NEW HERE

Just wanted to intro myself, my name is Dawn and I suffer from panic/anxiety disorder too!!

I HATE IT!! I am not limited to my house, but am to the big malls, I have a problem taking just about any kind of meds - I do take Xanax occasionally - and I also have recently been diagnosed with Cyclothymic disorder which is borderline Bipolar I  - It's funny, cause I'm afraid anything I take will harm my body, but yet I can smoke a Cig with no problem, I have a hard time justifying taking anything other than Tylenol and Xanax, for fear that I will over analyze the side effects and have a panic attack. I am 35 will be 36 in August and have only had panic for about 4 years with it starting with the ending of a bad realtionship.. Go figure..

I have many triggers, and sometimes, I can panic for no apparent reason.. I usually can use calming techniques I learned from the net to calm myself, but recently they have begun to change - I have alos FINALLY figured out, that I feed off of those around me, my g/f was anxious the other night, about asking me if I minded if she went somewhere without me - I didn't mind, but she thought I would - I started feeling anxios before our conversation - I got up, took a Xanax, and then after our talk she left - when she returned, I asked her about how she was feeling before she left - if SHE was anxious, she informed me she was, in the fact that she didn't want to upset me by leaving the house so late, but she needed to go out for a bit - I told her that I figured she was, because I think I feed off of her feelings - I also do this alot with my son. And not only does it effect my panic, but my moods too. Was wondering if anyone else has this reaction to their loved ones? And how they handle it..

I don't have a pdoc, needing to get one -

Anyway, glad I found this site - I know it'll be a big help..

Thanks for listening

Dawn

deep slow breathing also helps to calm you, do try it

if you dont like being left alone, having a dog often helps

I think studying self help books on anxiety is more helpful than getting a psych, also cheaper

Welcome Dawn !!! I often have to give my partner a "breather" because he get's agitated watching me get agitated...I find if I give him some time alone then he is fine.  I also have a little kitty that keeps me company when I get anxious alone. 

A Pdoc can be really helpful, but only if they are sympathetic and intelligent.  If you feel uncomfortable..get outta there fast! I look forward to chatting with you more soon on this site