My story

[TessaClaire]

I have been suffering with anxiety off and on for almost 17 years. It can get very extreme at times and I reach very low points in my life. I am 22 now and I am at my peak with panic. I have agorophobia meaning I am terrified of having a panic attack...which usually causes a panic attack because I obsess over it so much. My panic attacks happen at random and now I have developed a fear of being alone. It makes me so angry because I have accomplished so much in my life and have always been incredibly independent. I am mostly fearful of driving far places alone and being home alone at the moment. I am taking 4 medications. I am literally feeling trapped in this illness and have become insanely depressed. It is ruining my relationship with my boyfriend because I can no longer go to his house (he lives an hour away) or be with his friends and family. It is really taking a toll on my family also because they get frustrated with me being like this. I have tried to just suck it up and drive or do things on my own, but then a panic attack hits and it is the worst feeling ever. I feel as if I take a step forward and ten steps back. I have started to see a new doctor so hopefully her and I can find a different medication combination that works for me. Currently I hate my life. I am a makeup artist and I miss working. I have turned down job interviews because of the anxiety. If you've read all of this and have any feedback I'd really appreciate it. Also, I am beginning to see a new therapist so maybe that will help. If you have overcome anxiety or gotten it under control I would love to read your story.

Thanks,
Tess

[malty]

Hey tess

All I can say is that I think you're brave living through it for this long and I can understand how you're feeling and I know it's horrible. Whilst my anxiety is very different, my approach is to try and be positive about everything as much as possible, attack life and problems and to try and smile.
That's probably awful advice, but that's what I'm trying at the moment.

Hope you get loads of support on here!

[shaikhrahuf]

Tessa,
We r all going from this problem that is d reason v r here, keep a note of what is causing u a panic attack so that u can discuss it with ur doc, i understand panic attacks make life shit in a sec coz v all r goin thru this, meds, exercise, yoga, meditation, breathing exercise all this things help, pick up ur favourite exercise and do it twice a day, jot down all ur panic triggers and fight them, dnt make urself to take control on u by ur sick brain fight it back, remember there is light at d end of the tunnel..