, actors, demonstrators, poi dancers, acrobats, teachers, etc who suffer from crowd anxiety and stage fright. I myself have been on stage, TV, DJed, runway modelled, done press conferences, participated in lectures as well as stripping. I started being "public" when my age was in the single digits. Many many performers have social/crowd anxieties and are not disuaded from performing! The trick is finding ways to cope with it until you are in your performing space. Did you ever wonder why addictions run so rampant in the performing community? That is what I need help with. I want to be a healthy performer! I am asking for help of other performers for a performer.

    My mother, yes, borders on agoraphobia and refuses to get help. Her condition scares the hell out of me because it seems like those feelings are awakening in me. I am hoping that I am dealing with learned behavior instead of a true chemical problem. I like leaving the house !

    So, thank you everyone for the helpful posts and PMs. I am glad to know that I am not alone in going through this and I'm trying some of the herbal remedies coupled with meditations. I made it through part of the weekend except the busiest night when I just stayed home. I'm just not giving myself the option of not working through this!

    Thank you!!! ~V~
    Currently dancing at the Men's Club of Reno, NV
    under the name of Veronica! I am a 2007 calendar girl for MCR, so message me if you want a calendar!

  24. #24
    Featured Member Juliette_deSade's Avatar
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    Default Re: crowd anxiety help

    Veronika-

    Good for you for not taking that way out. Here's a tea that has alweays made me happy and made my muscles relax and my heart at peace. It's also great for PMS.

    I take two strains of tea, chamomile and peppermint and brew it. I also add honey. Then I veg out for a few minutes and break it dow. What do I really have to be afraid of? I am good, original, healthy, intelligent. I have done this before, many times. Here I am now sipping tea, about to do it again. I was OK then. I will be OK now.

    Agoraphobia is a personality disorder. Not a chemical imbalance. It's in our forebrains which MAOI inhibitors cant really help. It's all a matter of meditation and herbs that YOU truly believe in.

    Let us know if our tips help you relax.

    Love Juliette
    The Texas Pin-up Stripteuse!

  25. #25
    Featured Member Veronika's Avatar
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    Default Re: crowd anxiety help

    Oh Cool! I have those teas at home I'll try that tonight AND carry the Rescue Remedy in my bag (they were out of Motherwort at the store).

    I'll definitely let you know. I imagine that I am not the only person who's going to benefit from these tricks! I think this is one of those things that different things work for different people. I'm trying to work from the least intrusive method on up... hopefully not having to go too far up that ladder.

    Oh, but I was going to mention - throwing the following out purely for interests' sake: one of the girls at my work is actually prescribed neurontin for this (!!!). This is apparently an off label (is that the right term?) use as it is an epilepsy drug. I did a search on it and I did find that panic disorders was one of the off label uses some Dr.s prescribe it for. Just a weird thing I found out when I was asking this same question at work.

    I also found out a lot of girls were on anti-depressants of various stripes and specifically for anxiety a LOT of them had valium prescriptions.

    In the musician world I interact with, someone mentioned vasopressin which is also mentioned for this sort of thing in the first edition of that book "Smart Drugs and Nutrients".

    I'm sticking to the teas and such... I think the above drugs are a little more than I want in my system on a regular basis.
    Currently dancing at the Men's Club of Reno, NV
    under the name of Veronica! I am a 2007 calendar girl for MCR, so message me if you want a calendar!

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