Hello

Hi all,
Just wanted to drop a note andmsay hello. My story. Well I'm a 33 yr old male. Been diagnosed with GAD and Panic Disorder in 2007 but have had it since I was a little guy. All started in my mid 20's. Had just got married and moved away from home and life was going great until my 1st panic attack. My wife had to go on a business trip for a week and her leaving I guess set it all off. At first I thought I was dying like so many of us do. Heart palps, racing heart the whole works. Went to a GP where we were living at the time and said it was anxiety. He prescribed my Zoloft and Xanax. I didn't want meds I wanted to know why and what was happening to my body!! Well the panic went on and on till it was so bad we moved back to my hometown about 2 years later. Luckily I found a an awesome therapist and started 12 weeks of CBT. I also saw my family doc and was put on 1mg klonopin at night and 10mg lexapro. After the meds kicked in and with therapy I made a great recovery. Fast forward to today. The company I work for decided to ban all benzos amongst other drugs. So to keep my job I had to withdraw off of Klonopin after being on it for over 6 years. Wow did that suck. Did a very long taper with the help of my GP and Pdoc. Finally off it but the panic has returned in full force. Been trying to use coping skills I learned from therapy but it is kicking my butt. My Pdoc has been trying to find the right meds for me but without benzos. So far it's been a roller coaster ride. Finally feel somewhat stable on what I'm taking now. Sorry for the long post. Really enjoyed the forum so far lots of great info. Also wanted people to know that recovery is possible. I have been to the other side of the tunnel so never lose hope!!! Thanks for taking the time to read. Looking forward to contributing when I can.

Hi. I'm new here as well. I had to go off klonopin a few years back. I was on 4mg a day. Somehow I did it with breathing, bio feedback and walking. However ,now I'm in the same dark tunnel I was in before but without my parents , friends or family that understands. I swore I would never get back to this place but here I am. This time its worse. I can handle a lot but medical even with my daughter puts me in panic mode. I never experienced not being able to swallow, mucas in throat, pain. I haven't yet found a medication my ibs, gi and body can handle. I'm not working at the present time and going through a divorce....hopefully. I say that jokingly because never try to divorce an attorney;). I am now back on klonopin...1mg 2x a day. Any help would be appreciated. Please hang in there...you can do it. I know I'm new but here for you!


GAD, ibs, depression, gerd.

Hi H.F. and welcome!

Glad you have joined us, and thanks for sharing your story!

You have been through, and overcome so much! Great job on staying postive throughout your journey...it has served you well, and will no doubt continue do so!

Have you had a chance to check out our Resources at the top of the main page?

You'll find all sorts of great coping skills and recommendations for anxiety management including links, therapy worksheets and more...you may find something new for you that is helpful.

Keep posting with us. We are a caring group, sharing struggles and victories.:) Support is key, and we are glad you joined!

Scaredy Cat