Is Anxiety/Panic Disorder a mental illness or nervous condition?

Libran · Post by **Libran** » Tue Feb 03, 2009 3:56 am

I do not believe Anxiety/Panic disorder is a mental illness as it can be treated. I have successfully weaned myself off of medication and haven't had a panic attack since last year. I still get "fearful," if it weren't for the program, I wouldn't have gotten better.

I don't consider Anxiety/Panic disorder a nervous condition either as I am not nervous, just fearful at times that something bad is going to happen. My anxiety tends to flare up mildly when I'm under a lot of stress...which I am right now.

My husband is in a custody battle and his ex-wife is attempting to claim that I have a mental illness and asking if I seek counseling for it. My health is completely irrelevant to the custody case but it appears the ex-wife is trying to do everything/anything to tear our marriage apart.

I've had to see my counselor again (since last summer) because of all the emotional distress the ex-wife is causing. If anyone has a similar situation or want to give advice on how to handle things, please let me know. I'm fine but I do get frustrated at times because my husband and I just want to enjoy our lives without someone trying to destroy it.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Feb 03, 2009 4:34 am

no anxiety/panic is not a mental disorder its an emotional condition. Lucinda also goes into this in the lesson that explains anxiety/panic and its very comforting to listen to.....

I sought therapy for several years for many reasons and anxiety was one topic we covered and I was told as well by that professional that no anxiety is not a mental disorder.

So take a deep breath and know that your feelings are nothing more than a state of unbalance....your life is stressing you out and your body and mind are responding in a negative way thats all... and you have the power to change this reaction to a positive.

Keep at your program and really apply the skills to your everyday life...and you will see change come!

Good Luck to you!
Dodger

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Feb 03, 2009 4:59 am

you know dodger, i would challenge you on the "...body and mind are responding in a negative way" thing.

the fight-or-flight response is a perfectly normal (and 100% healthy) response to a threat. it is not a negative reaction; rather a positive reaction in terms of survival.

and this ex-wife here truly sounds like an "admirable" character. if there is a negative in this situation, its the 'ex-wife'.

libran, i do agree with dodger and yourself that this is not a mental illness. it is response to stress. severe emotional stress, but stress nontheless. you want to be at peace, and this outside, negative entity seeks to do both you and your husband harm.

i don't pretend to have great advice here, but getting her out of your lives ASAP is the best thing possible!

reality and custody battles can drag on, so finding some balance and semblance in this is a must. is there a way to distract yourselves from this when not having to deal with it?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Feb 05, 2009 3:46 am

Yes, we're able to distract ourselves from the current situation, although it has been quite an emotional toll.

I thank you Dodger and Paul for your advice. Mean people attempt to break you down but then you just gotta think, maybe they're not happy with their lives.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Feb 05, 2009 7:58 pm

i dont know how to label this disorder other than just that a disorder.all i realy know is this no matter what the ex wife thinks you r my hero and dont let the envolvment of this person to rob u of your ausome victory. i hope that i wil be able to do what youve done thanks for the hope