Hi all - looks like I'm in good company!

[Daniel_DM]

I've been looking at many different sites and forums and glad to find this one. Anxiety, panic attacks, and social anxiety have been an issue for me most of my life.

I'd have to say I'm just very good at finding something to worry about in nearly any situation :)

Over the past few years though, I've really turned a corner - reduced my anxiety, and haven't had a panic attack for a long time!

Looking forward to chatting with everyone...

Dan

[Indelibly_Marla]

Hi Dan, glad to hear that you've managed to reduce your panic attacks and GAD, well done. :D Welcome.

[CLV]

Hi Dan,

It's great to hear that you've turned a corner.

Do you have any tips or advice you can share? Was there any specific turning point you can remember?

Cheers,

Carl

[Daniel_DM]

Hi Carl,

Just getting back from holidays!

I can say for sure that my recovery process was a gradual one but a definite turning point came when was realized I was playing the role of the victim. I was focusing on all the bad things in my life that had happened to me rather than taking charge and doing something about my situation.

This didn't happen until 2 trips to the Emergency dept and several visits to my GP but when I did start making changes, it wasn't long before I started noticing improvements.

Another big realization (and relief) was knowing that I had an actual mental health issue and that I wasn't going 'crazy'. Knowing this, I gained confidence and reassurance that if I was sick, I could get better - no different than as if I had the flu or some other physical condition.

I spent a lot of time researching and then started making changes - the easiest one's first that would have the biggest impact. I improved my diet, stopped drinking & smoking, started to exercise, and dropped some relationships that were negative and harmful. These things had a huge impact for the better.

Since then I've focused on continuous mental, physical (although I think these are mostly one in the same), and spiritual growth and improvement. I enjoy life and take care of myself but have really tried to shift my attention to what I can do for others as well. This is very rewarding. The other side of the coin has been to accept help and support from others - something I was never very good at. We are social creatures and thrive on interaction with each other.

Through all of this I have not taken any medication and - at least for me - I think this has been a wise decision. Medication can take many many forms - prescribed, over-the-counter, alcohol, tobacco, other drugs - but they all do the same thing: mask the problem and cause unwanted side effects. I realize there is a time and place for medication but I encourage anyone to think twice before using this option.

All the best!

Dan

[CLV]

Hi Dan,

Thanks for the post.

Your situation sounds very similar to mine - the main part being that I don't like to accept help from others, or even admit there is a problem in the first place.

I ran my own company for five years, and with the economy the way it is I began to struggle. My turning point was when I got a new job, had to go on training, and had to come back home because I couldn't cope.

Following this, I realised how serious my problem is (and yes I now admit I have a problem!). I've been honest with my partner of 3 years that I have a problem, so I suppose the help starts here.

But in a weird sort of way, it's made me more determined than ever to make my business work. Like you, I've also quit smoking (for 3 months now) after many years, cut down on drink, and eat very healthy with lots of exercise.

Scrapping the barrell for a positive here, but for all sufferer's out there - remember, when you get better you're going to experience a feeling of relief that most people will never experience 8)

Take Care.

Carl