Stress Center Peer Support

I have been dealing with extreme anxiety slowly taking over my life the past 2 months. I dealt with this back in my twenties for years. I just recently had 3 good years-panic free-or at least where it wasn't controlling my every thought and move. I am now almost housebound-scared to go to Walmart cause I had an attack there-scared to go back to college cause I had an attack there so I dropped out. Now I recently had an issue with walking my child into his preschool-the smell got me-all it was was the new burnt smell when you first fire up the heater for the winter and all that dust that accumulates burns off-but I smelt it and my body thought what was that and started reacting-my heart tripled its speed and I couldn't breathe-all I wanted was an out-so I let him off at his class and speed walked out the door and jumped in my car and sped off-then all symptoms started to go away-so now I fear takeing him to class. Anxiety is taking my life away from me. I am only 30 and feel like I am a prisoner to my own home. I need help!!!! I don't know why smells bother me so bad and why I let them-the past 2 years they haven't bothered me-it is like my anxiety makes me sensitive to everything. I feel so hopeless and at times like I am losing my mind. This can't happen because I have 3 wonderful children that i feel I am warping because of this. They don't understand when mommy feels like she is going to pass out-all they know is to move quick. I have got to get control of this and I feel like I am losing hope.Anyone have any kind words or suggestions for me.I also recently less than 2 years ago lost my mom which was also my safe person so I am struggling really bad since my setback. Anyway- I am just soooooo tried from it all. Can anyone relate? AM I too far gone? IS the smell thing part of the panic attacks? Some underlying fear?

Hi momto3...all I can say is that I think that you are very strong for asking for help. I think that it takes a strong person to want to change and be different. I too am a sufferer of anxiety and depression and am just starting Lucinda's program. It sometimes feels overwhelming - there are so many things to change - negative thoughts, worries, etc. but I know that we can do it! It is very hard to lose someone you love, but is there anyone else you can talk to? I always find that it helps to talk to a close friend to get things off my chest. Like the program says - take deep breaths and try to envision doing something - going to wal-mart, the school, etc - in a positive way. Try to remember prior to the panic - believe me, I know it's hard, but just hang in there. Things will get better. Also - journaling helps to lessen the panic attacks for me. I write about them, then I crumple them up and throw them away - very lethargic. I try to end the writing by saying that I'm not going to let those thoughts bother me again. It is definitely a process and there is an ebb and tide. I just got married 7 months ago and was so happy, but I'm already starting the fall back into the abyss... worrying and being negative are my downfalls. I am new to these chat rooms, but it does seem to help. Again, hang in there, and I'm thinking of you and I know things will get better.

Hello!I just want you to know that I know how you feel.I'm the same way.Not with smells but always looking for a way out.I also have the fear of passing out.This anxiety has made my world very small.I will never take anything for granted again.Well so now all that said I say we have to keep telling ourselves that we're getting stronger!We have to believe in ourselves.We can get through this!We have to try really hard to stay in the moment.Focus on the positives.My kids also have suffered from me having this anxiety.I just tell them that I'm sorry and that I'm working on it.I'm the same way about the walking fast.What are we running from?We really can't run from ourselves.I'm sorry that I couldn't help you more.I'm still trying to figure it all out.Just know that you're not alone.I feel your pain.I'll pray for us.Take care and God bless!

Isn't it weird how our body reacts to things such as smells, places, events, etc. I had a panic attack in Walmart once also and it took me awhile to go back; but I did go back and faced it. The other week I was in front of a hospital when I started thinking how I use to go there many years ago to the ER. I was at the ER all the time due to panic attacks. Just that one thought sent my body into a panic and can you believe it.....I went to the ER that day!!!! Of course they didn't find anything wrong with me as usual. But if you think about it, since things like that can cause us to have panic attacks then I would think it only makes sense that thinking "positive" thoughts most definitely would help. I am trying really hard to tell myself that its "only" anxiety and I won't die, go crazy, etc. I do believe it is best to not let the anxiety stop us from doing the things we want to do. I still do most things regardless of the anxiety but have to admit that some days are better than others. I wish you the best and remember we are all in this together... this is a great place for support. Take care and God Bless!!!

Momto3--Smell is the sense that triggers memory the most--it only stands to reason that smells would trigger your anxiety. Any smell or other sense your body associates with panic can trigger another episode. I know when I'm anxious every little thing bothers me more which makes me more anxious. It's a nasty, nasty, self-feeding circle of yuck! You are not too far gone and you will be OK. Your kids need to see what you are doing to help yourself. Life isn't perfect and won't be perfect for them. Showing them how you go on in spite of your anxiety and depression will teach them more than any "perfect" life or "perfect" mom image you long to show them. I have three children also and a mother that suffered greatly with anxiety and panic when I growing up. I've always admired her tenacity and will to keep on keepin' on. You will be all right--hang in there!

Hello how are you i an relate not with smells, but i always feel that i have to think before going to a place to make sure that i will not be anxious and if i do what can i do?? is not like hoo yea i am going to a soccer game how fun! no i always think hoo hoo lots and lots of people what if!!! and you know what that is what puts us into troube!! i been dealing with this anxiaty for about 3 years now i am 28 but i think since i was 8 i been very anxious girl, i want you to know that there is hope there, when you start feeling like that, just breath and distract yourself with your kids or call someone, its just anxiaty and it will not hurt you, now your mom i am so so sorry!! but be strong!! and remember that we are our own safe person and we are stronger than this, we control our minds!! best of luck!! and godbless you dont give up!!!!