Hi, new here! :)

[HeyHeyHey]

Hi, I'm new here. I've dealt with anxiety and panic attacks since I was about 12. I am now 26. In the past month and a half they've gotten a lot worse. So I decided to try therapy opposed to self-medicating with alcohol or drugs as I had in the past. She suggested I join a group and maybe find some people who can relate to what I deal with. I typically have anxiety/panic attacks when I feel stuck somewhere. I like to be the one to drive, and I'm always afraid I'm going to get sick (at my stomach because I have IBS). So when I'm on the road I am freaking out if I'm in a new area. I am trying to talk myself down and I've always been able to do so fairly well in the past but recently it's just became worse. Any suggestions? Thanks!

[Lin]

I have started going to Recovery Education Service courses on all types of subjects to help with my depression and anxiety and attending the courses has given me the courage to go to places on my own. I also go to buddha and christian meditation groups which I find good, and once you have gone the first time you have made friends. After my last REC course I found I missed meeting people who understood me so I have started a peer support group on an evening, our town had a day one but that is no good if you work. We only have six members of our group so far, but just those few help me loads. It means once a week I can talk to people who completely understand what I say and would never consider saying anything stupid like "pull yourself together", they are also very honest and tell me when i am hyper etc. I thoroughly recommend meeting people who understand and I know that there are Peer Support Groups in most towns and cities - if you are in England your Mental Health Forum will know where and when your nearest group is as they oversee the groups. Well worth getting over your fears to attend such a group.

[HeyHeyHey]

Thank you. I haven't found a group in my area! But, hopefully I can find one soon. :) I'm glad the groups are helping you. Meditation is my next step, it seems to really help a lot of people and you just further confirmed that.