Anxiety Mostly Overcome - Any questions welcomed

Hello,

This is the first time I have come across this website. I believe these forums will be part of the healing process. The reason I am posting this message is because I want to help. I have experienced every symptom and have struggled for years. As a result I learned a lot and with persevierence I managed to heal. There are things I would like to share but before then I thought i'd post this message.

Thanks

Thank you MP, and welcome! Im sure happy that you help yourself and can and are will to help others, thats what this place is for ;) Please feel welcome to post your story, as it does help, a/p was something i never knew about until it happened to me and was so elated to find this place where others share and feel the same way. We are glad youre here, and keep positing!!
shell

Hi Everyone,

I had my first anxiety attack at the age of 21 in late 1999. Prior to this attack I remember being very emotionally, mentally, and physically stressed. It is as if my barrel finally overflowed. During the attack I really thought I was dying. My symptoms included dizziness, racing heart, hands curling up, numbness, and difficuilty breathing. I was out of the hospital after a few hours when I began to feel normal again. The next day I would have my second and last recurrence that had most of the symptoms but was not as bad. After this second occurence I continued to have anxiety, worrying that I would have this attack again. The only symptom I would continue to have was a sort of andrenaline rush that felt very debilitating. For years I had a tendancy to avoid being social. I also began to experience problems mentally. I began to feel indifferent. I remember not being able to make plans because of how much my health fluxuated. I may not remember all that has helped me heal, but what comes to mind right now are things like: a pure diet, new meaningful friendships, relationships, councelling, reading books, and time. I have had many other health difficulities that I have dealt with all along and continue to do so with some. I think the approach to healing is and individual one. If you continue to find what works and what doesn't work - and don't give up - you will get over it. The struggle has made me stronger and has helped me grown. This is a summary of my experience. If there were any questions at all I would love to hear them.

MP, I had my first panic attack in 2001 I was also 21 I on the other hand wasn't really going through much but that day for me was very stressful before my actual panic attack- I remember this day very well- the anxiety has never gone away but I have these little "seasons" where I am experiencing anxiety to the point where I don't go out (except to the doctors and market) because I am scared that I will have a panic attack in public or around people who don't understand. I have not been able to go out and do anything that I love doing in about 4 years. I have two small children and my anxiety is starting to take its toll on my relationship with their father( the best support I have) I do not want to be on meds and am beginning to be constantly angry and depressed because I am not "normal" my current medical assistance does not pay for therapists who do CBT and I am so scared to be on meds. If you have any insight or suggestions please help!!

when i read things like this it makes me think its all panic attacks and no asthma. im running out of ideas to help prevent these weird feelings. but i do feel all these things on a scale of 1-10 its definetly a 10!!!!!! im so young and too normal for all this.. at least i thought so. but i do think my occupation as a exotic dancer for 3 years caused me to develop all this. i was the happiest kid and teen till now.