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| 01/21/2005 - Updated 06:54 PM ET |
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Social anxiety disorder: Miami Dolphin Ricky
Williams
Tuesday, Oct. 22, 3 p.m. ET
After winning the Heisman Trophy at the University
of Texas, Ricky Williams's dream came true-he was going to play
professional football. And not only was he going to play for the
New Orleans Saints, they gave up all of their draft picks for him,
a "first" in NFL history. However, off the field Ricky
was battling other challenges - his fear of people. Ricky has always
thought of himself as a shy person, but while in New Orleans, he
started to realize that what he was feeling was more than just shyness.
During media interviews, Ricky wore his helmet so reporters couldn't
really see him -- this allowed him to feel safe because it was a
barrier between him and them. When approached by fans, Ricky would
often times literally run away so that he wouldn't have to face
them. Even worse, the media portrayed him as aloof and eccentric.
Eventually, Ricky was diagnosed with social anxiety disorder and
began treatment Today, he actually looks forward to speaking with
reporters, hanging out with his teammates and spending time with
his children. Chat with Ricky Williams about social anxiety disorder
and its treatments.
Editor's note: Ricky Williams is working
with the drug company GlaxoSmithKline to educate the public about
social anxiety disorder.
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Missed the chat? Read the transcript below:
Union, Maine: Hi, Ricky. What does treatment for social anxiety disorder
involve, at least in your case. I have the same tendencies that you used
to, maybe not on as large a level but I oftentimes find myself going out
of my way to avoid people. HELP!
Ricky Williams: For me, treatment involved seeing my therapist a
few times a month along with taking Paxil every day. The moment I started
treating my social anxiety disorder, I started feeling better
TULSA, OK: BIG RICK...SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER I KNOW IS A BIG THING,
AND A GREAT MANY PEOPLE SUFFER IN SILENCE....BUT I GOT A 12YR OLD SON THAT
PLAYS TAILBACK FOR HIS 7TH GRADE MIDDLE SCHOOL AND HE ONLY WEIGHS 109LBS,
AND HE HAS A POWER BACK MANTALITY..HES NOT SUPERFAST YET HE GETS THE JOB
DONE...BUT I JUST THINK , CORNERBACK, WIDEOUT, IS WERE HE SHOULD BE...BUT
HE WON'T HAVE ANY OF IT. aNY SUGGESTIONS FOR ME AND THIS GREAT STRAIGHT
A STUDENT!
Ricky Williams: Let him play running back because football is more
about heart than talent. If his heart is in playing running back, that's
where he'll succeed
Portsmouth, Va.: Ricky, Does the treatment for the disorder include
drugs? Will you have to take them for life? Does it hinder your job (playing
ability)? Keep up the outstanding performance in Miami.
Ricky Williams: It can, and in my case it did, but it is optional.
I was on Paxil for 14 or 15 months. It did not have any ill effects on my
ability to play football
Oxford, MS: For a person of your calibre, how have you been dealing
with the rush of fans towards you when ever you are out in public
Ricky Williams: Now I like it! Now that I have conquered social anxiety
disorder, I find pleasure in fans approaching me
HAWTHORNE,CA: WHAT WERE SOME OF THE SYMPTOMS YOU FELT AS A RESULT
OF THE DISORDER?
Ricky Williams: Some of my symptoms included sweaty palms and heart
racing in addition to just an overall anxiety. It caused extreme discomfort
in social settings. I also had a lack of motivation
Chicago, IL: What do you think contributed to your anxiety disorder?
Simply a chemical imbalance? Social conditioning?
Ricky Williams: That's a good question. I've always considered myself
a shy person, but it became out of hand with the stress that I faced playing
in New Orleans
Dickinson, North Dakota: Anxiety disorders come in many shapes and
sizes. People with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) often experience
the same type of anxiety you've experienced. Have you ever explored
this particular disorder; has it ever effected you?
Ricky Williams: No.
New Orleans, LA: Ricky, how hard was it to make a long run, score
a TD, runover a DB, etc...only to hear roaring fans and cheers, which forced
you to deal with the disorder. Seems like you would want to score to help
your team win, but then you wouldn't want to score due to the response.
Ricky Williams: I didn't really experience any symptoms on the field,
since there really isn't any social interaction during a football game.
I always want to score when playing...
Houston, TX: Did your disorder have anything to do with you leaving
New Orleans?
Ricky Williams: Indirectly, most definitely.
Cicinnati, Ohio: Did you always feel the anxiety and it got worse
with the media attention? I am asking because my son suffers from high anxiety
levels and he is nine years old. Thanks for your time.
Ricky Williams: No, because the media at Texas was more intense than
in New Orleans. I would attribute it more to being hurt and not playing.
My advice on your son is that if his anxiety is high, you should take him
to a therapist or doctor, because help is available
Atlanta, GA: I am happy to hear you are getting treatment. I can
understand how that could be a debilitating disorder with your chosen profession.
