Hello

[overcomer10]

I have been wanting to become a member of this forum for some time. I have often scrolled through the stories of others during my panic attacks. During those times of suffering the words I would find would help me cope. So thank you posters!

As I type this I am actually subsiding from a panic attack myself I took a prescribed clonazepam and walked around the block about 10 times doing breathing exercises and trying to stay mindful till the attack subsided. I also try to practice meditation and mindfulness, I see a Psychiatrist and a Therapist; yes I am your regular panic disorder sufferer. I have suffered with this disorder for almost 10 years, I know how hard it is to live with this. My heart is with all of my fellow sufferers, and overcomers hence my screen name.

That being said I have come along way until 4 years ago I used to self medicate and as we know that did not work out to well. At one point I just about could not do anything but hide from the world and drug myself. Now through years of experience I have found much healthier ways to deal.

Thank you!

[Ryker]

Hi, welcome.

The good thing here is you're totally normal, if only if in a "first day at Xavier's college for the Gifted", sort of way.

You sound like you're well on your way. In me it subsided pretty quickly as soon as I was able to start recovering faster. Before long after that I was able to prevent what I knew would have been an attack from becoming one.

Now I can say I'm as 'cured' as can be. I still keep up the practice and still feel that buzz of anxiety but can honestly say I even enjoy it.

Glad you joined.

[overcomer10]

Ryker thank you, I have been told that I am doing great compared to years past. Sometimes I question that, but in reflection yes I am in a much better place. The time change here in the States really gets to me. I am encouraged by your testament of getting better it is good to hear about someone who has been through the struggle and came out better on the other side thank you!

[Ryker]

It really does get better. As soon as you're at the point where you can put yourself in a situation that you know would be anxiety-inducing and predict the feelings that come along and just relax through them while they come and go again the lessons start sinking in really quickly. Just as quickly as we can teach ourselves to panic we can teach ourselves not to.

After that it's just the surprise, or unexpected situations that come and get you when you were thinking about other things and didn't have the ability to prepare for and predict the anxiety. Those situations take a while to cope with, but it comes eventually.

It's 2am here - just upgrading some servers while customers are asleep.