Quote:
Originally posted by Wenchy
I've suffered from bouts of depression and anxiety attacks since I was in my early 20s.
|
Wenchy, apparently it is VERY common for people to begin suffering anxiety attacks in their early 20's....especially women. Mine began then too.
Quote:
|
I taught myself to control my depression, but the anxiety is not quite that easy.... it has a mind of its own.
|
Don't I know it...haha. I had post-partum depression since my first son in 1991. It was finally diagnosed in 1995, 2 years after my second son. My last son, 2001, they preemptively put me on Zoloft to avoid a recurrence...lol....but the panic is a totally different sort of beast....yet both depression and anxiety often go hand in hand.
Quote:
|
I always have a paper lunch sack handy for the anxiety attacks... the hyperventilating makes me feel like I'm suffocating and going to die, and breathing into the bag is the best way I've found to deal with that scenario.
|
There are many different symptoms...mine were more to do with my heart and sweating....but I know many who suffer with certain breathing/choking symptoms. You just never know how it will hit you. But one thing is constant....feeling like you are going to die.
Quote:
|
Also, I believe it's important that the people closest to you understand both what you have and how it affects you... they need to know how to help and what to do for you without being scared to death because you're freaking out.
|
THIS is sooo important. My husband had no idea how to help me....and in fact made it worse by saying stuff like 'Don't be silly. You're fine! Just relax!'.....those who suffer know, hearing this is only going to make it worse...lol. They need to know how to help...even if that is sitting with you, or simply holding your hand.
It is important to be treated though. I don't think getting drugs on your own is a very smart way to go. Panic disorder can develop into agoraphobia if you are not careful and deal with it appropriately.
Go to your doctor. See what s/he says, listen and do it. If it doesn't get better go back. If it still doesn't get better ask about the different drugs and ask if they would be right for you.
Any doctor will prescribe the appropriate medication IF you have tried all other alternatives, and they are sure it is panic disorder.
Hope this is helpful.
