Joe L
05-31-2016, 11:31 AM
Hello all!
I am 39, male and have been dealing with anxiety/panic for most of my life. I have been able to lead a somewhat normal life even with these issues. Marriage/home ownership/family/job are all things that I have been able to achieve despite having such a hard time with mental issues. So why the heck am I here? I am searching for more support/guidance with the debilitating disease.
Here is more about my background:
I come from a strong supportive family. I started having anxiety as a child with the fear of "something happening to me". Driving long distances, traveling, social situations, large crowds ect. Those fears have never ceased. The fear leads to panic and I think everyone knows how the cycle goes from there. I avoid situations that make me anxious. The pure mention of them can cause anxiety. I hate this feeling. I have an amazingly supportive wife of ten years and a 21 month old gorgeous, sweet, smart and well behaved daughter. I love my family! I currently manage a team of 60 people at work and am successful at my job. I like what I do and would have never imagined that I would be in this position.
I have been seeing a psychiatrist for nearly ten years who has me on Cymbalta and Nefazodone (serzone) daily. He also prescribes Ativan as needed but I never take it. I'm not really sure anymore if the meds help or if I really need them. At my last appointment I mentioned to my doc that my anxiety was worse than normal lately and he told me to take magnesium and Omega III fatty acids to see it that might help.
I don't want to feel like this anymore. I don't want to think about the future and have the feeling that I will always be like this. I don't want to get that sunken feeling in my stomach anymore. I just want to lead a "normal" life.
I don't know what to do or where to go from here. That's why I have joined this forum. I'm looking for others that may have or had the same mental health issues and what may have helped them fight it. Self help included. I'm looking for inspiration so hopefully someday I can be someone's inspiration. I appreciate any and all feedback! Thank you all!
I am 39, male and have been dealing with anxiety/panic for most of my life. I have been able to lead a somewhat normal life even with these issues. Marriage/home ownership/family/job are all things that I have been able to achieve despite having such a hard time with mental issues. So why the heck am I here? I am searching for more support/guidance with the debilitating disease.
Here is more about my background:
I come from a strong supportive family. I started having anxiety as a child with the fear of "something happening to me". Driving long distances, traveling, social situations, large crowds ect. Those fears have never ceased. The fear leads to panic and I think everyone knows how the cycle goes from there. I avoid situations that make me anxious. The pure mention of them can cause anxiety. I hate this feeling. I have an amazingly supportive wife of ten years and a 21 month old gorgeous, sweet, smart and well behaved daughter. I love my family! I currently manage a team of 60 people at work and am successful at my job. I like what I do and would have never imagined that I would be in this position.
I have been seeing a psychiatrist for nearly ten years who has me on Cymbalta and Nefazodone (serzone) daily. He also prescribes Ativan as needed but I never take it. I'm not really sure anymore if the meds help or if I really need them. At my last appointment I mentioned to my doc that my anxiety was worse than normal lately and he told me to take magnesium and Omega III fatty acids to see it that might help.
I don't want to feel like this anymore. I don't want to think about the future and have the feeling that I will always be like this. I don't want to get that sunken feeling in my stomach anymore. I just want to lead a "normal" life.
I don't know what to do or where to go from here. That's why I have joined this forum. I'm looking for others that may have or had the same mental health issues and what may have helped them fight it. Self help included. I'm looking for inspiration so hopefully someday I can be someone's inspiration. I appreciate any and all feedback! Thank you all!