Also, I admire your courage in coming forward and sharing your experience
so that others may be helped or encouraged to seek treatment. My question
is do you think that there are benefits to or is it effective to implement
non-drug therapies for this kind of disorder. If so can these therapies
(psychological counseling) substitute for the drug therapy or must they
be used in conjunction with the drug therapy. Additionally, do you see yourself
as remaining dependent on these drugs to cope with your disorder or do you
see yourself as one day being "cured" and drug free?
Ricky Williams: I would say that therapy and Paxil is what helped
me, and since I didn't try either alone I can' really say. But in my opinion,
either drugs or therapy alone is enough.
Oklahoma CIty: I am not sure if it is in the same family of disorders
or if it is even considered one, but I recently noticed a small fear I have
and wondered if through what you have learned if you might be able to tell
me what it is and how to overcome it. I noticed when people watch me write,
that I freeze up and can hardly even get a word out. It's like the feeling
of being rushed or something. I used to be able to sign my name and it be
legible, but now when I sign my name on checks or credit card receipts or
anything it becomes a scribble with only the first letter being recognized.
I am sure it is a phobia of some sort, but I am not sure exactly where it
started and why. Does this sound like the same feeling or emotions that
you went through and what do I do to overcome my nevousness about it? Thanx
Ricky, and good luck with the rest of your season, you're doin'
great!!!
Ricky Williams: That is not a symptom I had, but I have heard people
with social anxiety disorder have an experience like that. It may only seem
small if you don't have to do it that often.. I would get more information
and talk to someone
Denver Colorado: At nearly 40 years of age, I've always been
anxious, nervous, beat red and had shortness of breath when speaking in
front of even small groups. Can (SAD) drug intervention really help me or
am I destined (it's only a mindset) to have to live with being afraid
of speaking in front of people?
Ricky Williams: Well, I am now convinced there is no kind of fear
or anxiety anyone has to live with. Talk to someone, see if they can help
you. Good luck
Louisville, Ky: Ricky, what in particular has been the most important
factor in your recovery?
Ricky Williams: That I stayed with the treatment plan until my symptoms
away. alot of people think they are OK until they stop, and if they stop
too soon, it all can come right back
Brecksville, OH: Did you find that your anxiety disorder affected
your ability to be a leader on your teams? Are you a better player and/or
teammate because you've overcome this obstacle?
Ricky Williams: Most definitely it affected my ability. I didn't
want to talk to the guys much. alot of what makes a good leader on a team
happens off the field, and now I find myself doing more things with them,
which makes me a better teammate
Rochester, NY: Ricky, To start off, congrats on the great season
you and the Miami Dolphins are having ( that hurt to say, I'm a Bills
fan ). Anyway, I'm glad to see you stepping up and taking a stand on
a tough situation for millions of people out there. You're a role model
on and off the field, and I wish you continued success. Do you see yourself
as a role model regarding this disorder? and how difficult was it to overcome?
Do you still find situations where your uncomforable? Thank you, Dan W
Ricky Williams: well I see myself as a visible and noticeable example
of someone who has social anxiety disorder and was treated for it,. so in
that respect if my speaking out helps people, thats great
St. Petersburg, FL: Can you tell me how this affected your family
life?
Ricky Williams: It limited the amount of time I spent with my daughter,
but now we do everything together
Norfolk, Virginia: Mr Williams, how did you go about life at Texas
with this disease? Was it hard socially?
Ricky Williams: At Texas, it didn't really affect me, I was just
shy. The stress brought about by my situation in New Orleans is what really
caused the big problem
Grand Rapids, MI: I don't really have a question, but as a life
long fan of the Miami Dolphins I just want to tell you how great it is having
you on the team. I look forward to many years of watching you rewrite the
Dolphin record books for rushing and standing beside Dan Marino as the greatest
Dolphins ever. I hope the Super Bowl trophy is in your near future. Good
Luck. Jeff B.
Ricky Williams: Thank you.
Denver, Colorado: As a fellow sufferer of social anxiety, what did
you find to be most helpful in your recovery? Medication, therapy, or both?
Ricky Williams: I would say both are important, but the fact that
I wasn't ashamed about my illness is what really was most helpful. the support
I received when I started really made a huge difference
Newton, Massachusetts: Ricky, I admire your courage to use your star
status to help others. I am a therapist and I work with troubled teens.
My question is what advice would you have for teens who are dealing with
social anxiety disorder or similar issues?
Ricky Williams: Just that they should not feel that they are weird
or not normal. that confronting it and getting help are the key
Kissimmee, FL: What has moving away from New Orleans to Miami done
for your mental mindset??
Ricky Williams: Literally, it put the past behind me
New Orleans, LA: Rick, was New Orleans as a city really cruel to
you while here? We are kinder people than that. If so, I'm personally
sorry and wish you only the best going forward.
Ricky Williams: I love New Orleans and the people. i was sad to go
San Antonio, Texas: I have followed you since your sophomore year
at UT. I congratulate you for your football ability, but even more so for
your speaking out about social anxiety disorder. I hope you are finally
at peace with yourself and the world around you.
