what do U think

Marie85 · Post by **Marie85** » Fri Oct 24, 2008 2:09 pm

So I think I have finally accepted the fact that anxiety has taken a toll on my life but I refuse to let it take over me! My question is now, is it advisable to tell ALL your friends and family what you are going through????I don't feel comfortable with everyone knowing just yet, and i felt embarrassed sometimes about it.. I feel like when im with people now they will think that something is wrong with me or be afraid that im going to have a panic attack. or even worst telling a new guy i meet!! PLEASE HELP!!!

feeling anxious · Post by **feeling anxious** » Fri Oct 24, 2008 2:21 pm

Marie, I have been dealing with this stuff most of my life so my family was not surprised when it got really bad three years ago. For me it is easier for them to know because I can call and talk to them about things when I'm having a bad day. Even if they don't understand they still are very understanding. I don't think anyone can really understand if the haven't experienced this. Sometimes it hard for me to understand it myself. But if you are nervous you might want to start with just a few family members the ones you can trust not to make judgements. Just be ready for some of their questions. All the luck in the world. God bless you.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Oct 24, 2008 2:35 pm

I've been dealing with this for a good chunk of my life, and have only realized it lately. I've talked to people about it, but only close people. Not everyone needs to know, but it's good for loved ones to, because then they can understand you better. At least, that's what I hope for...

Avi · Post by **Avi** » Fri Oct 24, 2008 6:23 pm

Marie,

I wanted to say that I have dealt with this for some years, off and on. At one point it was very extreme, and it took some time to get over. I did make a full recovery and did not suffer at all for years and have recently started having problems with it again. When I had the first extreme dealings with it and suffered from panic attacks everyday and didn't leave my house for a little while, I also owned my own business. (Salon) I was extremely embarrassed and didn't want anyone finding out. Of course, being that bad off, I was terrified to go to work because I kept thinking it would happen when customers came in, or what if I had to leave and there was no one there to run the salon, etc.

I got to a point where I just started telling people. And when the attacks would hit when customers were standing there talking to me, I would actually say, "Excuse me, I am feeling a little faint, I have extreme panic attacks and I need to get something to drink/fresh air (whatever), I will be right back."

I just got to the point where I said...you know what...I DON'T CARE what they think. I didn't ASK for this. If someone had cancer or some disease and it caused physical symtoms or something, people would be very sympathetic. I was AMAZED at the response that I got when I did this. Most people would want to talk to me about it. Either they suffered too, or they knew someone who did, or they heard about it. I met several people who would regularly come in to discuss it and what works/doesn't work. How to support a loved one who suffers, etc. It was crazy. I also noticed that once I stopped caring what they thought, some of the anxiety disapated (spelling?). At least the part where I was worried thinking what if it happens in front of someone, etc.

Anyway. You obviously only need to discuss things with whoever YOU want to discuss them with. It's no one else's life but yours. Do whatever makes you happy and comfortable and don't worry about the rest! I hope this helps.