It is a relief to come to a site where obviously other people understand what I have been dealing with for so long! My panic attacks started approximately 7 years ago and were mild and sporadic, but over the last few years they have become pervasive into almost all aspects of my life. I no longer travel due to anxiety over traffic, bridges, tunnels, etc. My driving radius is very limited. I take Lexapro nightly and clonazepam 1-2 times a day and then lorazepam only as needed for rescue. I have been going to CBT for almost a year and have learned techniques and strategies to manage this. However, I still have times when I literally feel paralyzed by this. And on top of it, depression has come in like a cloud and compounded all of it.
I am fortunate to work at home. I am fortunate to have a child who other people see as a respectful young man. I am successful at my job. I own my house. There are plenty of positives, so why do I continue to have this intense urge to focus only on the negatives? How can I think about teaching my son to drive when I barely do it myself? How am I going to get him to college when I can't drive farther than 15 minutes from my house?
The past week or so has been worse than usual with depression, but thankfully at times like this I am able to realize who my friends are and who understands what it is that I deal with.
I am curious to know if others out there have dealt with anxiety/panic and the guiltly feelings that are bound to come with it? Any suggestions? Positive inner feedback, breathing, counting, medications, all of these DO help. I am starting Reliv supplements on Thursday of this week and looking forward to it. I don't expect a miracle, but HOPE is a wondeful thing to have and I am feelign some of this pushing its way through the fog around my head at this time.
I would really appreciate hearing back from any other members who are dealing with these issues and/or have conquered it. Any suggestions appreciated!