Ricky Williams: Thank you
Orlando, FL: Do you ever have recurrences? If so how do you handle
them?
Ricky Williams: No, in treatment you learn more effective ways to
deal with everyday problems
New York, New York: First of all, Congratulations on such a great
career thus far. I am certain that you will continue to impress us for years.
Are there side effects to Paxil?
Ricky Williams: There weren't any for me, but there can be
New York, New York: I am glad to see you performing so well and recovering
from anxiety. I also play running back for my high school and I feel great
anxiety because I am new to the school and do not know anyone. What is you
advise please?
Ricky Williams: The best way to get over this is to gain the respect
of your teammates by working as hard or harder than they do. good luck
Sioux City, IA: No Question, just wanted to say enjoy your bye week!
I can't wait to see you in the postseason! That is when all great running
backs have their biggest games. :-)
Ricky Williams: Thanks
Mt. Vernon, Ohio: What was the last straw that forced you do deal
with your disorder head on? Was college life difficult to handle, i.e the
parties, etc.?
Ricky Williams: There wasn't really one thing that was the last straw
for me. It was just that I had every thing I thought I ever wanted but wasn't
happy.
Charlotte, NC: Hey Ricky, huge fan! Did you experience any side effects
when trying to get off Paxil?
Ricky Williams: No i didn't. But I heard that you can if you don't
stop it the right way
Washington DC: Ricky, I am 26 and have always been kind of shy although
i have plenty of friends. Over the past few years i have progessively become
so shy toward people i don't know that when i am out i can't even
talk to girls that i want to approach and meet. I literally start shaking
and have panic attacks. This also happens at work when i have to speak to
a group. I am afraid to talk about it with friends or family because i don't
want them to think i am abnormal? what should i do? I thought about therapy
but don't have medical insurance right now and can't afford it?
I feel like i am wasting my 20's being afraid when i should be having
a great time?
Ricky Williams: That's the same way I felt, so I can definitely relate.
My advice would be talk to your family, and see if you can get some help.
It's not healthy to keep feeling this way and not get someone to talk to
Dallas, Texas: Ricky- Congrats on the season so far, keep it up we
are all cheering for you! (Specially me since I took you with my first pick
in fantasy football). What did you find to be the most exhilerating thing
to happen to you since your recovery?
Ricky Williams: That's a good one. I would say that the way the fans
in miami have accepted me has been great
San Diego, California: Ricky, I have always admire your talent. Tell
me did you have this disorder as a child?
Ricky Williams: I don't really know, I've always been shy. But it
never affected me the way it did in New Orleans
Jacksonville, FL: Ricky, How much has it helped you to be in Miami
with a clean slate and a strong cast of supporting teammates? Did this change
of location play any role in helping out your social anxiety disorder?
Ricky Williams: It didn't play a role in my treatment, but the new
start really helped me move forward
Norfolk, Virginia: I can identify with this disorder. I have always
felt the pressure to be somebody or act a certain way or reach out to people.
In college, I hybernated my senior year. I still have some problems emotionally
accepting affection from others. Especially those closest to me. The more
they give the more I want to get away. What should I do if I get anxiety
attacks like that?
Ricky Williams: I would think that you should get help, and hopefully
avoid getting the anxiety attacks
Port St Lucie, Florida: My son is 16 and having panic attacks. He
has been on medication for 6 weeks. Which medication worked for you? Did
you try a few different medications before finding the one that helped?
Ricky Williams: luckily, I tried Paxil first and it worked wonderfully
for me
Rochester, MN: I have a somebody very close to me (my adolescent
son...I'm his father) that has anxiety and obsessiveness. He is a very
talented athletically and artistically. So much at times, he can't even
face going to school since he was up all night. Did you every have that,
and if so what do you suggest him to do now to help himself handle the pressures
he must face daily?
Ricky Williams: No, but he should definitely talk to someone. If
he can get help now, it will most likely help him out later in life
Indianapolis, IN: Did you hang out with alot of friends in high school
and college or were you a loner?
Ricky Williams: I had a lot of friends in high school and in college,
and we had a good time
Nashville, TN: I look at myself as a shy person and most of time
I shy away from any conversation. However, when I'm with close friends
and family I have no problem communicating. Where should I start in seeing
if I may have this disorder?
Ricky Williams: I would say it depends on what you do for a living.
If you don't have to talk to strangers much, it may not matter. but if your
job involves interacting with people, or you want to feel more comfortable
with strangers, I would talk to someone
Fairfax, VA: Although I've never been diagnosed with social anxiety
disorder I'm quite certain that's what I had growing up. My childhood
and adolescent years were miserable because I had no esteem, couldn't
communicate with people, feared social situations, and lacked solid friendships.
To think how much better my life would have been if I had an identity growing
up. What can you say to motivate other kids like me when I was young to
get them to seek help.
Ricky Williams: I would do everything to let them know they are normal,
that it is OK to feel the way they do, and that it is OK to talk to someone
and get help.
Comment from Ricky Williams: Thank you all for
your questions and your support, it means a lot to me. Ricky
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