Hi and Welcome! My name is G and I am 39 years old. When I was 21, I was struck with severe panic and anxiety attacks that has left me disabled and with agoraphobia.
I have suffered from panic and anxiety attacks for about 20 years. With all the doctors I have seen and medications that I have been on, I felt it was my duty as a sufferer to help others who suffer from the same illness.
I am currently working on a creating a program in hopes to reach and help as many sufferers as I can. I have read many books, seen many doctors, and have been on many meds, twice over. I think with my knowledge of this illness I may be able to help others as well as help myself.
As I am writing my book, I have learned so many tools to help get through life and all that it can bring. Dealing with my panic disorder I am aware that what enables me most is the fear of fear. I used to go to sleep with panic, wake up with panic, and keep panic on my side all throughout my day.
This is no way to live for anyone. Fear of fear has taken my wings and I am unable to do the most simplest of tasks. For example, a trip to the market, gas station, doctor's appointment, or just a drive locally in general, takes me alot of preparation. Panic fills me constantly when I do these things.
Before, I took for granted EVERYTHING I was able to do. Now, I am fighting to gain my life back. I want to be able to leave my house and have no fear. Go wherever I want without thinking about the nearest hospital or "what if" or obsessing over my own thoughts. The tools I am learning and want to share will help you get through all this.
I have found ways to relax, retrain my mind, along with many other tools. Anger, OCD, PTSD, Depression, Phobias, etc. These tools will help anyone and everyone, whether or not you suffer like I do and have. Give yourself a chance and start fighting. If you already began, you have a head start. It is time to take back your life and make it livable again with comfort!!!
I am noticing that more and more doctors are recognizing panic and anxiety disorder and they have many medicinal treatments. I have tried them all and for me, only a few help. This doesn't mean there isn't a treatment available for you. I have seen medication help many.
In the first few years of my panic attacks and agoraphobia, I had self medicated with alcohol and drugs, which of course only numbed me and didn't help a bit. I know many are out there doing the same. It is nothing to be ashamed of but if you can realize what you are doing then you can take a step forward to recovery and healing.
I have felt all of the following: depression, OCD, anxiety, panic attacks, stress and other phobias. I still suffer with panic attacks and agoraphobia more than anything. I really thought I was as bad as they come but along this path that I am on, I realized I am not the only one and what a relief to know I am not alone, losing my mind or going crazy. I am learning tools now to help me be "recovered" someday. I work on them and embed them in my mind and use them on a daily basis in order to change the way I view things. We have all been conditioned to think in certain ways and what we suffer from has also been proven to be hereditary.
However, you are not alone and can get the help that you need. I have realized that through the Higher Power, The Great Mystery above, (or however you would like to put it), I have been able to attain strength. I am not into any organized religions, however, I am very spiritual and through this I am still fighting and still alive. For this, I am truly blessed. I don't push this on anyone and I fell that whatever works for you and aids in giving you strength is great!
Throughout the years, I have also found that, for me, becoming a vegetarian and changing my diet and exercise, and also becoming holistic has helped me some. Also, yoga has done wonders for me. I can't go all the time due to my panic attacks and agoraphobia, however, when I do, it helps me more and more to get stronger.
Keep in mind that when you begin to exercise, your mind might mistake your increased heartbeat and breathing for a panic attack. So start slow and work your way up.
Right now, I run a support group for people who suffer from phobias of all sorts, panic attacks, anxiety attacks, depression, stress, OCD, and post traumatic stress disorder a.k.a. PTSD.
COMING SOON...A COLLECTION OF TOOLS BY ME. If you are interested in getting involved so I can write about your personal experiences and triggers other than my own, feel free to contact me.
The Anxiety Disease by David V. Sheehan, M.D.
You Can Heal Your Life by Louise L. Hay
Healthy Genius
Anxiety Disorder
Attacking Anxiety and Depression
Midwest Center
112 North Church Street
Oak Harbor, Ohio 43449
(419)898-4357
Please feel free to contact me anytime. I am here for you as I know others are there for me. With each others help, we can all look forward to brighter days, healing days, and wings to help us fly again.
gbone1206@aol.com