Well, I guess I've finally reached the point where I need some help. It's been hard asking for it, that's for sure. So, here goes.
My story is probably similar to alot of yours. I was sitting at my desk one say about seven years ago, 22 years old, and suddently this wave of lightheadedness and nausea hit me while I was on the phone. It literally came from nowhere. I thought it was low blood sugar (happens a couple times a year), and decided to look for something to eat and drink. I didn't feel better, so I left work and went home. Looking back, that's probably when I had my first official panic attack. So, of course, I went to the hospital, had all the tests performed - and nothing. The doctors assumed I was dehydrated or something like that.
Over the next two months, I would go to the hospital three more times, convinced death was imminent. I can't even count the number of times I went to my regular doctor with some kind of ailment. He wanted to prescribe all the anti-anxiety medicines, but I passed on them. I knew they would only mask the problem.
The first year of anxiety was the toughest. The symptoms were almost unbearable. I'm pretty sure that was the first time in my life I was depressed. I had just graduated college, living 400 miles away from anybody I knew, and I was alone. On top of that, I was suddently feeling as though my entire body was breaking down. I still remember the lightheadedness, dizziness, and general feeling of constant anxiety about my health. I was losing sleep and my mind at the same time.
Fast-forward eight years, and I still have many of the same problems. My "scary spots" are places where I am afraid I will become ill, pass out or have a major medical event. These places include weddings, large company meetings or some smaller social gatherings. In fact, I can't think of the last time I went somewhere without thinking about having a panic attack to some degree. Of course, some days are better than others, but as all of you know, the constant thoughts of peril or doom are emotionally and physically draining. I can put on a good front in most cases, but I'm to the point where I need to finally admit that I have a problem that can't solve itself.
So, that's where I am. Sorry if I've bored you with my details. This is actually the first time I've posted a message on a forum like this, always thinking previously that my anxiety and panic attacks weren't "that" bad. I feel like I've relapsed recently (could be related to the stress of baby number 1 arriving in a few months and money worries), and I need to finally be done with this. I can't continue this way.
I haven't yet purchased the program. I'm still researching it, but I'm pretty sure I will own it soon. It has to help because my techniques have seen spotty results at best. I'm hoping that the first step of trying to communicate with people in a similar situation will begin the healing process.
Is anybody else jealous of people who don't suffer from panic and anxiety? That's the new phase that I'm in. I wish I could just be normal again, like I was when I was younger and feared nothing it seemed. I hate seeing other people move through life normally, while I struggle some days just to make it to the next hour.
Anyways, thanks for reading. I look forward to communicating with some of you and talking further about ways to get better.
Good luck to all of you!!!
Finally facing it
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Guest
Hi,
Congrats on your first post and reaching out to others. I'm sure as many of us read your post we can def. relate in one way or another. I'm sorry you are having such a hard time right now.
I too, am having trouble with my anxiety right now. My anxiety started around the same age as you. I was 23 and now I just turned 27. I also have feelings of resentment towards others who I feel have a normal life but then I stop myself because everyone has problems. I mean you and I probably had a normal life up until our anxiety started.
I think that if you purchase this program you will find a lot of good information and resources. The program isn't magic and there is no overnight cure. We are the ones who control our own thoughts and feelings and with that we can help control our anxietys. I think posting a lot of your problems on here will help because others can always relate on some level.
I want to wish you luck with the program, if you decide to purchase it, and good luck overcoming your anxiety. It will take time but you can do it!!
Congrats on your first post and reaching out to others. I'm sure as many of us read your post we can def. relate in one way or another. I'm sorry you are having such a hard time right now.
I too, am having trouble with my anxiety right now. My anxiety started around the same age as you. I was 23 and now I just turned 27. I also have feelings of resentment towards others who I feel have a normal life but then I stop myself because everyone has problems. I mean you and I probably had a normal life up until our anxiety started.
I think that if you purchase this program you will find a lot of good information and resources. The program isn't magic and there is no overnight cure. We are the ones who control our own thoughts and feelings and with that we can help control our anxietys. I think posting a lot of your problems on here will help because others can always relate on some level.
I want to wish you luck with the program, if you decide to purchase it, and good luck overcoming your anxiety. It will take time but you can do it!!
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Guest
Wow! Thanks for the response and your words of encouragement!!! And, thanks for reading such a long post. I didn't realize how long it was until I went back and read it again. Sheesh!
You're right...my life was normal before anxiety. I don't want to resent other people who are "normal", but that's just where I am right now. I'm sure it will pass.
You're right...my life was normal before anxiety. I don't want to resent other people who are "normal", but that's just where I am right now. I'm sure it will pass.
Yes, it is true, most of us can relate to you in one way or another.
My brother is very similar to you with the anxiety in meetings, weddings, etc. (Situations where there are a lot of people or it would be considered "inappropriate" for you to leave.)
I had a few panic attacks here and there in my teens. When I was twenty, I had just opened a business and was breaking up with my first love, and BAM...started having the attacks constantly. I developed panic disorder and agoraphobia and for a period of time wouldn't go outside the house. I purchased this program back then, and it was tough, but eventually overcame it and didn't even think or worry about it anymore. I went anywhere I wanted, traveled and did whatever I wanted without concern of anxiety.
Here in the last few months (8 years later) I started having the attacks again and have had a difficult time functioning in every day life.
I sit here and think who I was just MONTHS ago and think how could this be happening again??!! I do have a pretty good idea as to why, it's just that I have been so much better for so long I never thought it would ever bother me again.
Anyway. You can overcome it, and this program will help you. I am not as afraid this time because I know the progress I made before. And I was pretty bad off!!
You will get better if you put the effort in and have the right tools. You are about to have a whole new quality of life! Be blessed!
My brother is very similar to you with the anxiety in meetings, weddings, etc. (Situations where there are a lot of people or it would be considered "inappropriate" for you to leave.)
I had a few panic attacks here and there in my teens. When I was twenty, I had just opened a business and was breaking up with my first love, and BAM...started having the attacks constantly. I developed panic disorder and agoraphobia and for a period of time wouldn't go outside the house. I purchased this program back then, and it was tough, but eventually overcame it and didn't even think or worry about it anymore. I went anywhere I wanted, traveled and did whatever I wanted without concern of anxiety.
Here in the last few months (8 years later) I started having the attacks again and have had a difficult time functioning in every day life.
I sit here and think who I was just MONTHS ago and think how could this be happening again??!! I do have a pretty good idea as to why, it's just that I have been so much better for so long I never thought it would ever bother me again.
Anyway. You can overcome it, and this program will help you. I am not as afraid this time because I know the progress I made before. And I was pretty bad off!!
You will get better if you put the effort in and have the right tools. You are about to have a whole new quality of life! Be blessed!