Posted by jay on October 25, 2005, at 13:21:15
In reply to Anxiety, posted by Nate_Diggity on October 25, 2005, at 0:50:53
> Hello everyone. I stumbled across this board while researching panic disorder and it seems informative and interesting and I have decided to make a post. I have suspected for the last 5 months that I have panic disorder. My research on the web has only shown support for my hypothesis. My trouble began one day in class when I felt my heart racing, my palms sweating and generally uncomfortable. I have since determined that original attack was triggered by a caffeine overdose as I had indulged in far too much coffee that morning **college :(** . Unfortunately, since that original incident things have only spiraled downhill. While my major attacks are themsleves sparse, I am gripped by a constant fear of their return. More specifally, they thought of of having another attack is never far from my mind at any time. However, on top of these attack I have also developed a stuffed up nose which has lasted for well over 5 months now. In all honesty, I am finding all of these syptoms overwhelming to deal with, especially since there sudden and unexpected onset.
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> Thankfully, I have a very supportive girlfriend who herself suffered through extreme anxiety a young age. She used to describe it to me when we firsdt got together, and while I offered my sympathies I never truly could understand these attacks until I have began to experience them myself. I had for a while reached the stage of virtual recluse, rarely leaving my home except to go to work, and let me tell you, geting there and being there was difficult enough in itself. I have since slowly developed a series of "comforts" that allow me to funtion at an almost normal pace. Theses include always a bottle of water, and always my cellphone. My phone in case I need my girlfriends support, and water in case I feel like I can't swallow or breathe. But I want to return to a normal state entirely, without these comforts. I don't really know what I'm looking for in way of responses, maybe just advice or similar situations people have fought through. I originally had planned to battle through this myself, but I have decided today that seeking rfessional medical help is porbably the best course of action. Thanks for listening.
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> -NateHello Nate...and welcome!
I know saying "welcome" on a board dedicated to mental illness is a little odd, but just want you to know you are far, far...FAR from being alone. People in society, everyone from celebrities to sports stars to CEO's of the largest corporations on the planet struggle with these fairly similar problems. Many have panic and/or an anxiety type disorder. Myself, I have bipolar depression with heaps of anxiety. So, I can relate to many of your anxiety symptoms.
I think your idea of carrying around your little "safe care package" is an EXCELLENT idea, and why not just keep it as a part of your life...your support network? Myself, I have a similar situation, in that I often work sleep-nights at group homes, but I *must* bring my own pillow, blanket, and I keep a small fan there, because I have slept with a fan all my life. I too also carry a cell phone with a couple of emergency numbers wherever I go, like my parents and brother's numbers, just in case I get in a horrid situation.(I haven't had a girlfriend in a few years..this dreaded illness stole a lot of time from me. But, I am trying, and a bit is working, to get back up.) I also carry on me, in a small belt 'fanny' pack, at ALL times, a small amount of medication I may need to take in case of emergency. Like if I am in a public place, I head to the washroom, take an anti-anxiety pill, or whatever is needed. Then I sit down for ten-15 minutes and weap, cry, or just sit quietly, and away it goes.
Anyhow...I am sorry this is so long. I just wanted to share a few things and make you feel comfortable. Remember, and this is the HARDEST part of all, I know....that no matter how bad your moment gets..it *WILL* pass....and be over.
Please take care...and post..post..post!!! We are here to help each other.
Best and sincerely,
Jay
poster:jay
thread:571627
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20051021/msgs/571727.html